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In a groundbreaking collaboration, acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti, renowned producer Dondon Monteverde, and celebrated Kapamilya actor Coco Martin have joined forces for two massive cinematic projects that promise to redefine Filipino action storytelling — On the Job: Maghari and May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio.
This powerhouse partnership was officially unveiled during a press conference held at Marco Polo Ortigas, Pasig City, where Coco expressed his excitement and gratitude for finally working with two of the industry’s most respected creative forces.
A Dream Collaboration Years in the Making
“For the longest time, I really dreamed of working with Direk Erik and Sir Dondon,” Coco recalled. “When I watched BuyBust, I told myself — what actor wouldn’t dream of being part of such a project and working with them?”
The Batang Quiapo star revealed that he waited years for the opportunity. “I was really hoping they would notice me,” he shared. “But when OTJ 2 came out and I still wasn’t part of it, I realized maybe it just wasn’t the right time yet.”
Then came the long-awaited call. “One day, my producer told me Direk Erik and Sir Dondon wanted to meet with me. Kinilabutan ako. I waited so long for this,” Coco said.
During their meeting, the actor’s passion left a strong impression. “I told Sir Dondon I was a big fan of OTJ and of their film Heneral Luna. I was so proud that we’re able to make films like those,” Coco said. “That’s when they mentioned they were developing a Bonifacio project. From then on, we met with the creatives every week — and the rest is history.”
Coco emphasized that both films aim to bring global recognition to Filipino craftsmanship.
“We talked about how we can show the world what Filipino filmmakers can do,” he said. “If we’re going to make films, let’s make ones that will leave a mark — not only among Filipinos, but around the world.”
Erik Matti: “We Want to Bring Out the Best in Coco”
Director Erik Matti praised Coco’s evolution as an artist and expressed excitement about exploring his range in these projects.
“We want to bring out the best in Coco — not just what audiences see in Batang Quiapo or Ang Probinsyano. He has such a strong legacy from his indie film days. From the beginning, Coco has always been a dramatic actor,” Matti said.
According to Matti, both films are emotionally charged and ambitious in scope.
“These are popcorn movies, but with very strong stories. That’s what we agreed on — to combine entertainment with depth.”
The Films: Two Epics, Two Sides of the Filipino Spirit
On the Job: Maghari (2026) will delve deeper into the world of Erik Matti’s acclaimed 2013 crime thriller On the Job. Coco will portray the young Mario Maghari, the hitman originally played by Joel Torre, exploring his life before imprisonment — a story set in the gritty 1990s that highlights his fight to protect his family.
Meanwhile, May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio (2027) will feature Coco as the Father of the Philippine Revolution in an epic historical reimagining. The film will explore Bonifacio’s humanity — his dreams, struggles, and ideals — through a fresh, modern cinematic lens.
“Sometimes it’s scary to tell a historical story,” Matti admitted. “Because everyone has their own version of Bonifacio — from what they learned in school to what historians believe. But his story is still relevant today. What happened to him back then is still happening now.”
Matti added that the film will incorporate modern storytelling techniques and even rock music, creating a bold new take on the revolutionary hero’s legacy.
Coco also revealed that both films will feature unexpected casting choices — bringing together actors who have never shared the screen before.
“We want audiences to say, ‘We’ve never seen this group together before,’” he said.
Despite his busy TV schedule, Coco assured fans that he will make time for both movies, which are written by Michiko Yamamoto and directed by Erik Matti — the award-winning creative duo behind some of Philippine cinema’s most daring works.
With On the Job: Maghari slated for release in 2026 and May Pag-asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio following in 2027, this collaboration marks a milestone in contemporary Philippine filmmaking.
“It’s all about making something that will resonate —
something that shows who we are as Filipinos,” Coco said.
“These are stories worth telling — not just for entertainment, but for history,
pride, and legacy.”
Watch the full video
of Coco Martin, Erik Matti, and Dondon Monteverde as they discuss their
upcoming films — On the Job: Maghari and May Pag-asa: The Battles of
Andres Bonifacio.
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