‘Not the first choice but the final choice’: Coco Martin grateful for ‘Apag’ lead role

Coco Martin finds his way back to indie roots with his mentor, Direk Brillante Mendoza, in the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival official entry ‘Apag’ (Feast).

Kapamilya’s “Hari ng Primetime” and ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ lead star takes a detour from television to join Direk Dante in this food-adorned family drama film which is one of the eight entries to exclusive screen in regular cinemas nationwide from April 8 to 18.

The film had its invitational celebrity screening and press conference this March 28 (Tuesday), at SM North Edsa, sponsored by SM Cinemas. Special thanks to Ms. Millie Dizon for the said special screening.

When asked about how he feels for not being the first choice (but being the final one all the same), he answered, “Sobrang saya talaga and sobrang proud.

“Kasi sabi ko nga, ako, kung pwede lang ako magpresenta pag may mga pelikula si direk [Brilliante Mendoza], talagang naiingit ako. Every time na gumagawa siya ng pelikula na hindi ako part. Naiingit ako kasi alam ko kung ano yung hirap, yung talento na binubuhos do’n sa pelikulang yon.”

“Sobrang grateful ako na natuloy ako dito sa project na ‘to,” he added.

‘Apag’ also stars Jaclyn Jose, Gladys Reyes, Mercedes Cabral, and Sen. Lito Lapid, with Julio Diaz, Ronwaldo Martin, and with the special participation of Shaina Magdayao, Joseph Marco, Vince Rillon, Mark Lapid, and Ms. Gina Pareño. Written by Arianna Martinez, the film is produced by Hongkong International Film Festival Society and Center Stage Productions.

Here’s the official synopsis of ‘Apag’:

The lives of two Kapampangan families intertwine when an accident transpires between them.  A shared suffering bonds these two families – just as equally as food bonds them together – as they navigate through guilt, anger, and ultimately, revenge.

From the direction of world-renowned Filipino filmmaker and 2009 Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza, this powerful dramatic film with a formidable cast opens April 8 (Black Saturday) in Philippine cinemas nationwide. 

As the film’s tagline goes, “Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”

Don’t miss Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Apag’ at the #2023SummerMMFF.