From “Tayong Dalawa” to “Sigabo”: Coco Martin and Gina Pareño’s teleserye projects through the years

There’s definitely no doubt that “Sigabo” lead star and director Coco Martin is among the most admired actors in the local entertainment scene. Over the years, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow artists, many of whom look up to him and aspire to work with him, particularly those from the younger generation. But before reaching the stature he has now, Coco was once a budding actor still finding his footing in the world of showbiz.

Fortunately, along the way, he crossed paths with industry veterans who took him under their wing and helped shape him into the actor he is today. Among them is award-winning veteran actress Gina Pareño, whom he got to work with in several movie and television projects over the years. Due to various circumstances, however, several years passed without them sharing the screen again, prompting Gina to make a heartfelt request for them to do a project together anew in a media interview.

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News in 2024, Coco revealed that he had been hoping to work with the veteran actress again, following her expressed desire to return to acting. Responding to Gina’s wish to make a comeback on screen, Coco disclosed, “Actually, naka-ano na nga ‘yan eh. Hindi kasi pwedeng sasalang mo agad. Sabi ko, hindi kasi ako nagbibigay ng trabaho for the sake na mabigyan mo ng trabaho. Gusto ko, binigyan ko ng trabaho kasi may dahilan, may rason at may importansya ‘yong role niya. Inaaral ko ‘yon kasi ayaw ko mararamdaman nila na, ‘Ay [bakit naman ganito], hindi ako vinalue.’”

He further revealed that even before Gina made the appeal, he had already been mulling over what role would best suit her in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” since he wanted to make sure that her character would give her ample chance to showcase her remarkable acting prowess. But before that opportunity could materialize, however, the two had already reunited in the 2022 independent film “Apag,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza. The project also brought them together with other actors they had previously worked with in Mendoza’s films.

“Lola ko ‘yan. Sobrang mahal na mahal ko ‘yan. Si Tita Gina ang isa sa mga nag-alaga at nagturo sa akin noong nagsisimula ako sa TV. Kung ano ako ngayon, ‘yong disiplina ko, ‘yong pagtutok ko sa trabaho, ‘yong characterization. Dati, imbes na makipagkuwentuhan ako sa mga co-actors ko, tatawagin ako n’yan sa tent para sabihin sa akin, ‘Tara, magbasa ka ng script mo. Gano’n kahigpit ‘yan,” he recounted.

He went on to express just how much Gina meant to him, saying, “Kaya nga Lola Gets ko ‘yan eh. ‘Yong importansya, ‘yong pagmamahal, sobra-sobra ‘yong pinaramdam niya sa akin at pag-aalaga. Hindi lang siya co-actor ko, talagang para kaming mag-lola, mag-apo. Kung ano ‘yong pagmamahal na naramdaman ko kay Tita Susan [Roces], gano’n din kay Tita Gina. Siguro dahil laking lola ako, pakiramdam ko talaga lola ko sila.”

Although their hoped-for reunion in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” did not come to fruition, viewers certainly have reason to rejoice now that the two are finally sharing the screen again in “Coco Martin’s Sigabo”!

In a teaser released on November 5, Gina and Coco are seen sharing a lighthearted moment through their respective characters. While riding in the back seat of the taxi driven by Gabo, Gina’s character tells him that he bears a striking resemblance to her grandson, Ramon. Amused by their apparent connection, she then asks him to call her “Lola Gets.”

Those names are likely to ring a bell among longtime Kapamilya viewers, particularly those who got to watch the 2009 Kapamilya series “Tayong Dalawa” since Gina and Coco’s characters in the series also went by the names Lola Gets and Ramon! The classic drama series was actually their first TV project together, following their stints in the critically acclaimed 2008 independent film “Serbis.”

Perhaps owing to their undeniable chemistry as an onscreen grandmother and grandson, the two were once again paired in the 2013 fantasy-action series “Juan Dela Cruz.” This time, Gina portrayed Belen, the grandmother of Coco’s titular character, whom the latter affectionately called “Loley.”

Three years later, they reunited in the action-drama series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” although this time, they found themselves on opposite sides of the story rather than playing family members. Viewers may recall how Coco’s character, Cardo Dalisay, once went undercover as a prostitute named Paloma to infiltrate a human and sex trafficking syndicate, which was apparently being led by Gina’s character, Madam Olga.

Aside from Gina’s much-anticipated reunion with Coco, viewers are also looking forward to seeing whether she will share scenes with Julia Montes, her former co-star in the 2010 remake of the classic soap opera “Mara Clara.” Ardent Kapamilya fans may recall that Gina portrayed Lola Lupe, the biological grandmother of Julia’s character, Mara.

Are you as excited as we are to discover what role Gina Pareño’s character will play in Gabo’s life? Find out in the upcoming episodes of “Coco Martin’s Sigabo,” airing weeknights at 8:00 PM on ABS-CBN via ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, and A2Z, as well as on Kapamilya Online Live (KOL). You can also stream episodes anytime on iWant!