Coco Martin: From prince of indie to superhero

CEBU, Philippines - How true it is that because of the problems that a big named celebrity is causing the teleserye which the celebrity is doing for a network, the celebrity  is reportedly  in danger of being dropped from the series. That is if the celebrity had not been dropped as we write this item.

The celebrity is causing the production undue delay due to many reasons, both unforeseen or otherwise,  that the celebrity has gotten into the nerves of the production thus the complaints that reached some of the bosses in the station. But not the big boss yet. Well, not at the moment.

Someone in charge of the production had reportedly given the order to have the celebrity’s role written off. Yes, written off even if the celebrity has an important role in the new show.

We wonder if the celebrity is aware of this move of the show’s production staff. Or if the network’s big bosses had been informed of this move of the network’s production arm?

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No doubt, Coco Martin is the biggest thing there on Philippine television nowadays. After the phenomenal success of Walang Hanggan, which did very well ratings-wise and made Coco a household name, the former prince of indie movies has scaled a new height in his career. And he is set to conquer the hearts of the public via his new teleserye on ABS-CBN titled Juan dela Cruz which starts airing on Monday, February 4.

What is amazing about Coco is, despite his success, the guy has remained level-headed and grounded. He remains simple, unassuming, humble with nary a tinge of arrogance that could be part of trappings of fame or success. “Wala naman po akong ipinagbago. Ganoon pa rin naman po ako kung paano ninyo ako nakilala since nagsimula ako sa business na ito,” said the lead actor of Juan dela Cruz, the new action-comedy light drama series that will premiere on Monday, February 4, on ABS-CBN.

Coco said he is aware that he should not be consumed by his success. While he acknowledges the special attention given a star of his status – like being given good projects, being paired with top actresses and working with choice directors – he is likewise aware of the responsibility such attention, not to mention the adulation of his fans, entails.

“As always, I am thankful for all the blessings and I am working hard to show my appreciation for the trust that had been given me. I am just giving back the trust by working hard and giving my best, especially since Juan dela Cruz is not like my usual drama series but is more challenging because I have to do action scenes as well,” he said. “I know we can’t be perfect always during the taping because the role is really challenging. Sana may oras pa ako for training for the fight scenes but I need to divide my time for this series and for my movie as well. Sana lang talaga I have time to train for my fight scenes.”

Sometimes Coco can’t help but feel frustrated if he fails to deliver what is expected of him. But still, he continues to give his all. After all, he  knows he’s got to give everything he’s got to a project as big Juan dela Cruz, especially with the kind of support that ABS-CBN has given the show in terms of logistics and production values.

Coco doesn’t want to think of the competition from other shows on rival network but he recognizes that each network is likewise giving their best to come up with quality shows that would provide entertainment to all. The people loved Coco in his dramas like Walang Hanggan but the production team behind Juan Dela Cruz are betting all their marbles that the audience would find Coco’s take on an unusual superhero in Juan dela Cruz truly interesting and would love Coco even more.

“Nakaka-inspire kasi kung paanong ang isang ordinaryong tao ay magiging isang super hero sa paningin ng iba. Kahit sino naman sa atin ay pwedeng maging superhero basta nasa puso natin ito,” said the lead actor of Juan dela Cruz.

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It’s going to be a grand debut that is full of surprises is what ASAP 18 is giving this Sunday as the show celebrates its 18th year anniversary as the longest-running and top-rating daytime musical variety show on ABS-CBN.

The fans would surely love the grand reunion of ASAP main hosts Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma, Ariel Rivera and Richard Gomez, the ASAP boy groups namely ASAP Popables, ASAP Coverboys and The Hunks composed of Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi, Bernard Palanca and Jericho Rosales.

Also performing this Sunday on the ASAP dance floor are G Force, Universal Motion Dancers, Maneuvers and The Streetboys together with Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, KC Concepcion, Vina Morales, Regine Tolentino, Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao and Gerald Anderson.

Of course, the ASAP Champions - Sarah Geronimo, Angeline Quinto, Yeng Constantino, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Jovit Baldovino, Sheryn Regis, Marcelito Pomoy, Liezel Garcia, KZ Tandingan and Laarni Lozada - will lend their voices for another memorable number.

More surprises are in store as ASAP 18 is preparing a year-long celebration to mark this milestone.