Rejections keep Coco Martin grounded
His experience in getting rejections early in his career is helping Coco Martin stay on top of the game. career. Now that his home network, ABS-CBN is tagging him the “Teleserye King,” Coco has remained grounded and thinks of improving his craft rather than dwelling on the praises he is getting.
In an interview on "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" last March 5, Coco shared that he was hurt when his home network rejected him twice because of his 'sexy star' tag in the 2006 indie film "Masahista."
"May isang soap na nag-inquire sa amin, tapos tinawagan kami, sabi, 'Bold star pala iyan eh, hindi pwede.”
The star of the new ABS-CBN drama series “Ikaw Lamang” also feels bad that while local indie actors and films are applauded abroad, they do not get the same recognition in their own country. But he took it as a challenge to prove himself.
"Iyon yung pundasyon ko, na kung ganyan ang tingin niyo sa akin, patutunayan ko.”
Doors started opening for Coco after he did the hit fantaserye “Tayong Dalawa.” But he makes it a point to remember where he came from.
Saving for a rainy day
"Ang ganda ng pinagsimulan ko kasi nanggaling ako sa wala. Ngayong binigay sa akin, talagang kahit anong pagod ko, gumigising ako para magtrabaho. Sinasamantala ko yung pagkakataon na makaipon ng makaipon, kasi darating ang panahon na mawawala rin ito."
Coco would rather think of how he can please his audience rather than how certain projects can push his career.
"Doon ako nage-enjoy. Nakakatakot kasi ako na kapag career yung tinitingnan mo, may comparison, competition and may issue. Kapag sa project ka naka-focus, feeling ko mas nag-grow ako doon. Mas mapapaganda yung trabaho ko," he said at the press conference of "Ikaw Lamang."
He has mixed feelings about the success he is enjoying.
Pressure is on
"Nakaka-pressure kasi nagbunga na din yung paghihirap namin. Nakakataba ng puso na mabigyan ka ng isang karangalan at pangalan sa industriyang ito. Siguro iyon na yung kabayaran din sa lahat ng mga paghihirap na dinanas ko."
Coco will have two leading ladies in "Ikaw Lamang," namely Kim Chiu and Julia Montes.
And since this is the first time he will be teaming up with Kim, Coco is working on their chemistry.
"Gusto ko sa lahat ng proyekto na ginagawa ko, involved ako para kabisado ko yung kwento and character na ginagampanan ko. Minsan kahit pahinga ko na nga, uma-attend pa ako ng creative meeting para kahit papaano may maibigay akong input."
