Coco Martin on Julia Montes, love, and purpose

Coco Martin has always been a man of few words, but when he chooses to speak—especially about love and purpose—his sincerity never fails to resonate. In a rare and heartfelt revelation, the “Batang Quiapo” actor opened up about his relationship with actress Julia Montes and the kind of partnership that anchors his life beyond fame.

The quiet strength behind the primetime king

“Ang pinaka kinaswerte ko kay Juls, ‘yung pag-aalaga at pagmamahal talaga niya,” Coco said fondly, referring to Julia by her nickname. “Kasi alam na namin ‘yung part namin sa isa’t isa—ako ang planner, siya ang tagagawa. Diba, parang pagdating ko sa bahay, wala na akong iisipin.”

(“What I’m most lucky about with Juls is her care and love. We already know our roles in each other’s lives—I’m the planner, she’s the doer. When I get home, I don’t have to think about anything anymore.”)

He went on to share the simple yet profound ways Julia shows her love. “Kasi lahat ‘yan naka-prepare na. Siya magluluto, nakaluto na ng lahat. Alam niya kung ano ‘yung mga paborito kong pagkain. Lahat ng damit ko, siya ang mag-aayos, siya ang magpaplantsa—lahat talaga. Sabi ko nga, sino ba namang hindi sisipagin maghanapbuhay, magtrabaho, diba?”

(“Everything’s already prepared. She cooks, she knows my favorite dishes. She organizes all my clothes, she even does the ironing—everything. I said, who wouldn’t be inspired to work hard, right?”)

Their partnership is built on mutual respect and understanding—a grounded love far from the showbiz glitter. To Coco, Julia represents peace, stability, and a kind of devotion that allows him to give his best not only to his craft but also to his advocacies.

Purpose beyond the screen

In the latest episode of “KC After Hours” aired on 01 November, Coco Martin also reflected on his role as an artist amid national issues. Responding to questions about his absence during the recent protest rally against corruption, the actor calmly explained that activism comes in many forms.

“May kaibigan akong nagtanong kung bakit hindi ako sumama sa protesta. Sabi ko, kasi hindi ko naman kailangang makipag-away, makipagsigawan, makipagbatuhan. May kanya-kanya tayong pamamaraan,” he shared.

(“A friend asked me why I didn’t join the protest. I said I don’t need to fight, shout, or throw things. We each have our own ways.”)

For Coco, storytelling remains his form of resistance and contribution. “Ang pamamaraan ko, ‘yung pagkukuwento at pag-educate sa mga tao kung ano ang nangyayari sa ating bansa. Either series ‘yan, teleserye, o pelikula—ito ay sumasalamin sa buhay ng mga Pilipino.”

(“My way is through storytelling—educating people about what’s happening in our country. Whether through series, teleserye, or film—it reflects the lives of Filipinos.”)

Lessons from the past

Coco also recalled a difficult chapter in his career—the closure of ABS-CBN in 2020. That moment, he said, changed how he used his voice.

“Hindi kami nagsasalita lang noon bilang artista. Nagsasalita kami dahil sa mga taong mawawalan ng trabaho,” he recalled. “Pero ang pinakamasakit no’n, ‘yong mga kapwa artista pa ang sumisira sa amin.”

(“We didn’t speak then just as artists. We spoke for the people who were about to lose their jobs. But the most painful thing was that it was fellow artists who were tearing us down.”)

The network’s 25-year franchise was not renewed by Congress in May 2020, an event that affected thousands of employees and talents. Despite the heartbreak, Coco turned his pain into creative purpose—channeling his frustrations into stories that mirror the real struggles of Filipinos.

A life fueled by love and advocacy

Today, Coco Martin stands as both a storyteller and a man in love. His relationship with Julia Montes, quietly nurtured away from the spotlight, keeps him grounded, while his passion for the country keeps him moving forward.

For Coco, it all ties back to one thing: love. Whether for Julia, his craft, or his fellow countrymen, his actions—more than his words—speak volumes. “Sino ba namang hindi sisipagin,” he said, “kung may inspirasyon kang ganun?”

(“Who wouldn’t be motivated if you have that kind of inspiration?”)