“The Albert Martinez’ Mystique”

Working with the stars in “May Bukas Pa” would come to pass as the longest “getting to know your favorite stars” I ever experienced. Yes, that part of being a fan in me is still very active even in this project where I had the chance to rub elbows, chat, laugh, eat and drink with the stars!

In the process, I came to know more about who Albert Martinez is. Nine year ago, I had worked for a project starring Albert when I appeared for a bit role in a movie titled “Ika-13 Kapitulo” but I never had the chance to work with him. My scenes were with Christopher de Leon since I played as one of the members of the board of Boyeth's company in the movie. The second project that I worked with Albert was for a teleserye titled “Maria Flordeluna”. Albert played the lead role as Col. Alicante, the father of Maria Flordeluna while I played the role of a police general – General Garcia who was a member of a syndicate. We had some taping days together. But, my character appeared only towards the end of the story, hence my chance to get familiar with Albert was not that long.

In “May Bukas Pa” however, for one solid year, I had worked with Albert Martinez and had known him better.

One day, while I was in our office, Egie – an officemate requested me for a picture of Albert Martinez with his autograph. Egie told me that her sister Cecil is an avid fan of Albert Martinez. I told my wife about it and she too asked for an autographed picture of Albert When I told Albert about it, he volunteered to send his photos from his camera to my camera by bluetooth. I then had it developed. The next taping day, I gave Albert the photos and he gladly signed the pictures: one for my wife and another one for Cecil.

My wife was so proud about her Albert Martinez signed photo. She asked me to have it scanned and she posted it in the internet through her TAGGED account. If my wife was so happy about it, Cecil – according to Egie was even more happy!

Months later, Egie handed to me a letter from Cecil which she wrote for Albert. I gave it to Albert. I reminded him that it came from Cecil, the sister of my officemate who asked for his autographed picture. Albert read Cecil's letter carefully. After reading it, he proudly showed it to our Assistant Director who was smiling when she read the fan mail.

The glow in Albert's eyes showed how delighted he was to know that he had just made another person happy by giving out his best in every acting assignment he has.

By the way, Cecil is a special child.