Coco Martin recalls rocky road to success

It was not an easy road to success for actor Coco Martin, who trod a rocky path to get to where he is today.

Martin, who was raised in Novaliches, was determined to strive hard and be successful in life. Still he never imagined that acting in front of the camera -- thinking he looks so ordinary -- would eventually be his ticket to help his family financially .

Unlike many actors, Martin is not one to give up his studies, while still building a name in the entertainment industry.

While he managed to be part of Star Magic Batch 9 then, Martin aborted that stint and followed his grandmother's advice to finish his education first.

In an exclusive interview with StarStudio Magazine in its July issue, Martin recalled how his grandmother also advised him not to pursue a showbiz career.

“Huwag ka na mag-artista. Mahirap na buhay yan., kumplikado na iyan. Kapag nag-start ka na diyan, kikita na ka ng pera, tatamarin ka na mag-aral.  Tapusin mo muna ang pag-aaral mo, saka mo gawin kung anong gusto mo mangyari sa buhay mo,” Martin said, quoting his grandmother.

While at school, Martin had to take on part-time jobs -- including acting in commercials or doing theater -- until he finished  college in 2002.

First indie film

After graduating, Martin and his then manager Ihman Esturco met with Ferdinand Lapuz, a promoter of Filipino films in  international festivals.

Lapuz was the one who had the concept of "Masahista," which would become Martin's first independent film where he played the lead role. "Masahista" was also Martin's first movie with director Brillante Mendoza, who later on became his mentor.

"Wala akong idea about the concept. Ang sabi lang nila 'yung parang manghihilot kasi nga masahista. That time, hindi ko naiintindihan iyon. Sunod lang ako ng sunod... Oo lang ako ng oo. Akala nila naiintindihan ko, wala naman akong naiintindihan. Noong sinbukuan kong gawin ang pelikula, hindi ko alam na ganun pala siya kalalim. Ganun pala ka-mature ang gagawin kong role," Martin told the magazine.

Martin's first indie film brought him to different parts of the world as "Masahista" was shown in many countries.

However, Martin admitted to StarStudio that he had a hidden agenda at the time: while attending the various international film fests, he wanted to look for an overseas job  and not return to the Philippines anymore.

Martin got what he wanted and was able to find a job in Canada as a janitor. Detailing his experiences in Canada to StarStudio, Martin described it as sad because he really missed his family at home.

"Ang lungkot-lungkot. Siyempre nilalabanan ko sarili ko eh. Ito na 'yung matagal kong pangarap eh. Ito talaga 'yung gustong-gusto ko. Ang nangyari, first month ganadong-ganado ako, mahal na mahal ko 'yung ginagawa ko. Third month, dahan-dahan akong nakakaramdam ng lungkot. Pang-limang buwan ko, hinahampas ko na 'yung mop ko, ito na pala ang sinasabi nilang homesick," he said.

Martin eventually returned to the Philippines before his extended visa expired.

Mainstream dream

Things still weren't easy for Martin upon his return. He starred in a number of independent films anew with his new manager Noel Ferrer, while holding on to his dream of making it to mainstream TV.

Eventually he met his current manager Biboy Arboleda and Martin was offered the opportunity to become part of "Tayong Dalawa," playing the brother of actor Gerald Anderson. The show was only supposed to run for only three months but was extended to nine months.

Drawing inspiration from his own experiences in life, Martin used his family for his motivation.

"Nung ginampanan ko yung role ko sa 'Tayong Dalawa,' parang ginampanan ko 'yung buhay ng tatay ko," he said.

After receiving recognition for "Tayong Dalawa," Martin continued to invade the primetime block with "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo," "Idol," "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin," and now "Walang Hanggan."

Last year, Martin was recognized as the Aktor ng Dekada by Gawad Urian. This, as Martin said, made him realize that acting is really where he's good at.

"Nung elementary ako, pangarap ko lang magkaisang medalya man lang. Tapos ayon nagkasunud-sunod ang pagkapanalo. Ibig sabihin meron pala akong specialty sa sarili ko, parang ito pala ang ipagmamalaki ko, dito pala ako marunong," he said.

Still the same person

Despite his success, Martin said he is still the same boy who grew up in Novaliches with his grandmother, whom he considers the most important person in his life.

"Kung ano man ako ngayon, para sa akin, trophy niya ako. Hindi man siya nag-succeed sa parents ko, hindi man siya nag-succeed sa tito, tita ko, pero ako 'yung sana sa lahat ng paghihirap niya, ako 'yung resulta... Sabi ko nga dati, sabi ko mawala na ang lahat, huwag lang ang lola ko kasi nga feeling ko mapipilayan ako," he said.

Martin said he always sees to it that whatever blessings he receives should not change his family's way of life.

"Yung father ko nagda-drive pa rin ng jeep namin kasi ayaw ko silang turuan na porke't artista ako, magyayabang na sila... Sabi ko unang-una, wala namang ikakahiya roon kasi doon kami nagsimula. Sabi ko, gusto ko ano man ang mayroon tayo, bonus lang 'to. Mawala man ito, hindi na ako artista, hindi na tayo mahihirapan," he said.

"Kaya ko laging pinagbubutihan yung trabaho ko, lagi kong inaayos 'yung pakikisalamuha ko sa mga tao, kasi alam kong kapag nawala na ang lahat ng ito, hindi ko na maibabalik kung ano man ang mayroon ako ngayon, mga blessing na dumarating sa akin. Kumbaga lagi kong iniisip na ibibigay ko na yung best," he added.