coco martin back in indie film

Coco Martin Back To Indie

Multi-awarded Coco Martin considers the Cinemalaya 2012 entry ''Sta. Ninia'' as his ''homecoming'' to the indie genre, coming on the heels of his last indie movie, ''Noy, Sa Yo Lamang.''

''I'm coming back to where I started. This movie is my 'homecoming,' a craft that I would love to do regularly apart from my works on TV,'' Coco, who plays Daniel in the toprating ABS-CBN teleserye ''Walang Hanggan,'' said at a recent interview at the White House/Patio Carlito.

It is recalled that Coco started his acting career via the indie movie ''Masahista'' which went on to win awards and recognition at various international film festivals. Coco himself has amassed many trophies in recognition of his acting skills. This year alone, he won six Best Actor awards for the teleserye ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.''

He was recognized by Gawad Tanglaw, KBP Golden Dove awards, PMPC Star awards for TV, USTV Students' Choice awards, and Northwest Samar State University Students' Choice Awards for Radio and TV. Gawad Urian also gave him the distinction as ''Natatanging Aktor ng Dekada.'' These achievements make Coco deserving of the acclaim as ''The Multi-awarded Actor of His Generation.''

What made ''Sta. Ninia'' so appealing that he accepted the project, considering his busy schedule? ''It has a very good story. When I finished reading the script, I said eto ang matagal ko nang hinintay na project for my homecoming sa indie genre. Kaya tinanggap ko at isiningit ko talaga at ginawan ng paraan para matapos ang pelikula kahit three times a week ang taping namin sa 'Walang Hanggan.'''

Coco confessed that he is a devotee of Jesus of Nazarene and this is why ''Sta. Ninia'' ''is very close to my heart. I believe in the importance of faith in God. This is my second movie this year. It has a different story, featuring a different character from what I've played in the past,'' Coco said.

The director, Manny Palo, wasn't sure Coco would accept the project, knowing that the actor is so busy. He admitted that the actor wasn't his first choice for the role of Paul, but he was of course super elated that Coco accepted the project.

This is Direk Manny's first feature-length film although he has directed several toprating teleserye for the Kapamilya Network. He was behind ''Iisa Pa Lamang,'' ''Tanging Yaman,'' ''Green Rose,'' the international Prix Jeunesse awarded episode of ''Wansapantaym'' and the currently shown leading afternoon drama ''Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo.'' He took up his Post-Graduate Course in Film and TV Production at the Film and TV Institute of India in Pune (2004-2007) as a scholar of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

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