Coco Martin does not get tired of working — takes on ‘Batang Quiapo’ after concluding ‘Ang Probinsyano’
Many avid viewers of Filipino television series thought that Coco Martin has indeed paused his acting activities to have a well-deserved rest after seven long years of working with FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
To the surprise of many, the actor hasn’t stopped and has continued to deal with his craft by starring in a film with Jodi Sta. Maria for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) after finishing his Pasasalamat Tour.
Thereafter, Filipino TV network ABS-CBN has recently announced Coco’s comeback to the teleserye scene with another classic from the action icon FPJ called FPJ’s Batang Quiapo Teleserye which they have already started to film.
In a vlog uploaded by the former Mayor of the City of Manila Isko Moreno, he had a chat with the Kapamilya actor wherein the latter shared how he learned to strive and work hard due to how poor he was as a kid,
For Coco, he aimed to finish his showbiz career knowing that he did not pass on any opportunity. He shared,
“Alam naman natin na lahat ito matatapos. Para sa akin kasi, gusto ko ‘pag wala na, tapos na lahat, masasabi ko sa sarili ko, balang araw pagtanda, ‘Nung panahon ko, wala akong inaksayang panahon at oras’.”
He also mentioned that he learned to fend for himself ever since he was a kid after his parents separated and lived with his grandmother in Novaliches.
“Kung hindi ko pinagdaanan lahat ng ‘yun, kung nagkaroon ako ng perfect family. Hindi ako ganito mag-isip at hindi ako ganito dumiskarte,” aniya. “Bata pa lang ako, medyo mulat na ako sa kalakaran sa kalye.”
Coco also recalled how he tried numerous jobs just to earn which included how he helped his grandmother in her business. Growing up with her precious grandma, the actor grew up religious, going to church in Quiapo just to pray.
In the past, Coco intended to work abroad, however, an opportunity to work in an indie film called Masahista came which became a way for him to be known in the indie circle.
As he entered the world of making movies, the actor was able to go to different countries to attend Film Festivals. Due to this, he seized this opportunity to find work in Canada. He confessed, “Ang target ko no’n, makahanap ako ng tao na magpapatira sa akin para makatalon ako [sa Canada].”
He was able to get to Canada with the use of a tourist visa, however, it seemed like the country was not for him because he was not able to secure a working visa.
As he went back to the Philippines, Coco was able to grab opportunities as he scored different television series from his current network and the rest is history.
Coco Martin will be joined by Lovi Poe and Charo Santos-Concio for his news series, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo