A quiet post-show moment reveals a different side of Sandino Martin, and the importance of emotional aftercare in theater.
From embodying the depth of his stage roles to expressing nuanced artistry across various mediums, Sandino Martin is no stranger to the spotlight.
Yet he didn’t expect to feel a sudden bout of stage fright when he spotted his mentor and dear friend, Susan Africa, in the audience.
“Bilang haligi na siya, [naging] kabado ako. First time niya ako napanood sa theater,” he shared in an exclusive interview with radar Entertainment.
This reunion happened as the multidisciplinary artist and “Ang Larawan” actor returned to the stage to play Bulan in Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP)’s production of “Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan,” which ran from March 12 to 29.
Performing for a ‘haligi’
Having previously worked together as part of the extensive cast of “The Broken Marriage Vow,” where they played Dr. Barry Inocencio and Marina Ilustre, respectively, the two actors have maintained a close bond.
“Ang tagal naming hindi nagkita ni Ms. Susan,” Martin shared. “Nakatrabaho ko siya sa TV, tapos we became really, really in touch with each other.”
As fellow Dulaang UP alumni — or “klasmeyts” — and colleagues in the theater industry, Africa beamed with pride watching Martin return to the stage. Calling him one of her “best friends in the industry,” Africa praised him for delivering a “really, really brilliant performance.”
‘Okay ka na ba?’
After his performance, the two shared a quiet moment away from the crowd, where Martin revealed how Africa reminded him of the importance of decompressing after a heavy role.
“Ang sinabi niya, ‘Okay ka na ba?’ Kasi parang, mabigat ‘yung ginawa mo,’” Martin shared.
He noted that while the industry often focuses heavily on preparation, his friend grounded him in the comedown. “It’s the ‘taking care after you do something.’ It’s not before, eh. [It’s] not being talked about a lot.”
“And ‘yon din nire-remind niya, ‘Okay ka na? What do you need? Do you need light?’” he added.
Beyond the spotlight
While Africa generously provides the emotional aftercare once the heavy lifting is done, Martin relies on his own deeply personal methods to prepare before the curtains even rise. Embodying a complex, emotionally taxed character like Bulan requires a specific headspace, and the actor admits to having distinct pre-performance rituals to fully immerse himself in the role.
However, when pressed for the details of his artistic process, Martin playfully opted to keep the theatrical magic a mystery.
“Meron,” he teased, acknowledging his routine before quickly shutting down any further probing with a laugh. “Pero sa akin na lang ‘yon. Bawal marinig.”
Ultimately, his performance on stage is deeply intertwined with real-world advocacy. Martin looked back at this with a powerful hope for the country’s future — a vision where the tragic narrative of forced migration finally shifts.
“I’m really hoping that that’s not the choice anymore. I’m looking forward to that day that we don’t need to leave the country,” he reflected. “Where all the talented people and the smart people will just stay and just be part of nation-building.”
Sandino Martin revealed how mentor Susan Africa reminded him of the importance of decompressing after a heavy role.
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