Sizzling ‘Cocolicious’ revelations

Coco Martin in his new TV series, “Juan de la Cruz”

Coco Martin was in his element as he faced the press at the launch of his new action/fantasy/drama series, “Juan de la Cruz,” which kicks off Feb. 4 (weeknights after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN).

He left no question unanswered. Coco wasn’t just going through the motions. His enthusiasm and sincerity were very much felt.

It was so heartwarming when he singled out some of the reporters whom he had known since his “indie” days. After all the struggles, Coco has finally arrived. And from the looks of it, he’s definitely here to stay.

Here are some sizzling “Cocolicious” revelations:

Loveless by choice

“It’s by choice that I don’t have a love life for now. Love can wait. I went through a lot when I was starting in show biz. It would be unfair for any girl if I got into a relationship with her at this time when I’m super-busy. If ever [I decide to do so], I would prefer a girl who’s not in the biz, so there’ll be less intrigues.”

How to be a hero

“I am like my character Juan de la Cruz in many ways. The series will show that we can all be heroes, each in our own little way. We don’t have to do anything on a grand scale. Even random acts of kindness can be enough to make us a hero to someone. The show will also remind us that we all have good and our dark sides. We should be able to balance them.”

Personal hero

“My hero is my Lola Matilde. She didn’t go college, but she managed to send me to school by selling stuff at cockpits. Now it’s my turn to pamper her as my way of thanking her for all she has done for me.”

Thoughts on Erich

“My ‘Juan de la Cruz’ leading lady, Erich Gonzales, is very feminine, unlike others who can seem intimidating. She’s the type of girl you’d feel protective of.”

What’s ‘in’

“Hopefully, ‘Juan de la Cruz’ turns into a huge craze so… we can do a movie version (for the Metro Manila Film Festival). We included the aswang component because it’s the ‘in’ thing. Among all my weapons in the series, I’m most comfortable using the sword.

Help people quietly

“I like helping people quietly. No fanfare. Not everything I do must be thrust in the limelight. Artista na nga ako, i-a-acting ko pa ba yung ibang bagay sa buhay ko (I’m already an actor. Need I still act out other aspects of my life)?

Try to outdo myself

“I’ve waited so long for all these good breaks. I won’t let any of it go to waste. I will never want to rest on my laurels.”

Fertile imagination

“Should a time come when I’m no longer as popular as I am now, I would still like to work behind the scenes. I will never run out of ideas. I have a very fertile imagination, which I put to good use on the show.”

Not pressured

“I try not to be too concerned about rival shows. It’s enough that I’m aware of what they are up to but not to the point of being pressured. I would rather do my own thing and create my own path instead of letting competition get in the way.”

Kapuso in Mindanao

GMA 7 recently launched GMA Northern Mindanao, strategically located at Cagayan de Oro City. It covers parts of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bohol, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Compostela Valley, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur and Maguindanao.

MindaNOW is turning into Kapuso territory!