I know how demanding show biz is. I fear that things would just end up bad if I'd date a colleague.
— Coco Martin
It's hard to mix work and love.
When I was in Canada, the opportunities were huge. For every place I went to, I dreamt of bringing my family, too. When I ate at restaurants, I wished I could let my family experience the food I ate, too.
I have not met a Filipino actor who didn't dream of working on an 'FPJ' remake.
When I started doing projects for TV, I made sure to participate in the brainstorming sessions.
I had done a lot of indie movies before I realized that acting could be a way for me to get my family out of poverty. It was at that point that I decided to take acting seriously.
I was never really into partying.
It was my grandmother who raised me and guided me.
I'm proud of what I did in 'Daybreak.'
I experienced rejection numerous times.
I want to remind people that we create films for the MMFF as gifts to them, not to see whose entry is better or which film earned more at the tills.
As an artist, we have a big influence, and we should always think if we are doing more harm than good to our viewers. We should serve as a model to them.
It's a long process transitioning from indie to mainstream, and it's not that easy because it's a different environment when you are in the indie industry.
I take a bath three times a day.
I've been to several international film festivals, including those in Locarno, Switzerland; Dubai; Russia; Berlin; Cannes; Bangkok; and Hong Kong.
I cherish everything I have because I worked hard for each one.
I want to balance my projects. Ideally, I'd like to do at least one indie film, a mainstream movie, and a TV series in a year - the best of both worlds.
I think it's unfair to commit to a girl and not be able to give her the time she deserves.
I'm a very sensitive person.
There came a time I gave up when I was overseas. No matter how many times I tried working on my visa, I wasn't able to. When I went back to the Philippines, I still wanted to return to Canada despite the difficulties I encountered.
If you really get into a particular character, you also want to do your own stunts.
I learned a lot from Direk Brillante Mendoza and Bing Lao.
I handed out flyers in malls, candies in gasoline stations; helped set up tarpaulins in bars. I played bit roles in several indie movies. Looking back, I can say it has definitely been a long journey.
When I was working abroad, there was a time when I almost gave up because of my problem with my working visa in Canada. I remember that I collected bottles of mineral water and sold them to earn extra money.
I came from a broken family.
I've learned that, as an actor, I have a responsibility to my audience.
My job is to act, whether in indie or mainstream films.
My family is my priority.
When I entered TV, I realised that it's not just all about art, but it has a business dimension as well. You need to take care of yourself. I also learned who my viewers are.
I know the hardships that my compatriots working abroad are facing.
I'm happy with my body.
I see the staff and crew on the set as my equals. When I make a mistake, they know they can call my attention or even tell me what to do.
People may soon lose interest in me. I want to make sure I've done everything I can for my family when that time comes.
I wouldn't be where I am right now, and have the right work ethic and discipline, if it weren't for all the indie films I did. We weren't pampered and were pretty much on our own.
I keep a really tight schedule.
I avoid using Twitter and Facebook.
If the Americans have Superman, we have Panday.
I always say, my leading lady is my lola.
I want to prove that actors are good, not just at working in front of the camera.
I'm happy to hang out with friends, but I'm not the type who entertains guests, not even at home.
It is so difficult if nobody in the family will guide you.
Acting-wise, I think I did well in 'Kinatay.' It wasn't talkie, and the acting was intense.
I didn't get good breaks on TV.
I do indie films for the sense of fulfillment and to achieve my goals as an artist.
I lead a boring life because I do nothing but work.
When I was still doing indie, it was just purely art. I don't think about how much I will get paid or how much the movie will earn.
We want to uplift the culture of Filipino - our respect to our elders, how we pray before we eat and sleep. These are things the younger generations tend to forget because of our exposure to other cultures.
Actually, I didn't plan to be an actor.
I consider myself an ordinary person.
I want to give back and show my gratitude to the indies. At the same time, cherish the mainstream projects I've been getting.
