After six long years of waiting, CocoJul fans can rejoice! The prized Coco Martin and Julia Montes tandem is back on the television scene with Julia joining the cast of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. This reunion is certainly a special one since the longest-running teleserye is also celebrating its sixth year of providing topnotch action-packed entertainment.
In this exclusive interview, the two share more about the working relationship, the new chapter of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and all the exciting things to expect soon.
Definitely, Coco and Julia’s on-screen chemistry is the first topic of the conversation. The two artists have grown as individuals, but they definitely showed how perfectly they can portray love between the characters they are given.
Since Walang Hanggan, their first project together in 2012, Coco and Julia fostered a solid relationship that viewers fell in love with. This continued to blossom in their 2013 film, “A Moment In Time” as well as in their two other projects that followed, Ikaw Lamang and the Wansapanataym episode, “Yamashita’s Treasures”.
The chemistry they have developed is one that was years in the making. Both Coco and Julia admit that they were awkward at first, especially since they knew each other before Walang Hanggan ,and didn’t quite mesh immediately. Eventually, as they continued to work on set and Coco helped Julia develop her acting skills, they grew closer and this translated in their on-screen chemistry.
Julia also shared how she made Coco more comfortable with her as his leading lady, “Mas pinakita ko sa kanya na kaya ko. ‘Yong sinasabi nila na ‘di ko kaya 一 hindi, kaya ko.” She also made an effort to show their good friendship and working relationship as many people had misconceptions at the beginning that she didn’t like Coco.
By the time they were working on “A Moment In Time”, they could easily jive with each other and became much more comfortable as a headlined Kapamilya love team. From having a series taping where work is over at the end of the day, they transitioned to shooting for the film that had them working with each other all day, everyday. This led them to really gel with each other, eliminating any awkwardness they had before.
“Pareho kaming dedicated sa work,” Julia defined the unique trait that she and Coco both have. Coincidentally, she believes that it is also the reason why they work well as a love team. They don’t only work with an individualistic mindset but they also care about how they can be better actors as partners and work towards the same goal.
Coco added that their unwavering support for each other is another factor. They constantly build each other up, even if they’re not working on the same project. Now that Julia is joining the FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano cast, she lets us know how hands-on Coco can be when training and guiding her on set.
Moreover, since Coco is one of the directors of the top rating action serye, Julia feels that she’s in good hands despite the pressure attached. After all, Coco and the whole team have been giving their blood and sweat to the series for years and she wants to meet all their expectations. Whatever challenges will come, she assured, “I’m just so proud of him… I’m just happy to be part of this project and that creative side of his.”
Netizens are curious about the role Julia will be taking on soon and ask for a hint if she will be a good or bad character. Julia said she’s comfortable with any and looking to explore it through the journey of the story. In FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, they do not follow the formula of other teleseryes wherein you already know if a character is a bida or kontrabida. Rather, they find excitement in seeing through a character’s story.
Coco confirmed this by saying, “Ayaw namin binibigay ‘yong in-e-expect na ng viewers… Kumbaga, pinipilit namin maghain ng bagong kwento, ng bagong experience sa mga manonood. Kaya kahit pagbubuo namin ng karakter, ayaw namin na parang ‘Ay, napanuod na namin ‘yan sa last show ni Julia’... Sabi nga nila, magsi-six years na ‘yong Ang Probinsyano pero parang lagi pa rin may bagong hinahain sa manunuod.“
He answered the same when asked if viewers can expect a love story in the new chapter of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Their creative process involves him and the team also being surprised with how the story will unfold so it’s hard to say anything for sure at the moment. They are always open to more possibilities and stories that have never been done before.
After six years of portraying Cardo on FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Coco confessed, “’Di ako nakakaramdam ng pagod, honestly.” Everyday, he’s still motivated to work and give his best. The upcoming chapter is all the more thrilling since there are new cast members joining and new locations for production. To him, it feels like the making of a pilot episode again, but with leveled up production and quality.
On the other hand, Julia, who will be new to the team, feels blessed and honored to be part of such a big project that many people value. She added, “’Di siya aabot ng six years kung ‘di lahat binibigay ng puso nila at puso niya (Coco).” Because of this, she is assured that the journey will be wonderful and she will grow as an actress along the way.
Aside from the dedicated team behind FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, the loyal viewers are greatly recognized. Coco shared that they continue to create episodes and new stories for them because it’s what the viewers deserve. After all the challenges the Kapamilya network and its people had to overcome, the supporters stayed and continuing to give quality entertainment to them is how the network wants to give back.
The pandemic has also taken a toll on the nation so it’s their duty as Kapamilyas to serve Filipinos regardless. They may encounter risks everyday, but they believe it’s worth it since they are doing it for the Filipino nation.
Coco and Julia have full trust in each other as they will work together in delivering the new and exciting new chapter of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.