Ever since Coco Martin made his television debut on Tayong Dalawa, the indie film star not only gained more mainstream fans, but also earned the attention of showbiz icons, including award-winning actress-turned-Batangas governor Vilma Santos. As previously reported on ABS-CBN.com, a special tribute for the Star For All Seasons is underway and Coco was chosen to take part in the documentary that would relive some of her most unforgettable movies. He and Nikki Gil were asked to re-enact a scene from Ishmael Bernal’s Broken Marriage last week at the Dolphy Theatre inside the ABS-CBN compound.

It turned out that the Batangas governor admired Coco whose indie films had earned critical acclaim abroad. Coco, who should have been used to such praise by now, revealed that he was in awe when the legendary star gave him the thumbs up. “Sobrang tuwa ko kasi isa ako sa mga napili para mag-perform nun. And then natutuwa ako kasi na-appreciate ni Vilma yung mga ginawa ko. Coming from someone na tinitingala sa industriya, nakaka-flatter naman talaga,” he began.

Since it was an impromptu live performance, Coco was a bit nervous that he would make a mistake. “Actually sobrang kabado ako nun. Hindi ko ine-expect, bigla kasi kaming pinatawag. Siyempre ninenerbyos ako dahil nandun si Vilma and si Direk Laurice (Guillien) na nanonood. Tapos gagayahin namin yung eksena sa harap ng maraming tao na mga estudyante at mga artista. Sabi ko, ‘Oh no!’” he recalled. “Inisip ko bahala na. Hindi ko inexpect na sana magaya ko. And then natuwa ako nung kinongratulate ako ni Vilma kasi bumaba siya after ko magsalita.”

Ramon Revilla Sr. was another screen legend who was impressed by Coco’s acting skills. The former action star was even curious whether the indie actor’s character in Tayong Dalawa, Ramon, was dead or not. The ex-senator is an avid viewer of the show, claiming that he never misses an episode. Coco is one of the actors who are set to remake the Ramon Sr.’s movies in Agimat, Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla. Coco and fellow actors Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca, and Jolo Revilla met with  the veteran star last July 14. “Yun nga eh, natutuwa kami kasi kilala niya kami personally dahil kumbaga pinapanood niya kami sa Tayong Dalawa. Napakalaking karangalan yun kasi kahit anong sabihin mo, Ramon Revilla Sr. ’yan. Kaya may pressure talaga sa amin dun sa gagampanan naming roles sa Agimat,” he shared.

When asked if he hopes to reach the same levels of success like these showbiz icons, Coco was quick to say that being famous is not something he thinks about at the moment. “Sa akin naman basta trabaho lang. Kung anong marating, magiging thankful [ako.] ‘Yun ang importante,” he replied.

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