For someone who only dreamt of “going abroad” for a better life, Coco Martin, otherwise known as Rodel Nacianceno, expressed how grateful he was for the independent film industry for helping him get to where he is right now. In his acceptance speech in the recently held 34th Gawad Urian Awards, Coco, who was awarded “Artista ng Dekada (Artist of the Decade)” also took the opportunity to thank his supporters and his grandmother for “all the hard work and love” that the latter had given him.
Given to actors who have shown commendable acting skills not only in the country but across the globe as well, the Artist of the Decade Award was also given to veteran actors Cherrie Pie Picache and Gina Pareño. Overwhelmed with the amount of success he has already achieved, Coco expressed how happy he was to receive an award alongside two of the most highly-regarded actors of Philippine cinema.
“I cannot believe the amount of blessings and the awards that were given to me by different award-giving bodies, especially this one from Urian. I feel like I am too young to be given such an award. That is why I said that all my hard work has paid off... To be (awarded) alongside Ms. Gina Pareno at si Ms. Cherry Pie Picache is something that I will treasure and will be proud to tell my child,” he said.
Known for his exceptional talent in portraying one challenging role after the other, Coco earned the title of being the country’s Prince of Indie Film, for his internationally acclaimed performances in independent films like Masahista, Tirador, Serbis, and Kinatay, among 15 others. His effectiveness as an actor paved way for his first mainstream movie under Star Cinema, Sa’yo Lamang. Television projects of ABS-CBN like Tayong Dalawa, won him a Best Drama Actor award; and his performance in Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo, gained him another. The currently airing Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, is also earning raves from viewers, making Coco a familiar name in every Filipino home.
Although he is gradually climbing up the steps of being an A-list Pinoy celebrity, Coco shared that he will never turn his back on where he came from, which is making indie movies. The actor further mused that it is in making indie films that he began to “deeply” understand the art of acting and really connect with any character he has—and will portray.
With the 19 indie films Coco has made, he was able to portray different characters from being a masseur, to being a gay nursing student, a call boy, an antagonist, and a person with a bipolar disorder, among many others. As a young actor in his prime, Coco understands that the concept of versatility goes beyond being able to sing or dance. He said versatility has a lot to do with being able to portray every role that is given to an actor.
“That is why if I believe in a project, whatever (role) that is, I will give my 100 percent. Everything,” he added.
With his charming face and the amount of success he is getting, many might think that Coco has been involved in many relationships in the entertainment industry. But the admittedly shy and reserved actor, however, said in an interview with the Manila Bulletin that if the right girl comes along, he prefers her to be from outside the show business. Recalling how his past relationship with actress Katherine Luna, whom he has a daughter with, did not go so well.
“I never saw myself as a celebrity and I never did like people talking about my private life. I don’t like the idea that when I have a fight with my showbiz girlfriend people would know about it. I want a smooth and simple relationship with someone outside the business!” Coco refuses to be blinded by the bright flashes of fame beaming his way. Thus, saying in the PEP interview that he could care less about the money and would rather stay focused on accepting roles that will challenge and make him as a better actor.
Currently seen in television via Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, reports also say that Coco might hit the big screen soon, this time with veteran actress Judy Ann Santos.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE May 20-26, 2011 RedCarpet pg.2)
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