CocoJul-deprived hearts get a splash of ‘kilig’ as Coco Martin and Julia Montes finally reunite via FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano for the action-drama series’ sixth anniversary. It’s every CocoJul fan’s answered prayer!
Coco and Julia were first paired in the Kapamilya classic Walang Hanggan in 2012 and were last seen together via Wansapanataym: Yamashita’s Treasure in 2015. Despite the six-year thirst for a CocoJul project, fans remained devoted in wishing for the tandem’s onscreen reunion.
The rumoured couple believes chemistry is the secret. But it wasn’t an instant connection for them. Coco mentioned that they worked on another project prior to Walang Hanggan. Julia was about 13 then while he was 21. He tried to make a move – in his words, “nagtangkang mambola” – but he felt he was “rejected.” Besides, she was young and sheltered by her grandma.
So when they reunited via Walang Hanggan, Coco did playful acts of revenge by acting ‘masungit’ toward Julia. Later on, she would notice the awkwardness and him being so aloof.
Co-star Dawn Zulueta stepped in to share lessons about building chemistry. And being the other half of the celebrated “CharDawn” tandem with Richard Gomez, her pieces of advice turned out helpful. After all, the chemistry was present since the first day, it’s just that Coco wanted to pull a prank on his leading lady.
They soon became the best onscreen partners. Coco and Julia, both shy by nature, learned to be more comfortable with each other. “Habang nagte-taping, siya na ‘yung nag-e-effort. Bumaliktad na ‘yung sitwasyon. In-acknowledge na rin namin ‘yung past. Naging komportable na kami,” said Coco. “A Moment In Time '' was also a climactic event in their friendship as they got to know each other deeper.
Besides the electrifying chemistry, Coco and Julia believe they are well loved for their passion. They are on the same level in terms of dedication and desire to provide viewers something new each time. “’Yung character kasi ni Coco, masyado siyang supportive. As his partner sa mga work namin, mafe-feel mo na ang sarap magtrabaho lalo kasi jive kayo at pareho kayo ng goal,” expressed Julia in this online exclusive interview.
On working in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Coco said he is more tense compared to working on their past projects. He wants everything to be perfect now that Julia is joining the cast. He started training her with gun handling and motorcycle riding. Julia mentioned that Coco also guided her in her past projects that required action scenes.
Julia went on to talk about pressure, which she believes is an inevitable part of the job. “’Yung pressure is more of gusto kong ma-meet ‘yung expectation niya at ng lahat ng team kasi lahat talaga dedicated.” She is proud of Coco’s achievements, watching him grow as an artist and filmmaker.
The Kapamilya actress remains mum about her character. One thing she and Coco promised is that viewers will be treated to something unexpected and unordinary. Coco explained, “’Pag binubuo namin ‘yung kwento, ayaw namin na binibigay kung ano ‘yung ine-expect ng mga viewers. ‘Napanood ko na ‘yan.’ Alam na ng viewers ‘yung mangyayari. Pinipilit namin maghain lagi ng bagong kwento para sa mga manonood. Kaya sa pagbuo ng character, ayaw namin na ‘Napanood na namin ‘yan sa last show ni Julia.’ Kami, ano ‘yung bago?”
At the moment, the creatives are weaving the plot and new story arc, and they are just as excited. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has been on air for six years but the geniuses behind it won’t run out of magic and new ideas for their avid fans. “’Yung mga character, hindi namin kinakahon. Maraming pwedeng mangyari, revelations. Nakaka-excite kasi ibang treatment na naman ‘yung ibibigay namin sa manonood,” added Coco, playing the stalwart cop Cardo Dalisay.
While most artists would feel the burnout after years of working non-stop, Coco is different. He gets more motivated as years pass, especially now that Team Promdi is headed to a new chapter – new story arc, location, and characters.
“Para kaming magpa-pilot ulit. Ganun namin siya pinaghahandaan. Sa production, nakatutok kami. Sinisiguro namin na mahihigitan namin ‘yung expectations ng manonood kasi deserve nila ‘yun,” he enthused.
He promised to serve viewers with a fresh and delectable plot to watch out for. “Hindi sila mabibigo. Hindi namin pabababain ang quality. Sa kabila ng pandemya, limitado ang galaw at maraming nabawas na kasamahan namin, ibibigay pa rin namin ang best namin.”
Julia, on the other hand, feels blessed and honored to be part of a show mounted by some of the most creative and passionate people in the industry. She is thrilled, knowing it’s going to be a happy and meaningful journey for her. “Huwag kang masyadong mag-worry. Kung anong kailangan gawin, I’ll try my best,” she told her leading man.
Coco thanked everyone who keeps on supporting them from day one. He said their love makes all the hard work and sacrifices worth it. “Tuwing umaalis kami ng bahay, hindi namin alam kung makakabalik pa kami ng buhay. Magkakasakit ba kami? Ang daming nangyayari pero nandiyan pa rin ang mga tao para suportahan kami kaya gagawin namin ang lahat para masuklian po ‘yun.”
Watch out for Coco and Julia’s much-awaited reunion in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z. Also joining them in the show’s newest season are Tommy Abuel, Rosanna Roces, Vangie Labalan, Michael Flores, Elora Espano, Marela Torre, and Joseph Marco.