NOT COCO ALONE – with the spectacular success of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” for the last 12 months, Coco Martin’s hold on the Primetime King title remains indisputable. It averages 40% in the ratings and continues to do so to this very day.
But Coco refuses to claim he alone should get the credit, citing the ABS-CBN’s hardworking and talented cast, crew, and staff of the nightly action-drama led by director Toto Natividad. He never fails to give special mention to the widow of FPJ, Susan Roces, who plays his lola in the show. “Kung hindi ipinagkatiwala ni Lola Susan ang project sa ABS-cbn, wala kami.”
FPJ starred in the two version of the heroic policesmen “Ang Probinsyano” on the big screen. Coco’s regret is he didn’t get a chance to meet FPJ.
But Coco believes that FPJ is happy that “Ang Probinsyano” somehow revives on television the genre the late great actor was associated with. He hopes one day soon action films will be in demand once again, giving more movie people work.
“Ang Probinsyano” introduced two bright boys, Onyok and Makmak, who Coco is very fond of.
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CESAR AND VICE – Making a guest appearance in “Ang Probinsyano” is Cesar Montano, playing a renegade police officer.
A very timely role these days./“Kuya Cesar is one of my idols,” says Coco.
Next is Vice Ganda and other comedians. Coco isn’t about to divulge details of the Vice episode, “Ibang-iba.”
Something about cybersex.
By the way, Coco and Vice are doing an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Last year, their starrer “Beauty and the Bestie,” topped the MMFF box-office derby.
Coco wants Robin Padilla and Phillip Salvador in future episodes.
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WITH SHARON – Coco hopes a movie with Sharon Cuneta will push through. The Megastar is willing, saying “Anytime.”
Coco broached the idea to Star Cinema’s Malu Santos, who asked him to think of a concept.
It’s been Coco’s dream to do a movie with Ma’am Sharon, “I will find time for that movie.” Which is easier said than done considering his tight sched.
Coco is not only the lead actor of “Ang Probinsyano,”as he’s also part of the creative team, credited as Rodel Nacienceno, his offscreen name.
In one episode, Coco played a woman named Paloma. And what a pretty woman. He credited co-star Maja Salvador for teaching him how to act and dance as Paloma.
There’s this romantic rumors with actress, Cocojam. Which he denies with a sweet and enigmatic smile. The Primetime King has no time for love?