Coco Martin, originally named Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno, was born on November 1, 1981.
He is a highly talented Filipino artist who has excelled in various fields such as acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting.
Known for his captivating performances in action and romantic dramas, Coco Martin is considered one of the most celebrated actors in the Philippines in the 21st century.
He has received numerous awards, both locally and internationally, for his outstanding work.
Additionally, his films have achieved tremendous commercial success, earning a total of ₱2.3 billion worldwide.
This has solidified his position as one of the highest-grossing box office stars. Coco Martin’s influence extends beyond his artistic endeavors, as he has been recognized by Tatler Asia as one of the most influential Filipino personalities in Asia.
REAL FACTS ABOUT COCO MARTIN
FULL NAME: Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno
BETTER KNOWN AS: Coco Martin
DATE OF BIRTH: November 1, 1981
PLACE OF BIRTH: Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
NATIONALITY: Filipino
OCCUPATIONs: Acror, Producer, Director, Screenwriter
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Coco Martin, originally named Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno, grew up in a difficult environment in Santa Cruz, Manila, after his parents separated when he was young.
His grandmother, Matilde, played a significant role in raising him and often took him to the Quiapo Church for guidance.
Despite facing poverty, Martin managed to attend school at Capitol Institute in Novaliches and later obtained a degree in hotel and restaurant management from the National College of Business and Arts.
To support himself financially, he took on various jobs such as distributing flyers, working as a barista, and driving.
After completing his college education, Martin decided to move to Alberta, Canada, where he worked as a janitor and briefly as a housekeeper for a Filipino-Canadian woman.
However, after nine months, he returned to the Philippines. These early life experiences shaped his determination and resilience, ultimately leading him to pursue a successful career in the entertainment industry.
CAREER
Coco Martin’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 2001 when he joined ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.
He made his acting debut using his real name, Rodel Nacianceno, and started off with minor roles in movies and TV commercials.
However, it was in 2004 when he gained recognition on German Moreno’s reality show “Walang Tulugan”.
Martin’s breakthrough came in 2005 when he landed the lead role in the highly acclaimed independent film “Masahista”.
This role not only earned him his first Best Actor Award but also brought him international recognition.
He continued to excel in independent films, collaborating with director Brillante Mendoza on projects like “Summer Heat” (2006) and “Tirador” (2007), establishing himself as a prominent actor in the Philippine film industry.
Between 2007 and 2008, Coco Martin appeared in various independent films such as “Pi7ong Tagpo”, “Tambolista”, and “Serbis”, which premiered at prestigious film festivals like Rotterdam and Cannes.
He also made his mark in mainstream cinema with “Batanes” and in television with “Daisy Siete”.
His performances in films like “Jay” garnered him multiple awards and earned him the title of “Prince of Philippine Independent Films”.
From 2008 to 2011, Coco Martin made a transition to television and starred in ABS-CBN series like “Ligaw na Bulaklak”, “Tayong Dalawa”, and “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo”.
His portrayal in “Tayong Dalawa” won him the Best Drama Actor award at the 2009 Star Awards for Television.
Martin also appeared in mainstream films like “Sa ‘yo Lamang” and independent films like “Kinatay”, which brought him Best Actor Awards at the 7th Golden Screen Award and the 2009 Gawad Tanglaw Awards.
Coco Martin had a successful year in 2014, starring in two notable films. He appeared in “Maybe This Time” alongside Sarah Geronimo and in the horror film “Feng Shui 2” with Kris Aquino.
“Feng Shui 2” became the second highest-grossing film at the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Additionally, he took on the lead role in the period drama series “Ikaw Lamang” alongside Julia Montes, which earned him Best Actor awards at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards and PMPC Star Awards for Television.
In 2016, Coco Martin continued his acting career by starring in the indie film “Padre de Familia” alongside Nora Aunor and in the blockbuster hit “The Super Parental Guardians” with Vice Ganda.
The following year, he ventured into directing with his debut film “Ang Panday,” which was entered into the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Coco Martin has since focused on both producing and starring in films. He appeared in “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” in 2018, “3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!” in 2019, and “Love or Money” in 2021, a romantic comedy filmed in Dubai.
The following year, in starred alongside Sarah Geronimo in the film “Maybe This Time” and appeared in the horror film “Feng Shui 2” with Kris Aquino.
The latter became the second highest-grossing film at the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Martin also took on the lead role in the period drama series “Ikaw Lamang” alongside Julia Montes, earning him Best Actor awards at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards and PMPC Star Awards for Television.
In 2016, Coco Martin continued to impress audiences with his performances in the indie film “Padre de Familia” alongside Nora Aunor and the blockbuster hit “The Super Parental Guardians” with Vice Ganda.
The following year, he ventured into directing and launched CCM Productions, making his directorial debut with “Ang Panday”, an entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Martin’s passion for filmmaking continued, and he produced and starred in various films such as “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” in 2018, “3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!” in 2019, and “Love or Money” in 2021, a romantic comedy filmed in Dubai.
Coco Martin’s movie “Labyu with an Accent,” which co-stars Jodi Sta. Maria, has been chosen as one of the initial entries for the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival.
He has also been cast in two upcoming films, “Apag” and “Pola,” both directed by Brillante Mendoza.
Additionally, he will be leading the TV adaptation of “Batang Quiapo” alongside Lovi Poe, where he will serve as co-director, co-writer, and co-producer through his own production company.
PERSONAL LIFE
In May 2023, Coco Martin made a revelation that he has been in a romantic relationship with actress Julia Montes for the past 12 years, although the exact start date of their relationship was not disclosed. Coco Martin also has a younger brother named Ronwaldo Martin, who is also an actor.
