MANILA, Philippines — Multi-awarded Coco Martin considers the Cinemalaya 2012 entry “Sta. Ninia” as his “homecoming” to the indie genre, coming on the heels of his last indie movie, “Noy, Sa Yo Lamang.”

“I’m coming back to where I started. This movie is my ‘homecoming,’ a craft that I would love to do regularly apart from my works on TV,” Coco, who plays Daniel in the toprating ABS-CBN teleserye “Walang Hanggan,” said at a recent interview at the White House/Patio Carlito.

It is recalled that Coco started his acting career via the indie movie “Masahista” which went on to win awards and recognition at various international film festivals. Coco himself has amassed many trophies in recognition of his acting skills. This year alone, he won six Best Actor awards for the teleserye “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.”

He was recognized by Gawad Tanglaw, KBP Golden Dove awards, PMPC Star awards for TV, USTV Students’ Choice awards, and Northwest Samar State University Students’ Choice Awards for Radio and TV. Gawad Urian also gave him the distinction as “Natatanging Aktor ng Dekada.” These achievements make Coco deserving of the acclaim as “The Multi-awarded Actor of His Generation.”

What made “Sta. Ninia” so appealing that he accepted the project, considering his busy schedule? “It has a very good story. When I finished reading the script, I said eto ang matagal ko nang hinintay na project for my homecoming sa indie genre. Kaya tinanggap ko at isiningit ko talaga at ginawan ng paraan para matapos ang pelikula kahit three times a week ang taping namin sa ‘Walang Hanggan.’”

Coco confessed that he is a devotee of Jesus of Nazarene and this is why “Sta. Ninia” “is very close to my heart. I believe in the importance of faith in God. This is my second movie this year. It has a different story, featuring a different character from what I’ve played in the past,” Coco said.

The director, Manny Palo, wasn’t sure Coco would accept the project, knowing that the actor is so busy. He admitted that the actor wasn’t his first choice for the role of Paul, but he was of course super elated that Coco accepted the project.

This is Direk Manny’s first feature-length film although he has directed several toprating teleserye for the Kapamilya Network. He was behind “Iisa Pa Lamang,” “Tanging Yaman,” “Green Rose,” the international Prix Jeunesse awarded episode of “Wansapantaym” and the currently shown leading afternoon drama “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.” He took up his Post-Graduate Course in Film and TV Production at the Film and TV Institute of India in Pune (2004-2007) as a scholar of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

Other actors in “Sta. Ninia” include Alessandra de Rossi, Angel Aquino, Irma Adlawan, Leo Martinez, and Ms. Anita Linda.

Tonight, “Sta. Ninia” will be screened at CCP Little Theater (12:45 p.m.), and at CCP Studio Theater (Huseng Batute) at 6:15 p.m.; July 24, 4 p.m. at Greenbelt Cinema 5 and at the CCP Main Theater at 9 p.m. Other screenings are at Greenbelt Cinema 3, July 25, 4 p.m.; Greenbelt Cinema 3 and Trinoma Cinema 1, July 26, 9 p.m.; CCP MKP Hall, July 27, 1:30 p.m., Trinoma Cinema 1, 1:30 p.m.; and CCP Studio Theater, 6:15 p.m.; July 28, Trinoma Cinema 1, 11 a.m.; and Greenbelt Cinema 3, 9 p.m.

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‘Pinoy Super Kid’ Regular Showing

Engr. Edwin C. Lagadi, executive producer of the fantasy movie “Pinoy Super Kid” starring Buboy Villar as the young crusader, has announced that the movie will have its regular showing starting Aug. 1 in selected Metro Manila theaters.

“Pinoy Super Kid” had its premiere night presentation at the Meralco theater last July 14 with the young cast singing the theme song, “You Are My Hero” arranged by Pablo Vergara and written by Nardz Belen who also wrote and directed the movie.

The members of the young cast who performed the theme song are Jerould Aceron, Carla del Rosario, Buboy Villar, Jay Christian, and Ayla Mendero who also emceed the show before the screening of the movie.

“Pinoy Super Kid,” a fantasy movie with suspenseful action and highly-charged emotional scenes, stars Mark Lapid, Suzette Ranillo, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Mon Confiado, Robert Miller, Joel Ortega, Amay Bisaya, Edwin Reyes, Nina Dolina, Raja Montero, and Princess Armillos, among others.

The movie, entirely in English, is also available for special screenings by interested parties, according to executive producer Edwin C. Lagadi.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 23, go to former OWWA Admin. Wilhelm D. Soriano, JCI Jose B. Jimenez III, Dr. Francisco Casanova, Suzie Lazo, Walter Bucher, Emma Cimanes, Pinchie Tanopo Lim, Reneesme Dawn “Mimi” M. Palacios, Cristy Fermin and MB’s Barbie Atienza and Noel Pabalate… From now until July 30, Walker Underwear, one of the country’s pioneers in quality underwear is having a Clearance Sale, wherein discounts from 10 percent to 50 percent will be given. This is Walker’s way of saying thank you for its countless followers for over 50 years now. This is available at all leading department stores such as SM, Robinsons, Landmark, Isetann, and others…