‘Juan dela Cruz’ makes Coco Martin a better actor and citizen

COCO Martin is glad indie films are flourishing.

I have always been vocal about my admiration for Coco Martin. Growing up in show biz, I hardly get starstruck, but it was different when I met Coco for the first time during the launch of his  superhero series on ABS-CBN,  “Juan de la Cruz” (or JDC). I became a fan all of a sudden.

Coco has a way of making you feel instantly at ease.

But all good things must come to an end. As JDC  reaches the final stretch, Coco is thankful that it  has transformed him into a better actor and more responsible Filipino citizen.

“Because of the show and our advocacy projects, I do not only entertain people, I also got to help our viewers in need during our Juan Fun School Day when we gave school supplies to less-fortunate students nationwide. It’s a different kind of joy when the youth tell me that I inspire them.”

Amid the political chaos, we all need honest-to-goodness Pinoy heroes. Thank you, Coco, for reminding us through your series that there is something basically good about Filipinos. We just have to let our “inner Juan de la Cruz” shine through and nurture the seed of heroism inside us.

Here’s more of my tête-à-tête with the One este Juan (aka Coco):

What did you learn about life and your craft from “Juan de la Cruz”?

About life:  Opportunities are blessings from God that’s why I should make the most of every good break that comes my way. While doing JDC, I learned how to keep striving and how to maintain good relations with my costars and our crew.

As an actor: I have been blessed with so much. And my way of repaying the support of my fans is to give my 100 percent. In JDC, I learned that every project must have a new feel and new look to keep the viewers entertained.

About the character Juan de la Cruz: Just like JDC, I believe that we all have our dark side, but we should always make the good outweigh the bad.

What will you miss most about JDC?

I will miss everything. We have become one happy family on the set. It’s sad that our series is ending soon. But I’m happy that we were all given a chance to work on a good project and it made us grow closer. The friendships we’ve formed will remain solid.

You have been more successful on TV than in the movies. What kind of movie would equal or, even surpass, the impact of your teleserye?

According to Mother Biboy (Arboleda), my next movie is now in the planning stage. He always tells me to be content and thankful, and to measure my success with what I have and not feel bad about what I don’t have yet because everything will come in God’s time.

What can you say about the booming indie sector?

I’m extremely happy about it. When I started out, the indie sector was still so limited. Now it has really grown, which is good because it means that more actors, filmmakers and production people have work.

What did you learn in the indie scene that helped mold the actor that you are today?

Discipline and the ability to work with a team.

What’s next in line for you after JDC?

Before I start shooting my movie, I will take a week or two off. I want to make up for lost time and reconnect with my family since I’ve been so busy doing JDC.

Does love have any room in your schedule right now or are you putting it on hold?

There’s always so much love in my heart. But while I’m loaded with work, I’d rather not pursue a girl because I would not be able to give her the time and attention she deserves. I want to finish first my obligations to my family, keep saving. When the time is right, that’s when I’ll fall in love.

What will make you fall in and out of love?

I can’t exactly say what makes me fall in love. I just let nature take its course. When I feel that there’s no love anymore in a relationship, I end it before we lose respect for each other.

What would you do if you were in the shoes of the actors/politicos implicated in the pork barrel scam?

I’ll fight for the truth if I know in my heart that I didn’t do anything wrong.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Most likely I will already have my own family and will be running a business.

What are your birthday (Nov. 1) plans?

As a family tradition, we go to the cemetery, then just enjoy family bonding time at home.

What’s your state of mind right now?

I’ve never been happier. Although I’m quite tired, I can’t complain. I’ve been showered with blessings.

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PERSONAL: Kudos to my dear “Sis” Vicki Belo and her Belo Medical Group for getting a certification from the National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and Healthcare Providers International for Outpatient Clinic, the first in the country to get it. Truly world-class! (Be)LO and Behold!