Kapamilya superstar Coco Martin reminisced about his beginnings during an appearance on Toni Gonzaga's popular online show, Toni Talks.

It was a reunion for both celebrities who starred in the hit romantic comedy movie "You're My Boss" from 2015.

During a heart-to-heart talk with Toni, Coco recalled his first acting job when the director wanted to replace him because he struggled with acting.

"My first ever acting experience was in a commercial. My director cursed at me. They want to replace me at 2 in the morning," Coco said.

He added: "Because I cannot act. Because, at first, I was just playing with the motorcycle. But when they put the camera in front of me, I don't know where to look because all I see is the camera lens.

"Then the director got angry. I was so embarrassed because we had 200 talents at that time. There were many of us. I will not let this happen again.

"That is why ever since then, every time I have work, I am so focused. Because I want to learn. You are studying it," he said.

Coco also said his real dream was to become a seaman. He was also inspired by his grandmother to work hard.

"My grandma used to work in a cockpit. She sells tickets. And because she is very efficient, she eventually cooks for her bosses. And because she earned enough money, she ended up lending money and other products in La Loma," the actor-entrepreneur said.

Coco also mentioned that he was paid P2,000 for a lead role in an independent movie but he did not complain because it was still work.

But Coco was hurt being labeled bold star when he was just starting. He said he accepted sexy projects in the past because he needed the money. "Ginawa ko yun para sa pamilya ko. (I did it for my family.)" 

The actor and producer expressed pride in the experiences that shaped him into a better person.

Coco added that he was rejected by ABS-CBN twice. "It hurts." The star of "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" recalled those moments that really affected him.

The actor shared his experiences when he was approached by the Kapamilya Network as a newcomer in the industry.

Coco said: "Direk, we didn't know that Coco Martin is a sexy actor. Because they were getting me to be the love triangle of Shaina Magdayao and Rayver Cruz.

"After that, I accepted it. But when they called me again for the soap opera of Judy Ann Santos for the role of the gay best friend for the Nurse series, they asked me, 'Can you do a gay role?' I said, "Sure, I can.' Because I really needed money. I can do that! Sure!" Then they told them, "Coco is okay with the role."

"Then few days after, they called Direk again and said, 'Direk, we didn't know that Coco Martin is a bold star.' That's when I got mad. I was really pissed. Because I asked myself, 'Why are they like that? I have a high respect for my work. Because I don't put labels," Coco said.

Coco spoke about his devotion to Jesus Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. He expressed his amazement at the blessings he had received as a devotee. Of the 10 things he prayed for from Jesus Nazarene, he received more blessings than he had asked for.

Times have changed. Coco is now one of the most respected actors in the industry. Toni even considers Coco one of the pillars of ABS-CBN following the success of his television series "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and "FPJ's Batang Quiapo."

Toni said she was happy Coco was slowly going public about his love life. Coco did not admit his relationship with actress Julia Montes during the interview. But Toni reminded Coco about giving flowers to Julia on the set of the series "Saving Grace."

Coco said he felt embarrassed to give Julia the bouquet himself and wanted his friends to present the flowers to her instead.

"I feel so shy. It's so corny," said Coco as he laughed. "I don't want her to feel I am keeping our relationship a secret even if she doesn't say it."