Kapamilya star Coco Martin expressed his gratitude after receiving a Special Citation for Excellence in Media and Television Storytelling at the USTV+ Media Excellence Awards earlier this week.
During his acceptance speech, Coco said the recognition was especially meaningful to him as it honors not only his work but also the efforts of the team and crew behind his television programs.
“Sa totoo lang po may taping ako ngayon pero nagpapack up ako para po rito. Napakaespesyal po ng karangalang ito para sa akin dahil dugo, pawis at paghihirap po talaga ang nilaan namin sa bawat programang ginagawa po namin mula sa Ang Probinsyano, Batang Quiapo at ngayon po sa Sigabo,” the actor said.
Coco also highlighted the importance of telling stories about Filipinos, saying that his team carefully crafts the stories they bring to television.
“Pinagaaralanan po namin mabuti ang lahat ng mga kwento. Ang bawat kwento ng mga Pilipino,” he added.
He then thanked the management of ABS-CBN and the people behind his shows, including Cory Vidanes, Carlo Katigbak, Mark Lopez, and the late Deo Endrinal, as well as Dreamscape and CCM Production.
“Gusto ko po pasalamatan ang ABS-CBN sa paglikha ng mga programang makasaysayan at programang tumutukoy sa buhay ng lahat ng mga Pilipino. Maraming maraming salamat po,” he expressed.
Coco also dedicated the recognition to everyone who has been part of Ang Probinsyano, Batang Quiapo, and Sigabo.
“Sa lahat po ng bumubuo Ang Probinsyano, Batang Quiapo at Sigabo, ang pagtutulong-tulong po natin sa paggawa ng bawat programa, isang malaking karangalan po ito para sa amin, sa lahat ng mga paghihirap na pinagdadaanan namin po sa araw-araw,” he said.
Looking back on his career, Coco reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry and expressed his appreciation for the directors, writers, staff, crew, and everyone who continues to support his work.
“Malayo-layo na rin po ang aking nilakbay mula noong ako ay nagsimula. Bilang extra, bilang talent, bilang PA, bilang actor, nilang director, bilang scriptwriter at ngayong bilang producer. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng mga tao na tumutulong sa akin sa pang-araw-araw na trabaho, lalong-lalo na sa aking director, sa aking mga writer, sa aking mga staff at crew, at sa lahat po ng bumubuo ng aking mga show,” he expressed.
Before ending his speech, Coco thanked everyone who have been inspiring him in doing his work.
“Sa akin pong pamilya na inspirasyon ko, sa aking lola na nasa langit na ngayon at syempre po sa aking katulong sa buhay, sa aking kabiyak ng aking puso na si Miss Julia Montes, para sa inyo ito. Sa aking mga kaibigan sa press, sa lahat ng tumutulong sa akin sa bawat programa at sa bawat teleserye na ginagawa ko, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.”
In an Instagram post following the awards ceremony, Coco reiterated that the recognition was for the people who work behind and in front of the camera.
“Higit sa parangal, ito ay pagkilala sa bawat kwentong binuo kasama ang mga taong walang sawang nagbibigay-buhay sa telebisyon, mula sa writers, directors, actors, production team, hanggang sa ating mga manonood.”
“Maraming Maraming Salamat USTV+ at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Thomasian Community. At sa lahat ng kasama ko sa likod at harap ng kamera, at higit sa lahat, sa mga taong patuloy na sumusuporta at naniniwala, Maraming Salamat po!!!”
Coco was among the Kapamilya personalities and programs recognized at the USTV+ Media Excellence Awards.
Kapamilya Deal or No Deal host Luis Manzano received the Media Excellence Award in Entertainment and Popular Culture for Game Show (Individual Category), while director Cathy Garcia-Sampana was honored with the Media Excellence Award in Entertainment and Popular Culture for Drama (Individual Category).
Bianca Gonzalez also received the Media Influencer Award in Psychological Awareness and Advocacy.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News’ flagship newscast TV Patrol was recognized with the Media Excellence Award in Responsible News Reporting (Program Category), while Pinoy Big Brother received the Media Excellence Award in Entertainment and Popular Culture for Game/Reality Show (Program Category).