One thing that is truly striking about actor Albert Martinez is his youthful look. The actor will turn 46 years old on April, but he still manages to stay fresh looking, just like the day he started his career as one of the "Regal Babies" in the early ‘80s.
During the mini-press con of the upcoming ABS-CBN drama series, Maria Flordeluna, yesterday, January 15, Albert shared his secret: "Siguro number one, my lifestyle. I don't drink. I don't smoke. I don't really dwell on problems that much. I have a very positive way of looking at life. But then again, I work out as often as possible."
He also added, "Before, nu'ng hindi ako gaanong busy, I worked out three or four times a week. I have my weights and then I have my cardiovascular, then badminton. 'Tapos I eat right. I don't eat red meat. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruits. I have not eaten rice for years."
When asked about his regular diet, Albert had this revelation: "I eat saluyot na pinakuluan lang sa garlic. No salt. For some, hindi makakain ‘yon. Siguro, acquired taste na sa akin yun. Also, yung ampalaya na ibababad mo sa asin nang magdamag. Sa morning huhugasan mo na siya, then steam lang. No salt din. I don't take yung mga food supplements or pills. You can have it all natural naman, di ba? Of course, I drink a lot of water."
How does he handle the pressure of show business, especially the intrigues?
"Showbiz for me is not a problem at all. I don't really live the life. I come in... and go. Kumbaga, bundy clock lang ako dito. I treat it as a business. So I don't really get involved with any showbiz stuff at all. I keep my privacy intact," he said.
Albert will play the role of Col. Leo Alicante in Maria Flordeluna. But the actor was quick to inject, "This is entirely different from Flordeluna before [starring Janice de Belen]. This is a prequel. Dito mapapanood kung saan nanggaling yung mga characters ng Flordeluna. Then, mag-aabot na lang yung istorya dun sa Flordeluna na alam ng mga tao noon. But this time, fast-paced na ang istorya, so the viewers should not miss an episode."
Maria Flordeluna features child actress Eliza Pineda in the title role.
Because of Albert's busy schedule—he is also in the cast of Pedro Penduko, ABS-CBN's Saturday fantasy series—do not expect any movie from this multi-awarded actor anytime soon.
"Hindi na talaga kaya ng schedule ko," said Albert.
Albert, was one of the most popular young stars in the ‘80s. A contract star of Mother Lily Monteverde's Regal Films, Albert was often paired with Snooky Serna. Their loveteam was also one of the most popular tandems then, along with Maricel Soriano and William Martinez (Albert's brother).
Albert fell in love with Liezl Sumilang, the only child of the former Queen of Philippine Movies Amalia Fuentes. Albert and Liezl migrated to the United States where they lived for many years and had three children—Alyanna, Alfonso, Alissa.
In the mid-‘90s, Albert and his family came back to the Philippines. He also made a successful showbiz comeback, reinventing himself as an actor by taking on more challenging and daring roles.
Some of his film credits include: Blue Jeans, Bata Pa Si Sabel, Ito Ba ang Ating Mga Anak?, Teenage Marriage, Muling Umawit ang Puso, Rizal sa Dapitan, Mumbaki, Pusong Mamon, Segurista, Scorpio Nights 2, Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, Yamashita, Magnifico.