Wildly popular for his long-running action TV series “Ang Probinsyano” and his acting skill that has earned him local and international recognition, Coco Martin admits that aside from his family and his craft, one thing that gives him pure joy is riding his motorcycle.
Whenever possible, Coco would be seen riding a motorcycle in his films or in TV dramas.
“Kung mapapansin niyo, lagi akong gumagamit ng motorsiklo pag gumagawa ako ng mga pelikula at soap opera kasi isa ‘yun sa mga trademark ko at isa ‘yun sa mga passion ko kaya pinapakita ko ‘to sa mga pelikula,” Coco said.
He started riding at the age of 16 when he worked as a tricycle driver to have money for school. Not one to hide his modest roots, Coco admits that he used to drive his lola’s tricycle at night until the wee hours of the morning so he could have “baon” for school.
“Bata pa lang po ako, ito na ang ikinabubuhay ng aming pamilya. Ang lolo ko ay jeepney driver at ang tatay ko po ay ganu’n din. Ang lola ko naman ay may tricycle na pamasada. Noong matuto akong mag-motor, ipinasada ko na ang tricycle ng lola ko pangtulong sa pamilya, at pambaon ko sa eskuwela,” said Coco.
That started his love for motorcycles so much so that when he started earning, initially from doing indie films, his thoughts turned to making the future for his family which was why he bought three tricycles and a brand new jeepney for his father to continue the family business.
His passion for motorcycles
Coco’s passion for motorcycle continued through the years and he is now the proud owner of not one, not two, but 11 motorcycles.
Of the 11 bikes, he has a current favorite, which he says provides both comfort and an adrenaline rush.
He also treasures his very first bike, given to him by no less than actress Dawn Zulueta.
Coco says that whenever he gets the chance, he rides his bike to the countryside to relax his mind from the stress of work.
“Masarap po sa pakiramdam ‘yung mag-bike ka at magpunta sa mga lugar na tahimik para makapag-relax,” he said.
Being a responsible biker
Coco admits that he was a reckless driver when he started and has had a few accidents.
“Bata pa kasi ako nu’n, so medyo reckless ako magmaneho at sumemplang na din ako ng ilang beses,” he said.
Over the years, he realized the importance of being a responsible biker by undergoing proper safety training.
He added: “Base sa mga kamalian ko noon, naisip ko nga na kailangan mo talagang dumaan sa training, kasi hindi basta-basta ang paggamit ng motor. Maaring sa isang iglap may mangyari sa iyo na hindi maganda, kaya better talaga na mag-training ka, para maiwasan ‘yung mga aksidente.”
Part of being a responsible owner, Coco said, is making sure that your motorcycle is well-maintained and in tip-top condition.
“Siyempre, iniingatan ko ‘yung mga motor ko. Unang-una, ‘yung maintenance hindi dapat pinapabayaan. Shell Advance ang lagi kong ginagamit na langis para mapanatili kong malinis at malakas ang makina ng mga motor ko,” Coco said.
That was the reason why it was very easy for Coco to accept the invitation of Shell to become its brand ambassador for Shell Advance.
“Alam ko kasing mapapagkatiwalaan ng mga nagmo-motor ang Shell Advance dahil ako mismo, ito ang gamit ko. Kaya madali rin para sa akin na i-endorse din ito sa iba pang motorcycle riders para sa maintenance ng kanilang mga motor,” Coco added.
Shell Advance has a complete range of motorcycle and scooter oils specifically formulated to give complete engine protection so that you can outride anything. Motorcycle enthusiasts like Coco Martin regularly use Shell Advance because it maximizes horsepower, enhances fuel economy, keeps pistons clean, provides superior wear protection and protects against extreme heat.
Shell Advance is one among the many products that form part of Shell’s 105-year legacy of service and quality, all of which aim to make the future for motorists—whether riders of motorcycles and tricycles or drivers of cars and trucks.
