Kristoffer Martin headed toward character actor route

Kristoffer Martin

Despite his past occasional bouts of being “pasaway,” Kristoffer Martin is happy and thankful that his home network, GMA 7, still trusts him enough to have his contract renewed.

“It’s a great feeling. I must admit, there were times when I was ‘pasaway.’ But the trust is still there. They keep giving nice roles. And on my end, I will always try to meet their expectations. I will give my best whatever project they give me,” the actor said in a recent virtual interview after his contract signing with GMA Artist Center.

“That’s how I can give back and make the most out of that trust. I’m given the chance to work and explore and I don’t want to waste the opportunity,” he added.

By “pasaway,” he meant his past tendency of letting private concerns get the best of him. Kristoffer wears his heart on his sleeve, and sometimes, he lets his emotions out on social media.

“I can be too sensitive on social media. I get affected by things in my life that I should have just kept to myself. But I’m trying to change that. I’m done [with that part of me],” said Kristoffer, who also admitted that he did feel nervous about whether or not he will get another deal with his management.

The 26-year-old artist described his 11 years in show biz as “a roller coaster ride” with “lots of ups and downs.” When Kristoffer was younger, he couldn’t help himself but compare his status with his contemporaries.

“There were times when I would ask myself if I still deserve to be in this industry. But GMA 7 never lets you feel that way. They always support and encourage you. Nabubuhayaan ako ng loob,” Kristoffer said, who has grown to realize that every actor has his or her own path to take.

“I’m not like that anymore. I have now realized that we all have our place in the industry and we all have our time. We just have to be patient,” he said.

While he has yet to achieve the kind of fame or success many aspiring actors hope for, Kristoffer is thankful for the longevity. “I think there are some who will stay longer. The projects will come. You will eventually have what’s meant for you, and it’s going to be worth it,” he said.

After starring in the drama series “Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat,” Kristoffer is set to be part of of the coming prequel of the comedy show “Pepito Manaloto,” where he will play a closeted gay bully. “I’m happy with this new project because it’s a break from all the heavy drama shows I have been doing,” he said. “I haven’t done comedy in a while so having to do it regularly is nice.”

Kristoffer seems to be heading for the character actor route. “I like that I’m being put in different shows; that I get to play different characters, because I discover the kind of projects that I really want. It helps me improve my craft, because I’m able to work with different directors and actors, which exposes me to different insights.”

So far, what he would consider his career highlights are his participation in the Marian Rivera-Dingdong Dantes series “Endless Love” and the Cinemalaya film “Oros,” where his acting was recognized by local and international award-giving bodies.

“‘Endless’ was a stepping stone. ‘Oros,’ with the late Kristofer King, makes me want to do indie films again. I loved the simple setup, the environment. Sometimes, you don’t realize you’re working,” said Kristoffer, who was named best supporting actor at the 2013 Golden Screen Awards, and given an honorable mention at the 16th Long Island International Film Expo in New York City.

“When I feel down, I look back at those to remind myself that… I’m here because I have a purpose,” he said. INQ