Coco Martin

Rodel Luis Cortez Nacianceno (born on November 1, 1981), better known by his stage name, Coco Martin, is a critically acclaimed Gawad Urian Award-winning Filipino actor. He became famous for starring in many independent films,^[1] and was dubbed the Prince of Philippine Independent Films. He is also known for his portrayal of Ramon Lecumberri in the critically acclaimed television series, Tayong Dalawa,^[2] as well as for his award-winning dual role as twins Alexander and Javier del Tierro in the series Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin and his main protagonist role as Daniel Guidotti in Walang Hanggan.

Career

Martin started out in ABS-CBN's talent agency, Star Magic, as part of the Star Circle Batch 9. He made his first cameo film appearance in the 2001 film Luv Txt where he was credited under his real name, Rodel Nacianceno, followed by many independent films.

Since then he has appeared in several TV advertisements before breaking back into showbiz with his lead debut independent film Masahista for which he was awarded the Young Critics Circle Best Actor Award in 2006. He also starred in Kaleldo in 2006.

Early in 2007, Martin joined GMA Network, and appeared in several GMA TV shows starting with Daisy Siete. He also became a member of the boy-group The Studs. Martin was also seen in independent gay-oriented films, Daybreak and Jay where he earned his first Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 2008, Martin returned to ABS-CBN and was cast in Ligaw na Bulaklak as one of the regular cast members. In 2009, he starred in the drama series Tayong Dalawa where he won the award for Best Drama Actor at the 2009 Star Awards for Television. After Tayong Dalawa, he starred in the afternoon soap opera titled Nagsimula sa Puso alongside Maja Salvador, Jason Abalos, and Nikki Gil. In the same year he joined Star Magic.^[3]

In 2010, he became part of the cast of ABS-CBN's primetime drama, Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo and had his first leading role in the action series Tonyong Bayawak. He also starred in his first mainstream film Sa 'yo Lamang^[1] and the primetime series, 1DOL. Martin also filmed another independent film titled Kinatay where he was nominated for a FAMAS Award for Best Actor.

In 2011, he lead the highly-acclaimed television series Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.^[4] In May, Martin received the Dekada Award in the Gawad Urian ceremony.^[5] He was nominated for multiple awards for his portrayal as Alexander and Javier Del Tierro in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, namely from the KBP Golden Dove Awards, Golden Screen Awards and Star Awards for TV.

In 2012, Martin starred in another ensemble series titled Walang Hanggan, an adaptation of the 1991 film Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit.^[6] He also starred in his second mainstream film entitled Born to Love You opposite Angeline Quinto.^[7] He is set to star in a movie with Judy Ann Santos titled Love Will Lead You Back.^[8] Martin also signed with Regal Entertainment to do a film with Marian Rivera entitled Maybe This Time, set to be released in 2013.^[9]

In May 2012, a script for a film called Juan dela Cruz was submitted to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, starring Martin alongside Tayong Dalawa co-star Jake Cuenca, Nagsimula Sa Pusoand Minsan Lan Kita Iibigin leading lady Maja Salvador, and Albert Martinez.^[10] The entry, set to be directed by Richard Somes, was one of the 7 rejected scripts. Cinemedia Films Production Incorporated and ABS-CBN unit head Deo Endrinal felt that the project would be better suited for TV, and have the now mini-series set to air in 2013. Erich Gonzales is taking the role as Martin's leading lady. Gina Pareño and Mylene Dizon also star, and Malu Sevilla will direct.^[11]