From being one of the rising stars in the Filipino indie scene in the early years of his acting career, Coco Martin has managed to reinvent himself as a mainstream powerhouse. Now, he is considered as one of the most respected and bankable actors not just in ABS-CBN but in the entire Philippine entertainment industry.
Ever since making his teleserye debut in 2008 through the Kapamilya afternoon drama “Ligaw na Bulaklak,” he has consistently showcased his remarkable talent and versatility through his portrayals on roles in drama, romance, fantasy, and action. As he excelled across genres, he earned the title of “Kapamilya Primetime King.” And after starring in two of the most iconic and long-running series in the history, at least of ABS-CBN—“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”—not to mention his growing contributions behind the scenes as a director and producer, he has also been hailed as the “Hari ng Aksyon sa Ating Henerasyon” (Action King of our Generation).
But does he really deserve such a monumental title?
If the testimonials of the personalities featured in MJ Felipe’s recent “Star Patrol” report on the primetime newscast “TV Patrol” are any indication, the answer is a resounding yes!
Apparently, the movies of “Da King” Fernando Poe Jr, Lito Lapid, and other action stars have been Coco’s inspiration in his TV and movie projects. While action movies once dominated the local box office for decades, the genre experienced a gradual decline in the late 1990s. According to Regal Entertainment producer Roselle Monteverde, the high cost of production, coupled with economic challenges both locally and globally at the time, contributed to the slowdown. At the same time, several of the country’s biggest action stars shifted their focus to politics, too.
Consequently, this led Filipino viewers to gravitate towards dramas, romantic comedies, and fantaseryes, which became staples of local television. Although action elements continued to appear in various series over the years, many would agree that it was “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which premiered in 2015 and concluded in 2022, that reignited the country’s passion for the genre.
Among those who firmly believe this is acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti, one of the country’s most respected directors in the action genre.
“It’s Coco who really brought back the excitement of action movies, action seryes,” Direk Erik told ABS-CBN News. “Look at the landscape now. No one would say this, ‘no? Because of ‘Probinsyano’, because of ‘Batang Quiapo,’ it opened the doors to all the other networks doing their own action series.”
In his incomparable efforts in breathing new life into the action genre, Coco has also paid tribute to the very icons who inspired him by bringing together industry veterans and legends in his projects. Among them is Senator Lito Lapid, with whom he worked in both “Ang Probinsyano” and “Batang Quiapo.”
“Si Coco, parang alamat na rin ‘yan sa kabataan ngayon. Parang [FPJ] ‘yan at Lito Lapid na pinaghalo. Masipag, matalino, napakagaling na direktor, matiyaga. Madaling araw palang ay talagang nag-iisip na ‘yan, nasa shooting na kaagad. Bawal ma-late sa kanya, bawal mahuli sa shooting. Napaka-disiplinadong tao,” Sen. Lapid related in an interview.
Driven by admiration and an unwavering passion for his craft, Coco meticulously studied his idol’s every move and absorbed every lesson they shared. As recalled by Mark Lapid, who also appeared in both teleseryes, Coco sought guidance from his father, Sen. Lapid, regarding the proper way to ride a horse and handle firearms while filming action scenes.
When asked about Coco being given the title “Hari ng Aksyon ng Ating Henerasyon,” Direk Erik had no hesitations in saying, “Well deserved.”
“Pinanindigan niya. Hindi siya umalis, hindi siya ngabago ng imahe, ‘di ba? Paggawa niya ng aksyon, action all the way. He started it again. When no one else was looking into action, si Coco Martin decided, ‘No, I’m gonna invest in action,’” he said.
Roselle echoed the same sentiment in another interview, saying that Coco’s passion is evident every story he tells and every action sequence he performs. She pointed out how he consistently commits himself to physically demanding stunts, regardless of their intensity or risks.
Indeed, Coco Martin is not just a successful actor, but he has become a driving force behind the revival of Philippine action entertainment. Through dedication, discipline and a willingness to invest in a genre many thought had lost its place in the spotlight, he has helped reintroduce action storytelling to a new generation of viewers.
And now, the “Hari ng Aksyon ng Ating Henerasyon” is back in primetime. Are you ready? Well, you better not miss “Coco Martin’s Sigabo” when it premieres on June 22 at 8PM!
“Hari Ng Aksyon Sa Ating Henerasyon”: Si Coco Martin at ang pagsibol ng bagong mukha ng Pinoy action
Coco Martin: Why He Became the “Hari ng Aksyon Sa Ating Henerasyon”
“Coco Martin’s Sigabo” unveils official poster, theme song
Kissing scene with Julia Montes on the pilot episode of “Sigabo”? Here’s what Coco Martin revealed