Coco Martin is the idol of the masses. People easily connect to him in an intimate level, thanks to his familiar, inspiring success story and his teleseryes and movies that mirror the ordinary man. Join Coco as he looks back on his humble beginnings for the first time in an episode of Magandang Buhay The Podcast.

The conversation commenced with a little reminiscing of Coco’s teleserye journey. Coming from the indie film industry, he didn’t expect to earn a spot, let alone become a lead actor, in mainstream series and movies. Then, “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin”brought him his big TV break.

‘Kilig’ echoed around the studio when he described “Walang Hanggan,” his first series with Julia Montes, as “dito nagsimula ang lahat” – whatever that means. To this day, we remember this series for its timeless story and star-studded cast.

“Juan Dela Cruz” was his first foray into action. Although doubtful of his aptitude and appeal as an action star –he thought he lacks height – Coco worked hard to play his part. Then, he went back to his original element, drama, via “Ikaw Lamang” where he was Kim Chiu’s leading man and Jake Cuenca’s rival, making this serye one for the books.

What cemented his credibility as an action star and director was “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” “Hindi namin akalain na aabot siya ng pitong taon at kung paano siya minahal at tinangkilik ng mga tao sa Pilipinas at sa ibang bansa. Dito, naniniwala na ako na kaya ko pala kahit papaano mag-action.”

Coming from the success of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” it is easier for him to meet viewers’ sky-high expectations. But this also means he has to work doubly hard in terms of production and learn from his mistakes from his previous series. Coco is on a mission to brandish Filipino talent globally and expects “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” to be on par with international dramas.

How was Coco’s childhood? As the story goes, he grew up in Novaliches with his paternal grandmother Lola Matilde after his parents’ separation. Sometimes he would visit his mom in Tondo, especially when there’s conflict at his original home. He learned to be street-smart at a young age, tagging along with Lola Matilde in her ‘rakets’ such as collecting payments for their informal lending business and working as a staff in a cockfighting arena.

Being a ‘batang-kalye’ shaped him into the man he is today – persevering, and pleasant to everyone he meets. He believes his biggest charm is his “galing sa pakikisama.”

Quiapo holds a special spot in his heart since he grew up influenced by Lola Matilde’s devotion to the Black Nazarene. In 2007, he starred in the indie film “Tirador” which required him to join the traditional Traslacion and touch the icon of the Black Nazarene for a scene. He did, and prayed for a chance to be given a job. The Black Nazarene listened, “Mula 2007 hanggang 2023, hindi na ako pinatulog ng Nazareno. Dire-diretso na ang trabaho na binigay Niya sa akin. Mula nu’ng nahawakan ko Siya, dire-diretso ang blessing.”

He was a working student in college when during his duty as a waiter in a restaurant, he was spotted by a customer, who happens to be the assistant director of Johnny Manahan. He met with him at the ABS-CBN audience entrance, clueless that he’d be asked to audition for Star Magic Batch 9. He said just setting foot inside the ABS-CBN compound and seeing actors like Jericho Rosales in person was enough of an experience. But he was meant for more. Making it to the Top 20, he underwent acting workshops. However, it took most of his time and energy that he started to neglect his studies. He asked Lola Matilde if he can drop out of school to continue with the workshops, but Lola Matilde’s rule was to earn a diploma first before getting into showbiz.

Independent movies brought him to places, literally, as he would attend film festivals abroad. Once he’s there, he would save his allowance per diem and take advantage of the hotel’s free breakfast buffet instead of buying his food.

In the next segment, FlipTop stars Bassilyo and Smugglaz reveal the real Coco behind the cameras, talking first how they got to meet the Primetime King after he was able to watch their rap videos. They imparted that the superstar is very supportive that sometimes he acts as their stylist and photographer on their shows abroad. Best of all, he inspires them to save for their future. In turn, Bassilyo and Smugglaz are thankful for the chance to try acting with Coco’s help.

In some parts of the episode, Coco showed off his rap skills and his TikTok moves – you wouldn’t want to miss these! Plus, he received a plaque of recognition for his hard work and contribution to the world of entertainment.

Catch this episode of Magandang Buhay The Podcast with ‘momshies’ Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros.