January 17, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — “Longevity” is what Sparkle GMA Artist Center actor Martin del Rosario aspires for in his entertainment career, as he shared in a brief chat with The STAR. He has shown his acting mettle on TV and stage as well as in film.
“For me, it’s what I’m aiming for,” said he, adding that he is bent on following in the footsteps of seasoned actors Nonie Buencamino and Joel Torre.
“So, I’m a character actor,” described himself. “Kahit anong ibigay sa akin (whatever role that is given to me, I’m up for it). I can even do (roles in) theater and even play offbeat characters. For as long as the role is maganda (well-written and meaty), challenging and masarap (fun and enjoyable) to do, gagawin ko talaga (I’ll take on it).”
Perhaps he can dabble in other areas of show business, but acting is his strong suit.
“Love ko kasi, love ko yung ginagawa ko (I love it and what I’m doing),” said Martin. “Parang na-imagine ko ang sarili ko kahit matanda ako na ginagawa ko pa rin siya (I can imagine myself still acting even if I’m old).”
As an actor, he continues to display his reliability and versatility by portraying new roles and being part of different projects. Last year, Martin did the primetime adventure serye “Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila” and three movies, “Beyond the Call of Duty,” “Haplos sa Hangin” and “Flower Girl.” His performance in “Haplos sa Hangin” won him the Best Actor award at the CineSilip Film Festival. He also ventured into stage acting through the play “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.”
2025 was a very creative and productive year for Martin, who said, “Blessed talaga (I’m really blessed) and thank you, Lord.”
After wrapping up the last show for “Anino,” he was already on the set of “House of Lies.” This time, he plays the good son and family member, Edward, in the GMA Afternoon Prime family drama, which premieres on Jan. 19 at 3:20 p.m.
“(In) my past projects, (my roles were) mostly dark and kontrabida. (In ‘House of Lies,’) my character is kind and very genuine,” Martin gave bits and pieces of his role. “He’s the brother of Mike (Tan’s character, Paolo). Mine is not the favorite son, and he is the husband of Kris Bernal’s Althea. He is surrounded by people who are lying (or making up stories).”
That kind of characterization required Martin to take a different approach, which is internal, as he put it.
“I needed to prepare more internally because Edward is restrained. Mas marami siyang feelings na hindi nilalabas dahil takot siya sa rejection (he has more suppressed feelings because of fear of rejection). Insecure siyang tao kasi lagi na lang panalo ang kuya ko, eh (he’s insecure because his brother always wins). (Paolo) is the favorite, while Edward is not.”
The portrayal veers away from his kontrabida roles that also saw him work on the external aspect of the characters.
It’s also a first for Martin to take on a character who is part of a truly complicated and multi-layered story.
“Actually, the strength of the show is its story,” said he, referring to how it’s being crafted and the way the lies are being woven.”
“Just react. Maging natural ka lang (be natural),” answered Martin when asked about acting. “Wag mong masyadong isipin. Alamin mo lang ang character mo (don’t overthink and just know your character). Ilabas mo lang kung ano yung tingin mong natural (just bring out and act out what you think is natural). Acting is reacting.”
Although he enjoys his work and commits to it, the actor knows how to take a breather and recharge his batteries. Martin went on a vacation in London and Paris.
In the future, the Broadcast Communication student at the University of the Philippines also considers directing. He will be a welcome addition to the local tinseltown’s circle of actors’ directors.
“Gusto kong mag-direct (I want to direct),” said he. “Gusto kong gumawa ng kwento. Gusto kong maging storyteller (I want to create and tell a story). Ako yung mag-u-unfold ng script kung paano siya sa vision ko (I will be the one unfolding what the script presents based on my vision).”
Please watch the good son portrayal of Martin and “House of Lies” weekday afternoons. Pinoys around the world can watch it via GMA Pinoy TV.
