MANILA — Actor and director Coco Martin has shared his ambitious goal to create an international film that would bring him back to his indie roots.

Martin, who began his career in independent cinema, is known for his dedication to Filipino stories and has evolved from an actor into a director and producer.

Now, he’s setting his sights on directing a project with aspirations for the global stage.

“Siyempre nagsimula talaga ako sa indie films,” Martin said, reflecting on his early days in the industry.

“Eh ngayon nagpoproduce then nagdidirek na ako. Sabi sa akin sana gumawa ka ng pelikula na ikaw yung direktor tapos ilaban natin. Kagaya nung ginagawa namin nung araw,” he added.

He reminisced about his past, where he focused solely on indie films, pushing to showcase Filipino stories on international platforms and at film festivals.

For Martin, returning to independent filmmaking would be like coming full circle.

“Sabi ko, yan ang pangarap ko kasi pag nabigyan ko ng time, sarili ko, lumuwag-luwag lang ng kaunti, gagawa ako ng isang pelikula kahit hindi ako artista,” he said.

His dream is to direct a film that could earn a spot in international film festivals, much like the movies he once starred in.

“Gusto ko bumalik sa indie films na this time ako naman ang director at indie films ang ginagawa ko at mangangarap na sana makapasok din sa mga international film festival.”

Martin expressed how deeply this goal resonates with him, seeing it as the next evolution in his journey.

“Para bang mag-360 na. Dati andito ako, actor lang ako nangangarap. Tapos nangangarap ako na mag-TNT sa bansang to. Tapos ngayon andito na ako, director na ako, producer na ako ng pelikula na ilalaban,” he said.

With his vast experience and passion for storytelling, fans eagerly anticipate the day Martin brings his vision to life on an international stage.

Meanwhile, Martin has also ventured into business, launching his own dishwashing liquid brand.

Despite his hectic schedule, Martin has found time to pursue this new endeavor with a mission to help others.

For Martin, this business isn’t just about diversifying his career but also about providing opportunities to those in need.

“Siyempre sa trabaho parang kahit papano may natutulungan kang kasamahan natin para makapagtrabaho, ang nakikita ko kasi talaga ngayon ang kulang sa atin ay opportunity, magkaroon ng trabaho,” he explained.

He recognized that not everyone could join his show’s production, so he started thinking of other ways to support people.

“Ano yung ibang paraan na makakatulong ka sa ibang tao, so ano bang paraan para magkaroon pa ng trabaho?”

Martin was highly involved in developing the product, determined to ensure it met his standards.

“Personally, ako talaga yung tumutok. Ako yung naghanap talagang sabi ko pag ito tumayo, pag ito nairaos ko, nailaunch ko ng tama ayos alam ko hindi ako mapapahiya. Sabi ko dito magsisimula ang lahat,” he shared.

In creating the dishwashing liquid, he focused on providing good value for consumers, especially in these challenging times.

“Sobrang daming pinagdadaanan sa buhay ng mga Pilipino, yung hinahanap kasi natin is value for money. Sabi ko nga hanggat maari, tatapatan ko o lalagpasan ko yung pinaka magandang produkto kasi iniingatan ko pangalan ko,” he said.