Coco Martin recently revealed why he decided to cast newcomer, beauty queen Mariel de Leon, as the leading lady in his directorial effort, “Ang Panday”.

As reported on Inquirer, the actor, who is also playing the titular character in the new adaptation of the Carlo J. Caparas creation, shared that it was just instinct on his part in choosing de Leon.

“I already knew who my leading lady would be the moment I saw her on television. I immediately asked someone to call her. I’m glad she agreed to do this,” he said.

Martin also stated that he has already discussed it with de Leon’s father and veteran actor Christopher de Leon, saying, “I promised Tito Bo (Christopher) that I would take care of her.”

Meanwhile, de Leon, who is also currently preparing for the upcoming Miss International pageant, shared that she will attend acting workshops and work on her Tagalog to ensure that she can give the audience her best performance.

Coco Martin’s decision to cast Mariel de Leon as his leading lady in Ang Panday has sparked considerable interest, especially with de Leon being relatively new to acting.

The 24-year-old beauty queen, who won the title of Miss International Philippines 2017, is transitioning from the world of pageantry to the local film industry, a shift that many believe will bring fresh energy to the iconic role of Ang Panday’s heroine.

Martin, who is also directing and starring in the film, described his choice as an intuitive one. He revealed that he had made up his mind about de Leon the moment he saw her on television, recognizing in her the qualities that would complement his vision for the movie.

“I already knew who my leading lady would be the moment I saw her on TV. I immediately asked someone to call her. I’m glad she agreed to do this,” Martin shared. His gut feeling proved to be more than just a passing thought—it was a strategic choice, reflecting his confidence in de Leon’s potential, both as an actress and as a screen partner.

Furthermore, Martin took extra care in ensuring that the decision was made with full respect and transparency, even consulting de Leon’s father, veteran actor Christopher de Leon.

Martin assured him that he would look after his daughter throughout the filming process, a promise that likely offered additional reassurance to the respected actor. “I promised Tito Bo (Christopher) that I would take care of her,” he added, highlighting the close-knit nature of the showbiz community.

For her part, Mariel de Leon expressed excitement about the opportunity while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Though still relatively new to acting, she is committed to honing her craft.

She plans to attend acting workshops and improve her Tagalog, a crucial step for delivering a compelling performance in a predominantly Filipino film. “I’ll make sure I’m fully prepared to give my best,” she vowed.

With both Coco Martin’s experience and de Leon’s dedication, Ang Panday promises to be a thrilling collaboration, offering a blend of fresh talent and seasoned expertise.

The film’s release is highly anticipated, as fans of the Panday franchise eagerly await to see how Martin’s vision and de Leon’s debut role will unfold on the big screen.