Leo Martinez on What Makes a Man: 'He Has To Be Trusted'

Even into his late '70s, Leo Martinez remains one of the most recognizable actors in both film and television. It's been one hell of a career for the man. He belongs in the conversation of the quietly great masters of his craft; your favorite actor's unlikely favorite co-star, if you will. Martinez's screen and stage presence is well-documented, whether he's playing bit parts in Filipino series or starring alongside the biggest names in the country in films like Up from the Depths, Manhik-Manaog, Mongolian Barbecue, or, more recently, On the Job 2: The Missing 8.

For those within the industry, he's known as one of those "actor's actors." In his early days, he was a brilliant actor in the theater who also happened to be a co-founder of the Repertory Philippines, together with Zenaida Amador, Carmen Barredo, Tony Mercado, and Monina Mercado. These days, he's the Director General of the Film Academy of the Philippines and Chairman of the Performers Rights Society of the Philippines. The prolific actor, throughout about 50 years' worth of theater and screen roles, has always been a class act.

Speaking to Esquire Philippines, Martinez was kind enough to share a few thoughts on masculinity, his career longevity, and what keeps him healthy.

In this era, what do you think makes a man a man?

I think he has to be trusted. Now, the connotation of man is mga nangta-take advantage. So you have to be trusted by people... I show them by speaking the truth.

Having had such a great career and endlessly admired by your peers, what would say is your favorite piece of advice for your students?

I was one of the founders of Repertory (Repertory Philippines). That was 1967. I teach acting but my method is 'No acting please.' Because before you act, you have to be in a different state of being. You are able to express what you feel at any given moment, at any given time. Acting to us is feeling, not thinking.

Why do you think you've managed to still pursue all these roles given your body of work at this point? What keeps you going?

I practice what I preach. You have to express all the feelings that you have. Unexpressed feelings are toxins in your body. Kaya ka nagkakasakit kasi mayroon kang hindi nae-express, whether that's your stomach or blood pressure. At my age, I don't have any of that.

Diet-wise, have you cut back on the alcohol? Do you still drink?

I used to drink scotch and beer. Now, I'm into wine. Mas healthy daw e.