Kapamilya actor and ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ star Coco Martin has opened up about his decision to leave social media, saying it was crucial for protecting his peace, privacy, and mental well-being.
In a candid conversation on Bianca Gonzalez’s podcast, Coco reflected on turning 40 and the unusual phase he now finds himself in: successful career, financial security, and a stable relationship with longtime partner Julia Montes. So when asked what he still looks forward to in life, the actor gave an unexpectedly simple answer: “Ang hinahanap ko ngayon, peace and happiness… ‘Yung safe ka and your family.”
Coco admitted that one major factor behind his withdrawal from social media was the emotional toll of online bashing—especially during ABS-CBN’s shutdown in 2020.
“Na-bash ako noong Laban Kapamilya… kung ano-ano sinasabi sa amin nila Kim (Chiu).”
He said what truly hurt was feeling misunderstood despite standing up for colleagues who lost their jobs.
“Ang pinaglalaban namin, ‘yung mga taong mawawalan ng trabaho… hanggang ngayon, ano nangyari sa mga nawalan ng trabaho? Wala.”
The negativity online wore him down.
“First time kong binash na sobrang sakit pala. Sana naiisip din ng mga tao ‘yung effect sa tao… lalo na kung wala naman silang koneksiyon sa tao.”
Coco said his only sanctuary now is his home—his garden and routine giving him peace after years of nonstop work.
“‘Yun na lang ang pinakainiingatan ko—privacy.”
He added that social media made every part of his life feel public and exposed.
“Parang open to the public na. Lahat may opinyon sa inyo.”
The actor said removing his Instagram and other accounts was one of the best decisions he ever made.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung tineyk-down ko. Mas naging simple at tahimik ang buhay ko.”
Coco shared that he now avoids reading negative comments about fellow artists, saying it deeply affects him.
“Nasasaktan ako kapag nakakakita ako ng mga artistang napagsasalitaan. Pare-pareho lang naman tayong naghahanapbuhay.”
He urged netizens to be kinder.
“Lahat naman tayo nagkakamali. Sana mas maging positive tayo kaysa negative. Kailangan natin magtulungan.”
Despite avoiding social media, Coco is aware people continue to speculate about him and Julia.
“Thank you… mahaba talaga ang pinagsamahan namin ni Julia. Natutuwa ako kasi hanggang ngayon, andun pa rin ang mga taong nagmamahal sa amin.”
But when asked about sharing details of his love life or revealing if marriage is next, Coco quickly shut it down:
“Hindi.”
And on whether he plans to reveal “the right one” publicly?
“Hindi! Wala.”
For Coco, privacy is non-negotiable.
“Pinakamahalaga sa buhay ngayon is peace of mind and privacy… reward ko ‘yon sa sarili ko at sa family ko. Bakit ko hahayaan na masaktan sila?”
Being private doesn’t make him less of an actor
Coco ended by saying people should judge him by the work he produces—not by how much he shares online.
“Hindi naman kabawasan ‘yun. Ang importante, ‘yung produkto na ginagawa ko—‘yun ang pag-usapan natin.”
