Coco Martin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coco Martin
Martin in 2022
Born	Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno Jr. (1981-11-01) November 1, 1981 (age 43) Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
Alma mater	National College of Business and Arts (BS)
Occupation	Actor director producer screenwriter
Years active	2001–present
Agent	Star Magic (2001–2002, 2009–2016) B617 Management & Enterprise (2016–present) GMA Network (2004–2009)
Notable work	Walang Hanggan (as Daniel) Juan dela Cruz FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (as Cardo/Ador) FPJ’s Batang Quiapo (as Tanggol)
Partner(s)	Julia Montes
Family	Ronwaldo Martin (brother)
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Coco Martin, whose real name is Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno Jr., was born on November 1, 1981. He is a famous Filipino actor, director, producer, and writer. He is well-known for his roles in action and romantic drama movies and TV shows.

Coco Martin has won many awards, making him one of the most recognized Filipino actors of the 21st century. His awards include two FAMAS Awards, two Gawad Urian Awards, and many others. His movies have earned a lot of money worldwide. Tatler Asia also named him one of the most influential Filipinos in Asia.

Martin started acting in the early 2000s, first in small roles. He became famous with lead roles in independent films like Daybreak (2008) and Kinatay (2009). For his role in Jay (2008), he won three Best Supporting Actor awards. He then became a big star in TV shows such as Walang Hanggan (2012) and Juan dela Cruz (2013). He achieved superstar status with the very long-running TV series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015). More recently, he starred in FPJ's Batang Quiapo (2023).

People often call him the "Ultimate Superstar." He was named Actor of the Decade (2000-2009) at the 34th Gawad Urian Awards. He was also recognized as one of the most influential celebrities of the decade (2010-2019). Some of his most successful movies include The Super Parental Guardians (2016) and Beauty and the Bestie (2015). In 2017, Martin started his own production company, CCM Film Productions.

Growing Up: Coco Martin's Early Life

Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno was born on November 1, 1981, in Santa Cruz, Manila. His parents were Maria Teresa and Ramon Nacianceno. When he was young, his parents separated, and his grandmother, Matilde, took care of him. He grew up in Novaliches, Quezon City. He often spent time on the streets to help his family. He also visited the Quiapo Church with his grandmother for guidance.

Despite tough living conditions, he went to elementary and high school at Capitol Institute. Martin later earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management. To pay for his studies, he worked many jobs. He was a flier distributor, barista, merchandiser, waiter, and driver.

After college, he went to Alberta, Canada, and worked as a janitor. He returned to the Philippines after nine months.

Coco Martin's Acting Journey

Starting Out: Early Roles (2001–2004)

Coco Martin began his acting career with ABS-CBN's talent agency, Star Magic, in 2001. He was part of Star Circle Batch 9. He first appeared in the 2001 film Luv Text using his real name, Rodel Nacianceno. Later, he used the name Rodel Salvador for a small role. In 2002, he first used the stage name Coco Martin in the film Ang Agimat: Anting-anting ni Lolo. After these small film roles, he started appearing in TV and print advertisements. His big break came in 2004 when TV personality German Moreno featured him on his reality show Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman. This led to a role in an independent film.

Becoming Known: Indie Film Success (2005–2008)

Coco Martin became widely known with his lead role in the 2005 independent film, Masahista (The Masseur). This film was directed by Brillante Mendoza. It received great reviews and won Best Movie. Martin also won his first Best Actor Award in 2006. The film won the Golden Leopard Award in Switzerland.

In 2006, Martin starred in another indie film by Brillante Mendoza, Summer Heat. This film also received many nominations and awards. In 2007, Martin continued to work in indie films like Siquijor: Mystic Island and Tirador. He also had a small role in the mainstream film Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan. He also started in TV series with Daisy Siete: Isla Chikita.

In 2008, Martin starred in Condo, playing a security guard. He also appeared in Daybreak, a Philippine film. In the same year, he starred in the award-winning film Serbis, which competed at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Martin also starred in Jay, which earned him three Best Supporting Actor awards. Because of his work in independent films, the media called him the "Prince of Philippine Independent Films."

Mainstream Success: TV and Film (2009–2014)

At first, it was hard for Coco Martin to get roles in ABS-CBN TV series because of his past indie film roles. But with encouragement from actress Jaclyn Jose, he got a role in Ligaw na Bulaklak in late 2008. He played the main bad guy and received praise for his performance.

In 2009, he starred in the drama series Tayong Dalawa and won Best Drama Actor. After this, he starred in Nagsimula sa Puso. These projects led him to sign a contract with Star Magic, a big talent agency.

In 2010, he joined the cast of Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo. He also had his first main role in an action series, Tonyong Bayawak. He starred in his first mainstream film, Sa 'yo Lamang, and the primetime series 1DOL.

Despite his TV success, Martin continued to make indie films. In 2009, he starred in Kinatay, which won Best Director at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. This film earned him Best Actor awards. In 2010, he starred in Noy, which was chosen as the Philippine entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards. In 2011, he led the TV series Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, winning many awards.

In 2012, Martin starred in Walang Hanggan, a very popular series. He was paired with Julia Montes for the first time. Because of the show's success, he was called the "Prince of Philippine TV Series." He also starred in the films Born to Love You and 24/7 in Love. In 2013, the film Juan dela Cruz was turned into a TV series with Erich Gonzales. This series was very popular and made Martin a household name. He won more Best Actor awards for it.

In 2012, Martin also starred in the film Sta. Niña, which won an award in India. In 2013, he starred with Julia Montes again in A Moment in Time, filmed in Amsterdam and Paris. In 2014, he starred in Maybe This Time with Sarah Geronimo. He also starred in his first 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival movie, Feng Shui 2, which was a big hit. In the same year, he starred in the TV series Ikaw Lamang with Julia Montes and Kim Chiu, winning more awards.

Superstar Status: Ang Probinsyano and Beyond (2015–2022)

In 2015, Martin appeared in the TV series Wansapanataym and an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya dedicated to brave police officers.

In September 2015, Martin starred in his most successful TV series, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano. He trained in martial arts for his role as a police officer. The show was planned for one year but became so popular that it ran for almost seven years, ending on August 12, 2022. It had 1,696 episodes, making it the longest-running drama series on Philippine television. Martin received an award for his portrayal of a dedicated police officer. The show was praised for promoting crime awareness. However, in 2018, there was a disagreement with the Philippine National Police (PNP) about how they were shown in the series. This issue was later resolved in a meeting. Because of Ang Probinsyano's success, Martin was called the "King of Philippine Television" and won many awards, including the "Fernando Poe, Jr. Memorial award." In the same year, Martin starred in the film You're My Boss and the hit movie Beauty and the Bestie.

In 2016, he starred with Nora Aunor in the film Padre de Familia, which was based on his experiences working overseas. He also starred in The Super Parental Guardians, which was a very successful film.

In 2017, Martin started his own production company, CCM Productions. He also made his debut as a director and producer with the film Ang Panday. This role was first made famous by the late actor Fernando Poe Jr.. In 2018, he produced Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles. In 2019, he produced, wrote, directed, and starred in 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!.

In 2021, Martin starred in the romantic comedy film Love or Money, filmed in Dubai.

New Projects: Batang Quiapo and More (2022–Present)

In July 2022, it was announced that Martin's film Labyu with an Accent was one of the first entries for the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival. Martin also appeared in the film Apag and is set to lead an indie horror film titled Pola, filmed in Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

In February 2023, Martin returned to TV with actress Lovi Poe in the TV adaptation of the 1986 film Batang Quiapo. He also serves as the series' co-director, co-writer, and co-producer.

Coco Martin's Personal Life

In May 2023, Coco Martin announced that he has been in a romantic relationship with actress Julia Montes. He mentioned that they had been "together" for 12 years. They first worked together in the 2008 TV series Ligaw na Bulaklak.

He is the older brother of actor Ronwaldo Martin. In March 2025, his former girlfriend, Katherine Luna, apologized to him for past misunderstandings. He also offered to help her with her eye surgery.

Coco Martin's Work

As an Actor

Television Shows

Movies

As a Director

Television Shows

Movies

Other Work: Production Company

CCM Film Productions

In 2017, Coco Martin started his own film production company called 'CCM Film Productions'. This company has produced three movies since 2017. These films are Ang Panday, Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles, and 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!. Coco Martin also starred in all of these movies.

Movies Produced

Television Shows Produced

Awards and Nominations

Coco Martin has received many awards and nominations throughout his career. Here are some of them:

Images for kids

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  Coco Martin's signature

See also

In Spanish: Coco Martín para niños