ALBERT MARTINEZ MAKES SACRIFICES FOR 'LAVENDER FIELDS' ROLE

AT 63, ALBERT MARTINEZ IS A PICTURE OF GOOD health. His dedication to a healthy lifestyle has paid off, as he needs no maintenance medications and looks much younger than his age.

- NATHALIE M. TOMADA

However, this commitment to wellness presented a unique challenge when he took on the role of police investigator Zandro Fernandez in the upcoming action-drama "Lavender Fields" by ABS-CBN and Dreamscape Entertainment.

In an interview with The STAR, the veteran actor shared the difficulties he faced in fully committing to this complex character.

"The difference for this particular character is, he's the type of guy that gets into something and he will never let go. For one reason, he's a dedicated investigator. He's really focused on what he really does. In the agency, he's one of the best. If the case is complicated, it's given to him," Albert said.

"It's just unfortunate that his personal case, he lost. And that's a chip on his shoulder. He wants to avenge what happened to him." Elaborating on the character's multifaceted nature, he further said, "Another thing that's really kind of complicated with this character is even if we see him as a loser, even if we see him as serious, he attacks everything very lightly. He's not typical in the sense that he's angry all the time. When he's with people, he's a light person to be with, to talk with.

"The reason behind it is since he's so intense, he wants people to be comfortable with him. When he talks to his clients, suspects, gusto niya, hinuhuli niya loob nila, para siyang barkada. But behind that, when he's alone, he's a ruthless, serious person. You have to watch the show, from start to finish, to know (if he's a good guy or a bad guy)." Immersing himself in such a complicated role required Albert to make important preparations.