Julia Montes talks about real score with Coco

MANILA – Julia Montes emphasized that she and Coco Martin are just friends even if Vice Ganda and Kris Aquino have been teasing her to the actor on their shows recently.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Wednesday, Montes admitted that she and Martin are really close because they have known each other even before they started working together.

“Niloloko talaga nila ako on and off cam. Ako kasi honestly kapag hindi ako nakikita sa screen, mahiyain talaga ako. Bibihira ako makipag-usap kung hindi ako kakausapin kasi ganun ako kamahiyain. Siguro nakikita nila na kay Coco, close ako. Kasi ever since, hindi pa ako nagma-‘Mara Clara,’ close na kami. Magkakilala kami way way back. Hindi pa sa mga shows dito sa ABS, kakilala ko na siya. Friends talaga kami,” she explained.

Martin and Montes have worked together in several projects including the teleseryes "Walang Hanggan" and “Ikaw Lamang,” as well as the movie “A Moment in Time.”

In his past interviews, Martin had been vocal about his plans to court Montes once she turns 18. The actress celebrated her debut in March 2013.

Although almost two years have passed since then, Montes said work remains her top priority and that she is not yet ready to enter into a romantic relationship.

“Kapag nag-focus kasi ako sa isang bagay, focused talaga ako. Siguro work muna talaga 'yung focus ko. Hindi natin masasabi. Ayaw ko magsalita ng tapos pero work muna,” she said.

Asked if she is willing to go on a date with Martin on Valentine’s Day in case he invites her, Montes said: “Kapag nagyaya na lang saka na pag-isipan. Bilang wala pa naman po, wala muna.”

More projects with Gerald

Meanwhile, Montes shared that she is hoping to work with Gerald Anderson again in future projects after she has gotten to know him in their movie “Halik sa Hangin.”

“At first, 'yun din ang iniisip namin. Ano kaya ang magiging reaction nila sa bagong team-up? Lahat naman po ng artista, kapag may bago na ka-love team or ka-partner, 'yun naman ang unang pumapasok sa isip namin. Now, unexpected na nagustuhan nila. Hopefully masundan kung meron,” she said.

Montes admitted she will miss her “Halik sa Hangin” co-stars, especially Anderson and JC de Vera.

“Silang dalawa nakilala ko sa movie na ‘to. Nung nagsisimula kami nagkakahiyaan kami and nung patapos na, doon lang kami nagkakilanlan, nagkakabiruan na. Sabi nga namin, sa huli pa kami naging close lahat,” she said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

First trailer for 'Feng Shui' sequel released

MANILA - The first official trailer for the sequel to the hit horror film, "Feng Shui," has been released online.

"Feng Shui 2," which is directed by Chito S. Rono ("Feng Shui," "Sukob") will see television host Kris Aquino reprise her role in the original movie, where she played a wife who must save her family from a curse brought about by a "bagua."

Also joining Aquino in the movie are co-star Coco Martin, Cherry Pie Picache, Carmi Martin, Ian Veneracion and Joonee Gamboa.

The film will compete against seven other movies in the main section of the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will kick off on Christmas Day.

The other entries are: "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin," "Shake, Rattle & Roll 14," "Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo," "My Big Bossing," "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2," "Magnum Muslim .357," and "English Only, Please."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

The story behind Coco Martin's screen name

MANILA - When he was assigned his screen name, then-showbiz newcomer Rodel Nacianceno felt he wasn't being taken seriously.

Coco Martin, as he is known now, recalled in an interview on "Gandang Gabi Vice" aired Sunday how he got the name, which has so far been credited in some 20 TV shows and 30 films since 2005.

The 32 year-old actor, who is dubbed local showbiz's "King of Primetime," said his screen name was suggested by talent manager Ed Instrella, who handles the careers of film veterans Jaclyn Jose and Cherry Pie Picache, among others.

"Nung nagsisimula kasi ako, siyempre, marami sa'yong tumutulong," Martin said. "Sabi niya sa akin, 'Alam mo, may bagay na pangalan sa'yo -- Coco Martin.' Sabi ko, 'Coco Martin? Parang hindi seryoso. Parang pinag-trip-an lang.' Honestly, iyon ang nasa isip ko no'n!"

Despite some hesitation, Martin agreed to take on the name. "Siyempre, nagsisimula ka, binigyan ka ng screen name tapos talagang respetado 'yung tao. 'Sige, puwede na 'yan,'" he said.

Nacianceno, as Coco Martin, eventually earned the title "Prince of Philippine Independent Films" after a string of award-winning portrayals in adult-themed indie films, including Brillante Mendoza's "Masahista" in 2005 -- his first lead role.


Martin recalled his amusement with Instrella's reason for picking "Coco Martin." The talent manager, Martin recalled, simply put together names of international singers who were popular at the time.

"Sabi ko, 'Bakit Coco Martin?' Sabi daw, that time kasikatan ni Ricky Martin atsaka ni Coco Lee. Sabi ko, 'Parang pinag-trip-an lang ako!'" he said.

Around 15 years since he joined the film industry, Martin's involvement in a number of his projects now goes beyond acting. In the hit primetime series "Juan dela Cruz," for instance, he was credited as creative consultant Rodel Nacianceno, on top of portraying the title role.

Martin will top-bill his second "mainstream" film, "Maybe This Time," oppsite pop star Sarah Geronimo. The romance movie, a co-production between Viva Films and Star Cinema, will hit theaters nationwide on May 28.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Coco Martin on past gay roles: 'Sobrang proud ako'

MANILA - Coco Martin said he is proud of the numerous gay roles he took up in his past projects, amid intrigues related to scenes in his past films being tagged as a "sex video" of the actor online.




"Unang-unang pelikula [ko] 'yun," the 32-year-old actor told ABS-CBN News. "Kung ano naman ginawa ko sa pelikulang 'yun, sobrang proud ako doon kasi sobrang layo ng narating ng pelikula."

Martin's breakthrough role was his portrayal of a masseur in the 2005 independent film, "Masahista," for which he won the Young Critics Circles Best Actor Award. He also nabbed the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Award for his role in another gay-oriented film, "Daybreak."

The supposed sex video with his "Daybreak" co-star, Paolo Rivero, has been circulating online, with many people being mislead by the scandalous tag.

"Mga bagay na 'yan, hindi na lang namin papansinin kasi siguro sobrang pagod namin sa trabaho," Martin said. "'Yung mga negatibo ayaw na namin papasukin sa buhay namin."

On the subject of his "love life," Martin was also quick to clarify rumors linking him to his past leading ladies.

Martin has been romantically linked with Julia Montes, with whom he co-starred in "Walang Hanggan," and Gretchen Barretto, who made a guest appearance in the recently concluded "Juan dela Cruz."

He denied any romance with both actresses.

Asked to describe his ideal woman, Martin said, "Hindi ako mahilig sa maganda e. Kahit simple lang. 'Yung tisay, medyo may laman, maganda ang katawan, maabilidad sa buhay. Siyempre gusto mo, mapagmahal sa pamilya kasi hinahanap ko rin yung sarili ko sa kanya."

As to his upcoming projects, Martin earlier revealed that a full-length feature of "Juan dela Cruz" is in the works. But the actor said that if given the chance, he would love to go back to independent films.

"After soap, gusto ko bumalik muna ako sa indie para makawala man lang," Martin said. "Pero artista ako, kung ano naman proyektong ibibigay sa akin, gagawin ko."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Choco Martin 'proposes' to Julia Montes

An impersonator of Coco Martin had audience cheering on "It's Showtime" Saturday as he proposed to guest star Julia Montes as part of the program's impromptu acting segment.

Santi Felix, or "Choco Martin", first appeared on the noontime variety program as a winning contestant in its celebrity look-alike segment "KalokaLike". Early this week, Felix was able to meet the actual Kapamilya actor during the premiere night of "A Moment In Time".

The Star Cinema movie marks the first big screen team-up of Martin and Montes. Directed by Emmanuel Quindo Palo, "A Moment In Time" is now out in theaters nationwide. -- It's Showtime, February 16, 2013, Saturday

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Coco shares Valentine dream date

MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Coco Martin would like to spend Valentine's Day in Boracay, if given the chance.

Martin, who is considered one of the hottest bachelors in show business, admitted that he has never been to the popular resort island.

"Sabi ko nga kung mabibigyan lang ako ng chance. Dati kasi noong nag-aaral pa lang ako, noong high school, noong college, siyempre excited ka every time na Valentine's Day. Magmo-mall kayo at magsi-sine. Eh ngayon medyo busy ako sa work kaya gustuhin ko man, wala ding time," Martin said on "Sarah G Live" last Sunday.

"Pero kung bibigyan ako ng pagkakataon kung saan ko gustong pumunta, gusto ko sa Boracay, kasi hindi pa talaga ako nakakapunta doon. At siyempre doon kayo magkakaroon ng time na makapag-bonding ng mahabang oras, makapag-relax at makipag-kwentuhan," he added.

In a previous interview, Martin, who's being linked to co-star Julia Montes, said he is ready to fall in love. "Ready anytime kung may makabangga at magkaroon ng pagkakataon, bakit hindi?" he said.

Martin is now busy with his newest series "Juan dela Cruz" and his film "A Moment In Time" with Montes, which is set to hit theaters on February 13.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Coco says Erich makes him 'kilig'

MANILA, Philippines - Actor Coco Martin has only good words for actress Erich Gonzales, his leading lady in the upcoming ABS-CBN series "Juan dela Cruz."

In an interview on Tuesday, Martin admitted that he feels something special every time he do a scene with Gonzales.

"Actually si Erich excited ako na makatrabaho siya kasi isa siya sa mga magagandang artista at magagaling na artista ng ABS-CBN. Kahit hindi pa kami ganoon ka-close kapag magka-eksena kami ay nagkakaroon ng chemistry," he said

"Yung character niya dito medyo masungit, sinusupladahan niya si Juan. Si Erich, kahit alam mong suplada siya sa character niya, eh ang ganda-ganda niya kasi babaeng babae siya. Di ba may babaeng nasasapawan 'yung pagkalalaki mo kasi masyadong malakas ang dating? Basta kapag tinitigan ka niya, wala pa siyang ginagawa, pero doon mo mararamdaman na bilang lalaki eh kinikilig ka," Martin added.

Gonzales is now in a relationship with a non-showbiz guy, while Martin is being linked with former leading lady, young actress Julia Montes.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Coco slays 'aswang' in first 'Juan dela Cruz' trailer

MANILA, Philippines -- Coco Martin takes on the role of a superhero in the first official trailer released for the upcoming ABS-CBN fantasy series "Juan dela Cruz."



 A week after the new Kapamilya series was unveiled, its first trailer was released Thursday via ABS-CBN's official YouTube page, offering a glimpse of the title character's (Martin) "superhero" abilities.

"Juan dela Cruz" is among the several new shows lined up for ABS-CBN's TV programming in the first quarter of 2013. It was formally launched at the ABS-CBN Thanksgiving Trade Party on December 5.

In the Kapamilya series, Martin, 31, portrays the latest in the lineage of the "Tagapagbantay." Equipped with a holy cross that can shift into different weapons -- a whip, a spear an arrow, and a sword -- Juan dela Cruz will battle the forces of evil.

The twist: He also bears "aswang" blood.

According to the extended trailer for "Juan" shown last week to advertisers, the new ABS-CBN soap is from the makers of the top-rating series "Walang Hanggan" and "May Bukas Pa."

Like the inspirational 2009 drama series, "Juan" also aims to impart values anchored on faith in God.

In the same extended trailer for "Juan," the character of Mylene Dizon, Amelia, lays out the means to combat the "aswang" blood of Martin's character. "Kailangan palakihin natin siya sa kabutihan, na may pagmamahal sa kapwa, at pananampalataya sa Diyos," she says.

Set for a release in the first quarter of 2013, "Juan dela Cruz" features an all-star cast including Erich Gonzales, Albert Martinez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Joel Torre, Gina Pareno, Louise Abuel, Lotlot de Leon, Neil Coleta, Arron Villaflor, Jaime Fabregas and Izzy Canillo.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Daniel, Katerina shot; will they survive?

 

Near-death scene stuns 'Walang Hanggan' viewers

MANILA -- The "eternal" love story of Daniel and Katerina in "Walang Hanggan" almost came to an end Thursday night after the characters were gunned down in a scene that drew stunned reactions from viewers of the top-rating series.




In a struggle to free his wife Katerina (Julia Montes) from the clutches of Miguel, Daniel (Coco Martin) is shot by the villain portrayed by Noni Buencamino. Attempting to save her husband from being shot twice, Katerina herself is gunned down, before Miguel fires one last time to ensure the lovers' demise.

The married couple are rushed to the hospital, where they appear dead after their vital signs flat line. Only moments later, however, Daniel and Katerina are seen opening their eyes, suggesting they have managed to survive the ordeal.

As the dramatic scenes unfolded during the penultimate episode of "Walang Hanggan," viewers of the show took to micro-blogging site Twitter to air their "hysteric" reactions.

Moments before Katerina and Daniel were shown to have survived the tragedy, netizens, led to believe the two have indeed been "parted by death," expressed mixed emotions on Twitter.






"Pagkatapos nilang ipaglaban ng mahabang panahon ang pagiibigan nila, mamamatay ba talaga sila? is it worth it? #WalangHanggan," tweeted @gavtorres.

Twitter user @angelicapotter aired a similar sentiment: "Jusme, sa dinami dami ng pag-aagawan, mamamatay din pala. Nagpagod lang sila. -.- #WalangHanggan"

Expressing his disappointment, @IanSantos012 said: "mygad! is this for real? anong nangyari kina katerina‘t daniel? ano ba yan! #walanghanggan"

Netizen @MavytheExplorer, meanwhile, found herself moved to tears by the turn of events, saying, "Grabe tong Mata ko, lumuluha na lang basta basta!!!
#WalangHanggan ikaw na ang nagpaiyak sakin ng ganto, grabe ka ha!"

Similarly, @tarixie tweeted: "BWISET. HOLDING BACK TEARS LIKE. UGH. ANO BA YAN. DI TO KAYA NG PUSO KO. #WalangHanggan"

Hailing the "death scene" as a "perfect" end to Daniel and Katerina's love story, @YkaBananaa shared: "They get to have a perfect love story. They died fighting for each other. Sila na! :( #WalangHanggan∞"




 Mixed reactions also met the couple's revival, with some rejoicing, and others expressing disappointment.

Twitter user @itsbebedako was stunned as the scenes unfolded, sharing: "Grabe, breathtaking man intong #WalangHanggan uy, the best talaga!"

Overjoyed by the twist, @itsmeLielyn tweeted: "Eh yung napasigaw kaming lahat!!! Dahil buhay pala sila! Wuhoooooo! #WalangHanggan"

"Okay. Nadadala nanaman ako sa pinapanuod ko. Sasabihin nanaman ni daddy sobrang affected ako. #WalangHanggan," @ICylagan tweeted.

Netizen @GHERseyshore shared, "Ayun naman e. Tinadhana talaga sila para sa isa't isa. Sabay pang nabuhay ulit. #WalangHanggan"

Expressing his disappointment over the supposed predictability of the scenes, @themarkmolina said: "#WalangHanggan : Sows! Binuhay pa, ang ganda na nga ng pagkamatay nila :| Pinoy teleserye nga naman."

Based on the preview scenes for the final episode of the series, however, the couple may not yet be completely out of danger, as suggested by glimpses of a struggling Katerina and an emotional Daniel.

The finale of "Walang Hanggan" will air on Friday after "Princess and I."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Marian-Coco film to be released in early 2013

MANILA, Philippines -- The film production company behind the cross-network team-up of Coco Martin and Marian Rivera has revealed the film's title and its release window.

Now officially titled "Maybe This Time," the big screen "love team" of the prized primetime stars of ABS-CBN and GMA-7 is set for a release in the first quarter of 2013, according to Regal Films in a post on its official account on micro-blogging site Twitter on Wednesday.

First announced in March this year, "Maybe This Time, which will be directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, has generated buzz among fans of Martin and Rivera, as the two have faced off a number of times as the lead stars of their respective primetimes series.

Martin currently topbills ABS-CBN's top-rating soap "Walang Hanggan," which is down to its last couple of weeks on primetime. Rivera, meanwhile, is set to headline another soap later this year.

Joining the two in "Maybe This Time" is veteran actress Snooky Serna, who earlier expressed confidence that the competing network talents will have a smooth working relationship.

"I'm just very thankful talaga na this time of my life na makakasama ko si Coco Martin and, of course, si Marian Rivera, na hindi namin pwedeng basta-bastahin ang talento at maganda pa. And I'm sure magaling din makisama," Serna said at the time.

"Maybe This Time" is not the only Regal Films project that seeks to unite talents from the top three TV networks in the country.

The local film production company is also behind Adolfo Alix's "Ride to Love," which features an ensemble cast of Kapamilya, Kapuso and Kapatid stars; and the romance-drama film "The Bride and the Lover," which brings together Paulo Avelino, Jennylyn Mercado, Lovi Poe and Hayden Kho.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Coco's indie comeback gets commercial release

MANILA, Philippines – Star Cinema has picked up the Cinemalaya entry “Sta. Niña,” which marked actor Coco Martin’s indie film comeback, for commercial release. The Emmanuel Palo-directed movie is now being shown in selected cinemas nationwide.


Graded “A:” by the Cinema Evalution Board (CEB), “Sta. Niña” tells the story of Paulino (Martin), who unexpectedly digs up the remains of his two-year-old daughter who had died 10 years ago and found out that she showed no signs of decay. The discovery was perceived by many as a miracle.

This is the second Cinemalaya movie this year that was picked up by Star Cinema for commercial distribution. Earlier, the film production arm of ABS-CBN also released the Eddie Garcia-starrer “Bwakaw,” which is the country’s official entry to next year’s Oscar Awards for best foreign film.

Since its release during the 8th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival last July, “Sta. Niña” had earned nods from moviegoers and critics. Veteran actors and ordinary viewers praised for the great storyline of the film and the portrayal of Martin and the whole cast.

(Read our review of the movie here.)



“Sta. Niña” was a hot topic even in several popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Aso featured in “Sta. Niña” are Angel Aquino, Irma Adlawan, Leo Martinez, Nanding Josef, Anita Linda and Alessandra de Rossi.

Martin plays the lead character Daniel in the top-rating Primetime Bida drama series in ABS-CBN, “Walang Hanggan,” which airs weeknights after “Princess and I.”

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Coco feels 'blessed' seeing the Pope

MANILA, Philippines – Actor Coco Martin was fortunate enough to see His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in Italy where the former shot scenes for his latest soap, “Walang Hanggan.”

“Nagpunta [kami] sa Vatican para mag-mass at magpasalamat. Siyempre feeling ko, first time ko’ng nakapunta do’n, tapos nagkataon pa na nando’n ‘yung Pope. Sobrang blessed para po sa ‘kin,” Coco shared in a taped interview with “TV Patrol” aired on Feb. 28.

The report mentioned that filming locations included Milan and Rome.

Coco likewise feels blessed and happy to be able to work with veteran actresses such as Susan Roces and Dawn Zulueta in the show.

“Parang ang nagiging leading lady ko lagi, mga lola ko eh. Everytime na may soap kasi ako, may bago akong lola’ng nakakapartner. Nagkakaroon kami ng bonding,” he said.

Prior, the actor said, “Masaya [ako] kasi nabubuo ‘yung mga pinaghihirapan namin. Masaya ‘ko dahil nakasama ko ‘yung mga malalaking artista.”

Coco is touted as one of the actors who has successfully crossed over from independent cinema to mainstream entertainment. Asked for the secret of his success, he shared, “Siyempre minsan nakakatulong din ang siyentipikong pamamaraan, pero higit sa lahat merong matinding paninindigan sa sarili.

"Siyempre unang-una na ‘yung meron ka’ng pananalig sa Diyos. Kailangan siyempre ‘yung pagiging hard-working mo.”

article source: mb.com.ph