Coco Martin’s decade

Coco Martin, actor of the decade. JOSEPH AGCAOILI

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – It was a homecoming of sorts for Coco Martin.

The actor, who grew up in Novaliches, traces his roots in Pampanga. “My parents are from Dolores,” he said.

His breakthrough film, Brillante Mendoza’s “Masahista,” was partly shot in Pampanga, too.

It was hardly surprising that Martin took a break from the hectic tapings of his ABS-CBN soap, “Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin,” to attend the Pampanga leg of Sineng Pambansa – where his films, Dondon Santos’ “Noy” and Mendoza’s “Tirador,” were part of the lineup.

Although he has attained every indie actor’s dream – mainstream stardom – he doesn’t categorize himself as either alternative or commercial.

“My job is to act, whether in indie or mainstream films,” he said. “Dapat walang [There should be no] divide between indie and mainstream. We are all part of the same industry.”

He admitted that he had to go through the wringer before gaining widespread acceptance in the biz: “I experienced rejection numerous times. I didn’t get good breaks on TV. At that time, most moviegoers still looked down on independent films as cheap or gay-themed.”

But he was able to overcome those challenges “with the help and guidance of Direk Brillante, [mentors] Bing Lao and Ed Instrella, and other people I look up to.”

Mendoza recalled that Martin was a keen student on the set. “He would join my brainstorming sessions with writers. He would study the cinematographer’s job while shooting.”

The ‘indie way’

When Martin co-produced and co-directed “Noy,” he said he shot the documentary scenes because he knew how to do it “the indie way.”

Indie actors, he said, are truly committed to their craft: “Money is not that big, but I came to know the real meaning of dedication and professionalism. I learned never to be late and to get along with coworkers. I do indie films for the sense of fulfillment and to achieve my goals as an artist.”

Martin’s attainment of mainstream success was capped recently by his inclusion in the list of the “Decade’s Best Performers” by the critics’ group’s Urian, along with Gina Pareño and Cherry Pie Picache.

“I asked myself why I was included in the list when I consider myself a newcomer. I was told that it was not about how long you’ve been in the industry, but because of the movies you’ve made that have been recognized here and abroad,” said Martin.

At the awards show, his voice cracked when he dedicated his Urian Decade’s Best trophy to his grandmother Matilde: “My lola and I never talk about my work at home. I was too shy to thank her in my past acceptance speeches. But this time I decided to mention her because I might not get the same chance again.”