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Albert Martinez reinvents himself as the disheveled Zandro Fernandez in “Lavender Fields”

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Liezel dela Cruz

<p>After commanding the screen as the greedy mafia leader villain in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong></em></a>,” Albert Martinez is gearing up for another round of badass action as he returns to primetime via “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></em></a>.” This time, he’s reinventing himself with a new persona as Zandro Fernandez.</p><p>As early as now, viewers are captivated and intrigued by his seemingly methodical approach to his new role. The Philippine Drama Icon is clearly immersing himself in the character of Zandro, and fans can’t wait to experience his fine acting and realistic portrayal in the series.</p><p>Albert plays a top-notch investigator who solves every case assigned to him. However, there&#x27;s one personal case he&#x27;s pursuing for justice, but ironically, this one proves to be the most elusive and difficult to crack.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="703" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dw6MbxzKXLQ" title="Lavender Fields | Makilala mo na si Zandro Fernandez" width="1250"></iframe></div><p>Zandro appears rough-edged, unkempt, and neglectful of his appearance. He drinks whenever he can, embodying a “loser” personality, as Albert describes his character’s look. During a press junket for “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></em></a>,” Albert’s intense dedication was evident as he shared how he’s prepared to transform into Zandro, making the character feel like a second skin. “I intentionally cut my diet and started binging, gained weight, and developed a stomach,” he revealed.</p><p>But beyond the physical dishevelment, Zandro is deeply committed to solving the cases assigned to him, especially the one that&#x27;s personally significant. “Ito ‘yung character na pwede nang mamatay bukas and he doesn’t care. Basta na-achieve na niya ‘yung goal niya, he can go,” Albert explained. “Pwede siyang lumaban nang patayan, it doesn’t matter.”</p><div> </div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-5TSZuyv_4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:50%;flex-grow:0;height:40px;margin-right:14px;width:40px"> </div><div style="display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-grow:1;justify-content:center"><div style="background-color:#F4F4F4;border-radius:4px;flex-grow:0;height:14px;margin-bottom:6px;width:100px"> </div><div 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With two talented directors and an intriguing narrative, it was ultimately the character of Zandro himself that convinced him to accept the project. It was also the casting, which he believes is crucial for a good show. He’ll be working with Maricel Soriano, Edu Manzano, Janine Gutierrez, Jericho Rosales, and Jodi Sta. Maria in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></em></a>.”</p><p>Regarding the casting, he has collaborated with Maricel many times before, making their on-screen chemistry feel natural and effortless. “It’s always a pleasure working with Maricel. Premyadong aktor, so walang hirap. Everything is easy when you work with her,” he shared.</p><p>With Edu, they were cast in a film years ago but didn’t share scenes, so this is the first time they’ll be working together on screen. “Being who he is as an actor, how professional he is, ang ganda ng mga eksena namin together.”</p><p>It’s also his first time acting with Janine. After researching her body of work and being impressed, he was even more struck by her performance in person. “On the set, she delivers what’s expected from her as far as her character is concerned. Hindi siya nalalayo sa mga senior stars,” he praised Janine.</p><p>The same goes for their torchbearer, Jodi, whose acting prowess Albert has experienced firsthand through many past projects, including the TV series “Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara.” He described her, “Jodi is top-notch as far as performance is concerned. So, ang dali at ang sarap katrabaho.”</p><p>In fact, he finds that all his co-stars in this project are a pleasure to work with.</p><p>He’s shifted from one character to another over the years and has witnessed firsthand the evolution and improvement in the industry. Albert is both glad and proud to still be part of it during a time when Philippine TV production is reaching international-level quality.</p><p>“Blessing na rin at my age nasali ako dito ‘cause I like action. International level na ‘to, eh. Iba na ‘yung quality of performance, direction, shots. Nag-level up na tayo compared to many years back.”</p><p>“Ito na ‘yung ina-aspire ko to happen in our industry. And now, it’s happening,” he expressed.</p><p>Watch Albert as Zandro in 2024’s grandest revenge-action series, “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank"><em><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></em></a>,” which starts airing on September 2 on <strong><u><a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-channel-livestream-12685">Kapamilya Channel</a>,</u></strong> <strong><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@abscbnentertainment">Kapamilya Online Live</a></u></strong>, TV5, and A2Z.</p>