Sarah, Coco share details about new movie

MANILA -- Sarah Geronimo and Coco Martin will portray chilchood friends reunited as adults in their first big-screen team-up, the two ABS-CBN stars revealed.

"Ang pangalan ko po dito ay si Stephanie Asuncion, 27 years old. Ayan, medyo matanda po ako dito," Geronimo told ABS-CBN entertainment news site Push on the sidelines of a recent shooting for the film.

"Magkakababata po kami ni Coco Martin. Ibig sabihin, may past na po kami na naudlot, ganyan. Nagta-trabaho po ako sa isang public relations firm at boss ko po si Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez," she said.

Sarah Geronimo and Coco Martin (third, fourth from left) with actress Ruffa Gutierrez and director Jerry Sineneng.

 Geronimo earlier referred to her role as more mature compared to her well-loved character Laida Magtalas in the "A Very Special Love" film trilogy.

According to Martin, his character in the new film, Anton, is bent on rekindling his relationship with Stephanie after not seeing each other for a long time.

"Pagbalik [ni Anton] galing abroad, muli kaming nagkita [ni Stephanie] at gusto kong balikan at ayusin kung anuman 'yung nakaraan namin na dapat itama o ituwid," the actor said.

The still-untitled film, which is produced by Star Cinema and directed by Jerry Sineneng, was earlier described by Geronimo as "light drama." It will mark the second time Martin and Geronimo will be paired onscreen after the 2010 TV musical "1DOL."

Martin said he has since been raring to work again with Geronimo, who he has referred to as a talented actress despite being known as a pop star.

"Sinasabi ko ngang paulit-ulit, isa ito sa mga pangarap ko, na magkasama ulit kami ni Sarah," he said. "Matagal na ito, actually. Matagal na [pinaplano] itong proyekto na magkasama kami. May conflict lang before sa schedule. Ngayon, nag-swak na 'yung schedule namin."

Geronimo expressed excitement about the story of the film, saying both she and Martin are confident that it will relate to moviegoers.

"[Ako ay] full of excitement at happiness na alam namin na maganda 'yung pelikula na gagawin namin, kasi hindi rin dumidepende 'yun sa actors, e," the actress said.

"Importante, naniniwala ka sa project na ginagawa mo, sa istorya na ginagawa mo. And confident naman kami. But we're hoping and praying na magawa namin, matawid namin nang maayos."

Sarah willing to be daring in movie with Coco?

MANILA – Sarah Geronimo admitted that she will have to think hard before agreeing to do "daring" scenes in her upcoming movie with Coco Martin.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News last week, Geronimo said there are other factors which she has to consider before she agrees to do “more daring” scenes compared to what she did in her third movie with John Lloyd Cruz, “It Takes a Man and a Woman.”

“Titignan po natin. Siyempre nandiyan ang pamilya ko, nandiyan ang parents ko. Mahirap naman magsalita ng hindi ko iniitindi kung ano ang desisyon nila,” she said.

Sarah Geronimo and Coco Martin

 “Siguro kung ano lang po 'yung aangkop sa karakter ko talaga, 'yung characteristics ng role ko, kung ano 'yung qualities niya. Kung hihinging ng storya, baka pwede naman ‘yan i-approach na kaya lang ng limitations ko,” she said.

Coming off from the massive success of her last three films with Cruz, Geronimo said she would rather focus on trying to do away with her character as Laida Magtalas.

“Ang lakas talaga ng impact na naiwan ko sa mga tao as Laida Magtalas. Ang pinakamalaking challenge sa akin na magkaroon ako ng ibang atake sa acting bilang iba yung role na ginagampanan ko. Maturity talaga as an actor,” she said.

But this will not be a big problem, Geronimo said, as Martin is there to assist her.

While they have yet to discuss how they will handle their new roles, Martin assured his and Geronimo’s fans that they will strive hard to give the moviegoers what they deserve.

“Hindi pa naman [namin napag-uusapan kung paanong atake] pero nagkaroon na kami ng look test na may mga eksena na. Masarap kasi siyang katrabaho. Lahat naman siguro ng leading man, pinapangarap siyang makatrabaho,” he said.

Martin and Geronimo were first paired onscreen in the TV musical "1DOL."

“Pinangarap ko na siyempre bawat pelikula, marami kang gustong makatrabaho or maging leading lady. Siyempre gusto ko hindi lang sa soap magkasama kami. Siguro ito 'yung isa sa mga hiling ko na natupad na magkasama ulit kami,” Martin said.

Directed by Jerry Sineneng, Martin and Geronimo are set to start filming this month.

The title and other cast members of the film have yet to be announced. It is expected to be released in 2014, as part of the continuing celebration of Star Cinema's 20th anniversary.

Why Coco Martin apologized to Vice Ganda

Actor Coco Martin made amends with his close friend Vice Ganda during the comedian’s highly successful concert last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a live interview on “The Buzz” on Sunday, Vice Ganda elaborated on Martin’s surprise apology during the concert. “Nagtampuhan kami at naging mag-kagalit talaga kami. …Kasi nag-inarte ako,” he said.

Their rift started when Martin declined Vice Ganda’s request to appear on his weekly show “Gandang Gabi Vice” because of his busy schedule. “Valid naman talaga ‘yung mga dahilan,” he said. But when he saw Martin being interviewed on “Bandila,” he said he felt hurt.

“Hindi na kami nagusap. Nagkita kami sa airport, hindi ko talaga siya kinausap,” Vice Ganda said.

Days before Friday’s concert, Vice Ganda revealed that he wanted to talk to Martin to iron out their differences to remove “negative vibes” around him. That’s when he found out the actor was hospitalized because of over-fatigue. The comedian said he sent Martin a text message, telling him to get well soon, and Martin quickly texted back.

After the concert, Vice Ganda said Martin texted him, telling him that even if they didn’t communicate during his hospitalization, “talagang pupunta talaga ako at mag-so-sorry sa harap ng Araneta.”

Vice Ganda also revealed that he originally thought the staff’s big surprise at the concert was his boyfriend, who is more known as “Baby Boy” among viewers of “It’s Showtime” and “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

Martin was introduced at the concert as the comedian’s “baby.”

“Natakot ako na baka lumabas (ang boyfriend ko) at napilit ng staff,” Vice Ganda said, admitting that his partner was at the Araneta Coliseum at the time.

Coco Martin look-alike meets Choco Martin

MANILA, Philippines -- Coco Martin was visibly delighted to meet his "twin," whose recent appearance on a noontime program won him a prize as the most convincing celebrity look-alike.

During a party held Tuesday celebrating the successful premiere night of "A Moment In Time," the prized Kapamilya actor came face-to-face with Santi Felix, who calls himself "Choco Martin."

Felix was a contestant in the celebrity look-alike segment of "It's Showtime," dubbed "KalokaLike," in January. His identical hairstyle with that of Martin's, and his "Yummy!" expression (inspired by one of the actor's TV commercials) easily won the approval of the judges and the "madlang people."

On Tuesday night, Felix even walked the red carpet at the premiere screening of "A Moment In Time" at SM Megamall in Ortigas, generating excitement among those who mistook him for the actual actor.

"Hindi ko alam na may kambal pala ako... Baka [magka-maganak] kami kasi ngayon lang kami nagkakilala, 'di naman alam baka relative pala kami," Martin said, laughing, upon meeting Felix.

Asked how he feels to be a "look-alike" of the popular leading man, Felix said, "Ayun, pakiramdam ko yummy na rin ako. 'Yun oh... Feeling artista, yummy eh." The impersonator's response had Martin in laughing fit.

According to Felix, he only started to impersonate the actor when he joined "KalokaLike" last month. He said he was prompted to try his luck in the contest after being constantly mistaken for Martin. "Pag madalas na sa labas ako, pag na sa gimikan, napapagkamalan akong si Coco," he said.

Martin said that had he known Felix before he filmed a Kapamilya series where he portrayed twins, he would have recommended the impersonator as his double.

"Sabi ko nga eh, kung nagkakilala kami nang mas maaga-aga -- kasi 'di ba may ginawa akong soap na 'Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin' (2011), kambal ako doon. Sana na recommend ko siya eh. Next time," he said.

Julia-Coco film not 'Walang Hanggan Part 2'

MANILA, Philippines - Young actress Julia Montes made it clear that her upcoming movie with actor Coco Martin is not the big-screen version of their hit TV series "Walang Hanggan".

Montes made the statement as some people have been assuming that their newest project together, "A Moment In Time", is connected to the love story of Daniel and Katerina of "Walang Hanggan".

"[It's] A new tandem of us. Siguro iniisip ng mga tao na another story ng 'Walang Hanggan' sa big screen. Pero it's a different story. It has different characters. Ibang-ibang kwento at iba-ibang character talaga," the actress said in an interview on "Mornings@ANC" on Friday.

Montes, who rose to fame for her antagonistic role of Clara in the remake of "Mara Clara" alongside Kathryn Bernardo, said she is thrilled to work again with Martin and shoot some scenes for the film in Paris and Milan.

"Super fun. We never expected na magshoo-shoot kami abroad. 'Yung scenery kasi nakakadagdag doon sa love story namin. 'Yung good vibes noong scenery. So iba talaga," she said.

Montes added that she did not have a hard time doing the film because she is now more comfortable working with Martin.

"Ito, parang kumportable na kami sa isa't isa and we know each other well than before," she said.

As they embark on a new project, Montes appealed to her fans to support her first film with Martin.

"Noong 'Walang Hanggan', we never expected na ganoon ang feedback ng tao sa amin. Ito, big screen na ito, ibang usapan na. Hindi lang siya ililipat sa remote control, kung hindi pupunta ang tao sa moviehouse. They will spend time just to watch us. Iba talaga 'yung pressure. Sana, hopefully, kung paano nila sinuportahan ang 'Walang Hanggan', ganoon din sila sa movie," she said.

Directed by Emmanuel Palo, "A Moment In Time" also stars Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gabby Concepcion and Cherie Gil.

The movie is expected to continue the success experienced by the recently concluded "Walang Hanggan", which has been dubbed as a "phenomenal series" for spawning two soundtracks and merchandise such as jewelry and wine.

Julia's grandma says Coco Martin a good guy

MANILA, Philippines – The grandmother of Julia Montes would rather have the young actress focus on her career first than to enter into a relationship since she is still very young.

Lola Flory, who raised Montes, said the "Walang Hanggan" star should not hurry love.
“Intindihin muna niya ay ang kanyang pagta-trabaho, ang hanapbuhay niya. Saka na ang love life. Huwag muna, saka na lang,” she told Push.com.ph.

However, she said it will still be Montes’ call in the end, adding that she will remain by her side no matter what she decides on.

Asked to comment on reports romantically linking actor Coco Martin to her granddaughter, Lola Flory said: “Ako naman kasi mabait naman si Coco. Pinapasa-Diyos ko na lang 'yun.”

Montes and Martin first worked together in the phenomenal television series “Walang Hanggan.” They are set to bring their team-up to the big screen as their first movie together hits cinemas later this month.

During the recent trade event of ABS-CBN, Martin hinted that he plans to court Montes once she turns 18. However, Montes said in a separate interview that she finds the news hard to believe given Martin's stature in the industry.

Asked if Martin would stand a chance in case he really pursues her in the future, Montes said: “Parang ang hirap yata sagutin niyan. Ang haba naman ng hair ko kung totoo man iyan. Hindi ko po masagot eh. Tignan po natin. Wala pa naman akong 18.”

Montes stressed though that she will definitely follow her grandmother’s advice. “Desisyon ni Lola 'yun kaya dapat sundin,” she said.

Pushing intrigues aside, Montes invited all her fans to watch out for her movie with Martin.

“January na ‘yun, malapit na. Siguro in a way pasasalamat namin ito for ‘Walang Hanggan,’ sa lahat ng sumuporta and siguro hindi nila ine-expect yung hindi nakuha sa ‘Walang Hanggan.’ Hopefully dito ma-fulfill so sana mapanood nila kasi ibang tema, ibang kuwento, ibang atake sa mga characters namin,” she said.

Coco slays 'aswang' in first 'Juan dela Cruz' trailer

MANILA, Philippines -- Coco Martin takes on the role of a superhero in the first official trailer released for the upcoming ABS-CBN fantasy series "Juan dela Cruz."

A week after the new Kapamilya series was unveiled, its first trailer was released Thursday via ABS-CBN's official YouTube page, offering a glimpse of the title character's (Martin) "superhero" abilities.

"Juan dela Cruz" is among the several new shows lined up for ABS-CBN's TV programming in the first quarter of 2013. It was formally launched at the ABS-CBN Thanksgiving Trade Party on December 5.

In the Kapamilya series, Martin, 31, portrays the latest in the lineage of the "Tagapagbantay."

Equipped with a holy cross that can shift into different weapons -- a whip, a spear an arrow, and a sword -- Juan dela Cruz will battle the forces of evil.

The twist: He also bears "aswang" blood.

According to the extended trailer for "Juan" shown last week to advertisers, the new ABS-CBN soap is from the makers of the top-rating series "Walang Hanggan" and "May Bukas Pa."

Like the inspirational 2009 drama series, "Juan" also aims to impart values anchored on faith in God.
In the same extended trailer for "Juan," the character of Mylene Dizon, Amelia, lays out the means to combat the "aswang" blood of Martin's character. "Kailangan palakihin natin siya sa kabutihan, na may pagmamahal sa kapwa, at pananampalataya sa Diyos," she says.

Set for a release in the first quarter of 2013, "Juan dela Cruz" features an all-star cast including Erich Gonzales, Albert Martinez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Joel Torre, Gina Pareno, Louise Abuel, Lotlot de Leon, Neil Coleta, Arron Villaflor, Jaime Fabregas and Izzy Canillo.

'Walang Hanggan' gets 7 nominations in Star Awards

MANILA, Philippines (CORRECTED) – The top-rating ABS-CBN series “Walang Hanggan” has bagged seven nominations in the upcoming 26th Star Awards for TV 2012.

In the category of Best Drama Series, “Walang Hanggan” will be up against six other shows including ABS-CBN’s “Budoy,” “Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig,” and “100 Days To Heaven;” GMA-7’s “Amaya” and “Munting Heredera;” and TV-5’s “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina.”

“Walang Hanggan” actors Richard Gomez and Coco Martin are among the seven stars competing for Best Drama Actor.

Meanwhile, actresses Dawn Zulueta, Helen Gamboa and Sucan Roces will be among those vying for Best Drama Actress.

“We are all very happy kasi the mere fact na na-nominate kami, napansin talaga kami. Masayang masaya na kami. Whoever wins, okay lang iyon, it doesn’t matter. The nomination is enough,” Zulueta said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Child star Yogo Singh, who played as the young Martin on “Walang Hanggan,” will also be competing in the Best Child Performer category.

The 2012 Star Awards for TV will be held on November 18 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater of Ateneo De Manila University. It will be broadcast on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best on November 25.

Daniel, Katerina shot; will they survive?

MANILA -- The "eternal" love story of Daniel and Katerina in "Walang Hanggan" almost came to an end Thursday night after the characters were gunned down in a scene that drew stunned reactions from viewers of the top-rating series.

In a struggle to free his wife Katerina (Julia Montes) from the clutches of Miguel, Daniel (Coco Martin) is shot by the villain portrayed by Noni Buencamino. Attempting to save her husband from being shot twice, Katerina herself is gunned down, before Miguel fires one last time to ensure the lovers' demise.

The married couple are rushed to the hospital, where they appear dead after their vital signs flat line. Only moments later, however, Daniel and Katerina are seen opening their eyes, suggesting they have managed to survive the ordeal.

As the dramatic scenes unfolded during the penultimate episode of "Walang Hanggan," viewers of the show took to micro-blogging site Twitter to air their "hysteric" reactions.
Moments before Katerina and Daniel were shown to have survived the tragedy, netizens, led to believe the two have indeed been "parted by death," expressed mixed emotions on Twitter.

Coco hopes film with Vilma, Nora to push through

MANILA, Philippines – “Walang Hanggan” lead star Coco Martin revealed he is looking forward to doing a project with veteran actresses Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos for director Brillante Mendoza.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Sunday, Martin said there is still nothing definite about the dream project but he is hoping that it will push through.

“Dati pa nakonsepto 'yun. Sabi ko nga sana matuloy. Kahit anong trabaho, gagawin ko ang lahat para matuloy,” he said.

Martin said he would consider it an honor to be acting alongside Aunor and Santos.
“Masuwerte [ako]. Sabi ko nga makatrabaho ko lang sila okay na eh. Basta parte ako ng pelikula,” he said.

According to reports, Martin will be playing the son of either Aunor or Santos in the movie by the award-winning director.

Meanwhile, the actor extended his congratulations to Mendoza for the success of the film “Thy Womb” at the recently concluded Venice International Film Festival.

“Sorba akong nasisiyahan. Alam ko naman may mararating ang pelikula. Nasilip ko na 'yun bago sila umalis. And 'yung ‘Captive,’ sabi ko nga isa talaga sa maipagmamalaking pelikula,” he said.

Martin considers Mendoza one of his mentors in show business and has starred in many of the director's earlier indie projects such as "Masahista" and the Cannes-winning movie "Kinatay."