Coco Martin

Multi-awarded actor Coco Martin returns to primetime television as he plays the title role in ABS-CBN’s newest teleserye “Juan dela Cruz,” which premieres tonight after “TV Patrol.”

Though it is being pitted against GMA-7’s epic “Indio” starring Bong Revilla, the young actor a.k.a. Prince of Teleserye, said: “I do not take this as competition. I respect the Revilla family, hinahangaan ko sila. Bata pa ako napapanood ko na sila. Basta kami, ang proyektong ito pinaghandaan namin nang husto para makagawa ng magandang teleserye. At ’yong kompetisyon, ’di namin iniisip...”

“Juan dela Cruz” is basically of action genre but it also combines fantasy, drama, comedy and romance according to Coco. He has always wanted to play a superhero. This is his first fantaserye and he said “it’s very challenging for me to do a fantaserye na nauuso ngayon para sa mga kabataan. May mga aral na mapupulot dito ang mga bata at lahat ng tao. Bilang artista naniniwala ako na may responsibilidad ako sa mga nanonood ng mga show ko.”

In the series, Coco plays an ordinary Juan del Cruz whose mission is to find the “bakal  na krus,” which was bequeathed to him to be able to emerge truimphant over the “aswangs.”

Does he believe in the mythical creature?

“Lahat tayo may good and bad side, yung aswang side at ito ang dilemma ni Juan de la Cruz. Ordinaryong tao siya na simbolo ng bawat Filipino. Lahat tayo may chance na maging hero. Ang sa akin, ang aswang side ko yung mga pagkakamali ko sa buhay nung bata pa ako, ang mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan ko. Lahat tayo nagkakamali pero dapat matuto tayo dahil sa mga pagkakamaling ito. Puede tayong magkamali pero dapat may matutunan tayo.”

From being an indie actor (he first appeared in Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Masahista” which was shown in various international film festivals) Coco has gone a long way in his acting career since becoming a Kapamilya star in 2008. Among others, he was part of the top-rating teleserye “Walang Hanggan.”

Asked if he has political plans, Coco said he has none but he would like to help his friends Aga Muhlach, Richard Gomez, and Sonny Angara in their political ambitions. And by the way, Coco said his hero is his Lola Matilde “na kahit babae ay naitaguyod niya ang pag-aaral naming magkakapatid.” Coco, who holds a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, is now helping his “pamangkins” in their education.

In “Juan dela Cruz,” presented by Dreamscape Entertainment Television, Coco co-stars with Albert Martinez (he plays Samuel, “hari ng mga aswang”), Erich Gonzales, Coco’s leading lady, Zsa Zsa Padilla (as Laura, “reyna ng mga aswang”), and Gina Pareño as “manghuhula sa Quiapo.”

Directed by Malu Sevilla and Avel Sunpongo, “Juan dela Cruz” also features Joel Torre, Lotlot de Leon, Arron Villafor, William Lorenzo, Neil Coleta, Louise Abuel and John Medina.

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Young JV Moves Higher 

Soaring high in the music industry these days is Young JV, seemingly the country’s hottest Pop-R&B sensation.

So what’s keeping Young JV busy these days? Aside from his second single “Tanong” which is enjoying great airplay on radio these days, he is one of the stars of the top-rating primetime teleserye “Princess and I” where he plays Jonas de Ocampo, the guy who courts Dindi (Sophia Andres), the sister of Kathryn Bernardo’s character in the series. Jonas is entangled in a love triangle with Dindi and Kiko (Khalil Ramos).

Last year was a busy and memorable year for the young artist with all the concerts, mall shows, TV appearances, and parties he graced to the delight of his fans. Whenever he is around, ear-deafening screams would be heard from his supporters.

Young JV performed live with DJ Biggbeats and fellow Star Magic artists Arron Villaflor, Joe Vargas, Vangie Martelle and Kyra Custodio on “ASAP 2012’s Full Circle” where they sang the cover song “Beauty And A Beat” by Justine Bieber featuring Nicki Minaj. He also sang his single “Tanong” on “ASAP Chill-Out” and was later interviewed by Robi Domingo and Megan Young.

He collaborated with Myrtle Sarrosa, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 4’s Big Winner, on the song titled “Your Name” which they performed live with DJ Biggbeats on MYX Mo! held recently at the Marikina Sports Park.

Young JV’s music has beautifully evolved from rap (which he started doing when he was 15 years old) to an artistically diverse urban style which everyone can easily listen and relate to. His songs are about life, love and national pride. The catchy and smooth rhythms fit him perfectly. Young JV often dances during his performances with movements so natural to him. He always wows the crowd with his highly charged performances onstage. No wonder that he has been invited as front act of various artists like Westlife, Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo.

Truly Iloilo’s pride, Young JV continues soaring high and mighty in the music industry with his talents in singing and songwriting. Young JV receives praises for his composition “Kaibigan Lang.” At such a young age, he has won various awards that showcase his innate musicality: Best Male Style Icon and Best Video (for his “Can’t Get Enough” song) at Wave 89.1’s 2nd Urban Music Awards, the Favorite New Artist in MYX Music Awards 2010, the 2009 Best New Artist of the Year Award in WAVE 89.1 Urban Music Awards, the 2009 Best New Artist of the Year at the Year-End Countdown of Monster Radio RX 93.1. Likewise, his first album titled “Ready or Not” has received a platinum award for its outstanding sale.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 4, go to Jun Polistico, Tony Villareal, Aida Jalandoon, Amelia Consul, Edward Mogol, Susan Bautista, Teddy Owen, Myrna Tadigue, Betyh Custodio, Ethel de Chavez, and Piedad Dy Liacco…