Coco Martin opens up about struggles, fulfilment on being an actor-director

He may be one of the biggest and brightest stars in Philippine showbiz, but we only seldom see Coco Martin be interviewed. But recently, Hotspot had the chance to catch up with the Primetime Drama King regarding his upcoming action-drama series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo during his appearance at the media event of a brand he endorses.

From the success of the long-running teleserye FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which seven-year run ended in August 2022, the seasoned actor is about to make his comeback through the TV adaptation of the 1986 action-comedy film, “Batang Quiapo,” of the late ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr., as announced by Dreamscape Entertainment last December.

Aside from being the main actor, Coco will also be one of its directors, which he described as a tough job. He told the interviewer, “Sabi ko nga, ang isang bagay na gusto kong pagsisihan na ginawa ko sa buhay ko ay ang mag-direk, pero ‘yon ang isa sa mga pangarap ko. Kasi napakahirap mag-direk na pinagsasabay mo ikaw din ang umaarte, ikaw din ang nagbubuo ng kuwento. Ang hirap.”

He elaborated, “Kasi ang pag-arte lang bilang artista napakahirap na ng preparation, tapos ikaw ang magdi-direk? Tapos kapag ikaw ang magdi-direk, overall eh. Vision mo ‘yon e, kung saan mo iblo-blocking, anong itsura ng bahay, anong kulay ng damit, anong lights, paano ang pagde-deliver [ng lines] – lahat ‘yon iisipin mo. Kaya ako ang nagbubuo ng kuwento, ako rin ang nagbibigay ng lines.

“Sabi ko parang mali yata ang ginagawa ko sa buhay ko kasi parang pinahihirapan ko lang. Pero ‘yong fulfillment naman no’n kapag napanood mo na siya at alam mong nagustuhan ng mga tao para ka namang nasa langit. Iba naman ang pakiramdam. Sobrang sulit naman. Kaya half-hearted ako – gusto ko siya pero alam kong sobrang hirap niya.”

The 41-year-old actor further imparted that there are actually instances when he’s on the verge of crying because of how challenging the job is, but he simply reminds himself that he used to dream and pray about it. And now that it’s already given to him, he would just go with it and do his best for him to not regret anything.

As what he mentioned, he’s not only an actor but also the overall in-charge of the production as the director. While he has already proven his caliber as an actor, Coco confessed that he actually feels bashful in whenever he gives instructions to his veteran co-actors.

Thus, he really appreciates it when they listen to him despite being younger than them and being a neophyte director, as their way of showing their admiration and respect to him.

Moreover, he assumes that his formidable performance in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has helped him gain credibility and prove himself to them.

When it comes to working with his new leading lady Lovi Poe, daughter of the late FPJ, he revealed that they actually haven’t shared a scene yet when the interview was held. However, he already had the chance to talk with her in a few gatherings they both attended and watched some of the projects she did, so he knows that she’s one of the finest actresses in the country.

Apart from her acting prowess, he also praised his very Filipina beauty, which is so perfect to his vision of showing the world the authentic splendor of Pinays, as well as our rich and colorful culture and stories, picturesque and historic places, and sumptuous and unique dishes.

He also wishes that FPJ’s Batang Quiapo would receive the same reception and appreciation as his previous series Walang Hanggan and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano got not just here in the Philippines, but also abroad.

He then went on to express how proud he is of Pinoy artists and production workers because of how hardworking and great multi-taskers we are compared to those he got to work with while filming his 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Labyu With An Accent” in the United States. With proper time, budget, and opportunity, Coco is certain that we could keep up with other countries, too.