Playing the role of hero cop Cardo Dalisay in the long-running action-drama series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Coco Martin has to don different personas for the character’s undercover missions. One of his most trending disguises was as the sultry dancer Paloma.

Coco revealed in a past episode of Tonight with Boy Abunda that he suggested Paloma’s character. “Sabi ko, ‘May concept ako, parang Taken. Maki-kidnap si Bela tapos mag-a-undercover ako bilang babae para ma-kidnap.” In the story, Bela Padilla’s Carmen was abducted by a syndicate and Cardo had to disguise as a club dancer to save her.

It was challenging to dress and act like a woman but Coco’s passion allows him to just enjoy the process. “Syempre, mahirap kasi ang gusto kong gawin maging babae, hindi maging gay… Sabi ko, kaya ko ba ‘to? Syempre, pinag-aralan po namin sa production, yung damit, yung makeup, yung kilos, inaral po talaga namin. Kumuha ako ng magtuturo talaga sa akin kung paano maging babae.”

He added that playing a female character is one of his dream projects. He was aware of netizens’ astonished reaction on his transformation and he was just as amazed. “Na-i-insecure nga ako kasi bihira ang nagsasabi sa akin na gwapo ako pero dito, ang daming nagsasabi na maganda ako. Parang bakit gan’un? Mas maraming nagagandahan sa akin kesa naga-gwapuhan,” he said in jest.

Asked if he’d fall for Paloma if she’s a real person, Coco jokingly answered, “Yari sa akin ‘yan.”