Arjo steadily works his way up

Arjo Atayde (MNS photo)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Arjo Atayde is a remarkable actor who has received the thumbs-ups even from esteemed colleagues.

He downplays the praises.

“Of course, there are people behind the camera, my very good co-artists who are helping me out. So, it’s not just me, you know, it’s always gonna involve others who are tirelessly helping you, pushing you to your limit.”

During a show in Naga City, no less than his “Ang Probinsyano” co-star Coco Martin introduced Arjo as the best actor of his generation. Asked about it, Arjo could only say he’s thankful, overwhelmed and happy to hear that from a “brilliant actor.”

“It’s an honor because he’s one that I look up to,” Arjo said of Coco.

Coco revealed he has admired Arjo for his acting chops from when he saw him on “Dugong Buhay” for which the latter won the Best Supporting Actor trophy (Drama) at the PMPC Star Awards for TV. In fact, it was Coco who introduced himself at an event.

“Niyakap ko siya, sabi ko, ‘Alam mo ang galing mo! Sana magkatrabaho tayo…’” Coco recounted.

While some people have started comparing Coco and Arjo, the latter thinks it’s not right.

“I don’t think you can compare Coco and I because Coco is ‘Coco’ and I’m a newbie. You know, I’m still trying to work my way up there. Let’s see where my path goes. So as of now, there should be no comparison because Coco is Coco,” Arjo said.

Arjo also considers veteran actor Albert Martinez one of his mentors.

“Ang dami ko pong natutunan sa kanila, absorb lang nang absorb. It’s helping me a lot, so I’m thankful more than kabado.

Actually mas thankful ako na sila ’yung mga nakakatrabaho ko,” he said of the veteran cast members of his new soap. (MNS)