To date, Coco Martin has done 15 movies since starting out in showbiz some time in 2001; he was still using his real name, Rodel Nacianceno, then. Out of these 15 films, 13 are independent productions, hence his being tagged as the prince of the Philippine independent cinema.

His foray into the digital film genre was in the movie “Masahista” where he was re-christened as Coco Martin. “Masahista” was a movie of firsts for Coco - this was where he got his first starring role, this was his first movie which competed in an international film festival and this was the first movie where he won an acting award for (Best Actor, Young Critics Circle of the Philippines). The success of “Masahista” guaranteed his place in Philippine showbiz. After that, he appeared in 13 other movies which got him varying support and lead roles.

Now, Coco is in the process of transitioning into mainstream showbiz. He first appeared in GMA7’s “Daisy Siete: Isla Chikita” before moving to ABS-CBN for bigger projects. Since his transfer, he has been given good exposures by the Kapamilya network in shows which include “Ligaw Na Bulaklak” and “Tiny Tony”. And come January 19, 2009, we will be seeing Coco in his biggest role to date - as the brother of Gerald Anderson in the much-awaited primetime television series “Tayong Dalawa”.

A lot of great things has happened to Coco’s career since he commenced his journey into showbiz. He started out doing low-budget independent films to hone his craft and get his acting skills noticed; and then ,he carefully moved to mainstream acting. This is probably what budding showbiz entrants (like Marco Morales) are trying to emulate.

Photo credit: Paolo Feliciano for a photo in this post

Here is Marco Morales, again, reminding all of us that on January 12, 2009 (that’s Monday next week) his newest indie flick entitled “Butas (Loophole)” will have a special screening at the UP Cine Adarna. The Australian-raised Marco assures us that the movie will not disappoint. “Butas (Loophole)” is directed by critically-acclaimed director Alejandro “Bong” Ramos [who also directed the movie "Haw Ang (Harvest)"]; and boasts of an impressive cast including award-winning actor Allen Dizon, star of Cannes Film Festival Entry “Serbis”, Mercedes Cabral, and Viva Hotbabe Gwen Garci.

According to movie critics who saw the movie’s rough-cut, “Butas (Loophole)” is brilliantly-acted and has impressive cinematography. And to set the temperatures rising, Marco promises that 12 times in the movie will he be appearing in the buff. So, mark your calendars, January 12, 2009 at 7:30p.m. is the special screening of the movie “Butas (Loophole)” at UP Cine Adarna. For those who will miss the premiere night, the MTRCB-approved version of the movie will run in selected Metro Manila theaters and Robinsons cinemas starting January 15, 2009.

It seems that Zanjoe Marudo is one of ABS-CBN’s most favored actors from among its stable of stars. After being adjudged fourth big placer in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 1, he has constantly been given projects by his home network. Immediately following his exposure in the Kapamilya network’s popular reality show, he has regularly appeared in seven ABS-CBN shows (”ASAP”, “Aalog-alog”, “Super Inggo”, “Kokey”, “Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis”, “Varga” and “Dyosa”); starred in episodes for the network’s drama anthologies; and has been featured in two movies (”You Got Me!” and “Altar”). Apart from this, he has made national and international tours by becoming a member of the all-male group, Coverboys. That’s a big accomplishment for someone who has been in the business for a little over two years.

And his list of projects don’t end there. This 2009, he has at least three teleseryes lined up for airing. A primetime teleserye entitled “Florinda” from the “Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection” is set to premiere this year. Another teleserye entitled “The Wedding” which again pairs him with Anne Curtis is set for a late 2009 playdate. And while the teleserye “Dyosa” is running, Zanjoe will be seen in the daytime comedy series “Pare Koy” which is set to premiere on January 5, 2009. The series reunites him with “Aalog-alog” co-stars John Prats and Jason Gainza. Zanjoe is definitely on a roll in his career. He could be one of the busiest, if not the busiest ABS-CBN star this year.

After being adjudged the Ultimate Male Survivor in the second season of GMA7’s popular reality search, “Starstruck”, Mike Tan has made a miniscule but noticeable mark in Philippine showbiz. Immediately after the run of the said reality show, Mike has been given several, albeit, mediocre roles by his home network. He appeared as support for GMA7’s drama and fantasy programs. However, none of these exposures really made a notable impression in the minds of the Filipino viewing public.

Sometime last year he was repackaged with a sexier image as part of the male group, the Studs. The producers of Climax magazine even came up with a calendar to show that he, along with other wholesome young actors, are willing to go a bit risque, but with limitations. Apparently, this move didn’t work and “The Studs” was dissolved soon after. During those trying times in Mike’s career, GMA7 continuously gave him less-than juicy roles but gave him projects nonetheless. Last year, he appeared in three soap operas (”Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita”, “Marimar” and “Maging Akin Ka Lamang”) and two movies (”Batanes” and “Manay Po 2:Overload”).

Late last year, it has become apparent that Mike was not being utilized by his home network for any project. This led to speculations that he is transferring to rival station, ABS-CBN, in an attempt to salvage whatever is left of his career. According to sources from the internet, he is set to appear in a primetime teleserye entitled “Nagai-aida” in the Kapamilya network with Maricel Soriano, Cesar Montano, Ai Ai delas Alas, Sunshine Cruz and fellow Starstruck transferee Megan Young. Well, if there’s any truth to this rumor, Mike is really lucky to have been given such an opportunity.

However, while waiting for that project to materialize, the chinito-moreno actor is busy honing his thespian skills for a Tanghalang Pilipino production entitled “Kutsilyo, Pamaypay at Yantok” which will run from January 13-15, 2009 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute, Cultural Center of the Philippines.