Albert Martinez Enjoys A Second Wind

He was one of the hottest teen idols of his day. His team-up with Snooky Serna was extremely popular, and was on equal footing with the loveteams of Maricel Soriano and William Martinez, and Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.

Then just as his career was at its peak, Albert Martinez gave it all up for love. He eloped with sweetheart Liezl Sumilang, daughter of 60s movie queen Amalia Fuentes. The couple settled in the United States, where they started a family. They have three children: Alyanna, 21; Alfonso, 19 and the youngest, Alissandra, 14.

Now, Albert is back in showbiz and seems to be enjoying a career renaissance of sorts. He is one of the busiest actors of his generation, landing roles in some of ABS-CBN's biggest projects, including Sa Piling Mo with Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual and Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko, where he played the father of Matt Evans. Prior to that, Albert starred in two teledramas on GMA-7, Habang Kapiling Ka and Ikaw Ang Mamahalin.

But it is as a Kapamilya talent that he is truly enjoying a second wind. Albert is a favourite at ABS-CBN-proof of this is the fact that he is again part of its latest foray into primetime drama, Maria Flordeluna, where he stars as Col. Leo Alicante. Maria Flordeluna is based not on the TV show that starred Janice de Belen as Flordeluna, but on the hit radio serial of the 1970s. For this version, the show's writers updated the story and added new characters.

In fact, Albert is so busy these days shuttling back and forth between Pedro Penduko-which usually shoots out-of-town-and Maria Flordeluna, which, as of this writing, is already on its fifth week of taping, that sometimes, his health suffers.

When he showed up for this interview, Albert was nursing a cold that he caught during a taping for Pedro Penduko.“We were shooting from 7am to 5pm, and we were out at sea, in Calatagan, Batangas-that's why I have this cold,” he said, blowing his nose.

That's why Albert hasn't made a movie. His last one was Anak Ka Ng Tatay Mo, which he did in 2004.“I'd love to make movies again, but with the kind of schedule I have these days, it's impossible,” says Albert.“With my schedule, I usually end up sleeping away whatever free time I have. If I don't, I won't last long.”Then whatever free time he still has left over, he spends with his family.“Sunday is my time for them,” he says.

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