Leo Martinez Says That All His Kids Are Close
Actor Leo Martinez shares some insights on his family, including his son’s relationship with the late Cherie Gil.
We all know actor Leo Martinez for his diverse roles on television and film, including Tongressman Manhik Manaog—a satirical depiction of a corrupt politician. But more than an actor, he’s a director and a father of six kids.
In a recent interview with Snooky Serna on her YouTube channel alongside actress Gina Pareño, Leo answered some questions about his career, family, and kids. “Ito yung family picture naman with my six kids,” he said when the photo was posted. “Whenever they asked ‘ilan ang anak mo?’ ang sagot ko, 2,1,3 —two sa una, one kay Cherie [Gil], at three kay Gina [Valenciano].“
The Abot Kamay ng Pangarap cast member adds that all of his kids have a good relationship with each other. “Up to now, they’re seeing each other in the States.”
Among Leo’s kids include Jay Eigenmann, his son with Cherie Gil, Lesley Martinez, and thespian Lorenz Martinez.
Leo also said that before her passing, Cherie and his wife Gina, sister of Gary Valenciano were close. “Oo, kasi when she was alive, Cherie and Gina were best of friends.”
Having been married for 36 years to Gina, Leo said that one thing that makes their marriage work is all about respect.
Leo on teaching acting and the Eddie Garcia Bill
In the same interview, Leo, who has been in showbiz talked about how he teaches acting as a director and facilitator.
“I teach No Acting Please. Ang inaano namin sa No Acting Please is ‘acting is is not thinking. It’s feeling.’ At lagi mo dapat i-express ang lahat mong nararadaman. Kasi ang mga hindi mo na express na feeling, nagiging toxins sa katawan,” he explained.
“So lahat ng mga nararamdaman mo dapat ilabas mo. Pg hindi ka nag-express ng nararadaman mo, naiiwan iyon. Iyon ang kumakain sa loob mo. Nagiging cancer.”
Hence, in the workshops, he and his co-teachers encourage the actors not to think, but to just express themselves.
Leo also briefly tackled the Eddie Garcia Bill—a bill that has been in Congress for quite some time regarding the work hours of actors and their safety. lt was named after the veteran actor who died in an accident while shooting a series.
“Matagal na iyong inaano [pinupush]. Kailangan ng maayos na industriya. Kailangan healthy ang industriya,” he said of the bill. “So hindi na pupuwede iyong mga magdamagan na taping. Hindi tayo maka-function if we work more than 12 hours a day.”
Leo said that the practice of 8 hours for senior citizens taping for shows is already being implemented. Child actors on the other hand need to work only for 6 hours. “Pag nasunod iyon palagay ko mas uunlad yung industriya kasi healthy ang mga tao.”
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