Kapamilya actor Coco Martin shared how much he values working alongside veteran actors on his projects.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Coco explained how he always ensures that all artists who become part of his hit action series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo have memorable moments.

“Kung mapansin niyo lahat ng artista na ine-exit ko sa show ko talagang binibigyan ko sila ng highlights. Sila tumutulong sa akin, sila nagpapalaki ng show,” Coco shared, referring to how the actors’ characters in the series end.

He also emphasized, “Napakalaki ng importansya nila — give and take. Hindi lang ako tumutulong sa kanila, tinutulungan nila yung network.”

Coco is known for casting actors and personalities from different generations for his projects to give them a chance to showcase their skills and talents. This also helps him bring depth to the story.

In FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, some guest cast members made a significant impact, including Ivana Alawi, RK Bagatsing, Ara Davao, Jaime Fabregas, Elijah Canlas, Tessie Tomas, Nonie Buencamino, Niño Muhlach, Ate Gay, social media personalities Toni Fowler, Diwata Balbuena, among others. Their performances helped the series garner thousands of views.

READ: Diwata credits Coco Martin for helping him deliver first acting role in ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’

The actor also reflected that as he grows older, his act of supporting veteran stars can serve as an inspiration to younger ones to also show respect toward them.

“Alam ko darating 'yung panahon tatanda din ako at sana nangangarap ako na 'yung respeto na nasa puso ko, nasa isip ko, sana ganoon din 'yung mga kabataan na bigyan natin ng respeto 'yung mga veteran actors natin kasi sila 'yung dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito and kung ano man industriya natin,” he explained.

Speaking of veteran stars, Coco revealed his plans to help actress Gina Pareño to return to the screen.

“Actually, naka-ano na nga 'yan eh. Hindi kasi pwede sasalang mo agad. Sabi ko, hindi kasi ako nagbibigay ng trabaho for the sake na mabigyan mo ng trabaho. Gusto ko, binigyan ko ng trabaho kasi may dahilan, may rason at may importansya 'yung role niya,” Coco said in an interview.

Coco emphasized that he is carefully planning everything to ensure Gina’s return is well thought-out and something she truly deserves.

“Inaaral ko 'yun kasi ayaw ko mararamdaman nila na ay kahit hindi naman ako 'to, hindi ako vinalue,” Coco said in an interview.

“Si Tita Gina, isa sa mga nag-alaga at nagturo sa akin nung nagsisimula ako sa TV. Talagang kung ano ako ngayon, isa sa mga disiplina ko — 'yung pagtutok ko sa trabaho, 'yung characterization — galing sa kanya,” Coco shared.

Gina previously shared her desire to return to the limelight after years of being away from doing projects.

“Hindi naman sa hindi ko naalala, ang nasa isip ko behind my back, gusto ko may kamera, nakakaarte ako, 'yung nakakaraos 'yung init ng dugo ko sa acting. Tapos 'pag wala akong labas, para bang wala nang nagmamahal,”she said in an interview with MJ Felipe.

She added: “Unhappy ako, 'pag hindi ako umaarte. Walang ilaw, walang kamera. Alam kong nasa kwarto lang ako. Parang nakalimutan na nila ako.”

READ: Gina Pareño, bumuhos ang luha; nanawagan na mabigyan muli ng proyekto

She also asked her industry colleagues to help her find her way back to working again.

“Baka gusto niyo ako kunin, ilawan para umakting. Sama niyo naman ako. Sige na. Sama naman ako diyan oh!”