I wouldn't be where I am right now, and have the right work ethic and discipline, if it weren't for all the indie films I did. We weren't pampered and were pretty much on our own.
Coco Martin
We want to uplift the culture of Filipino - our respect to our elders, how we pray before we eat and sleep. These are things the younger generations tend to forget because of our exposure to other cultures.
As an artist, we have a big influence, and we should always think if we are doing more harm than good to our viewers. We should serve as a model to them.
I lead a boring life because I do nothing but work.
There came a time I gave up when I was overseas. No matter how many times I tried working on my visa, I wasn't able to. When I went back to the Philippines, I still wanted to return to Canada despite the difficulties I encountered.
I see the staff and crew on the set as my equals. When I make a mistake, they know they can call my attention or even tell me what to do.
I did some modeling here and there but nothing really big. There was a time when I simply bummed around, waiting for offers.
Actually, I didn't plan to be an actor.
It's important that I know what I'm doing before I assume responsibility over something as significant as the actors' guild.
I didn't expect people would embrace 'Ang Probinsyano' the way they did during its first year.
My family is my priority.
I was first an indie actor, so I also want that more opportunities be given to people in the indies.
I handed out flyers in malls, candies in gasoline stations; helped set up tarpaulins in bars. I played bit roles in several indie movies. Looking back, I can say it has definitely been a long journey.
I'm happy with my body.
I experienced rejection numerous times.
I cherish everything I have because I worked hard for each one.
I'm happy to hang out with friends, but I'm not the type who entertains guests, not even at home.
I worked as a janitor in Canada for nine months. It's during that time when I experienced extreme homesickness.
When I was working abroad, there was a time when I almost gave up because of my problem with my working visa in Canada. I remember that I collected bottles of mineral water and sold them to earn extra money.
When I was in Canada, the opportunities were huge. For every place I went to, I dreamt of bringing my family, too. When I ate at restaurants, I wished I could let my family experience the food I ate, too.
It was my grandmother who raised me and guided me.
I was never really into partying.
I have not met a Filipino actor who didn't dream of working on an 'FPJ' remake.
I had done a lot of indie movies before I realized that acting could be a way for me to get my family out of poverty. It was at that point that I decided to take acting seriously.
I consider myself an ordinary person.
I keep a really tight schedule.
I'll start searching for that ideal partner when I turn 40. That will be a turning point in my life.
I know how demanding show biz is. I fear that things would just end up bad if I'd date a colleague.
I have dogs and birds as pets.
If the Americans have Superman, we have Panday.
It's hard to mix work and love.
If you really get into a particular character, you also want to do your own stunts.
Acting-wise, I think I did well in 'Kinatay.' It wasn't talkie, and the acting was intense.
When I was still doing indie, it was just purely art. I don't think about how much I will get paid or how much the movie will earn.
I'm proud of what I did in 'Daybreak.'
People may soon lose interest in me. I want to make sure I've done everything I can for my family when that time comes.
I want to remind people that we create films for the MMFF as gifts to them, not to see whose entry is better or which film earned more at the tills.
I always say, my leading lady is my lola.
I came from a broken family.
It's a long process transitioning from indie to mainstream, and it's not that easy because it's a different environment when you are in the indie industry.
I want to prove that actors are good, not just at working in front of the camera.
I didn't get good breaks on TV.
It is so difficult if nobody in the family will guide you.
I take a bath three times a day.
I had my first girlfriend at 15. Life was difficult then.
I want to give back and show my gratitude to the indies. At the same time, cherish the mainstream projects I've been getting.
My love life is not a priority.
I want to balance my projects. Ideally, I'd like to do at least one indie film, a mainstream movie, and a TV series in a year - the best of both worlds.
I've been to several international film festivals, including those in Locarno, Switzerland; Dubai; Russia; Berlin; Cannes; Bangkok; and Hong Kong.
I know the hardships that my compatriots working abroad are facing.
