ALBERT Martinez

“SHOW business is William’s life. He’ll be back very soon. It will kill him to be told he can’t work in front of the camera anymore,” said actor-director Albert Martinez of his younger brother William, who was hospitalized recently after suffering a stroke.

William, who was confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in November, is now recuperating at home, said Albert. “He’s doing very well. He’s in therapy. More than anything now, William needs emotional support. That’s what his family is giving him.”

William and wife, actress Yayo Aguila, recently announced their decision to end their 25-year marriage.

Albert denied reports that his brother’s attack was caused by depression. “We don’t know that for a fact,” he said. “A stroke can be a combination of many things. We know of people who are super healthy but suddenly suffer a heart attack.”

3 close calls

Albert, whose wife Liezl was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, said he has been going through an “emotional roller-coaster ride” for the past two years. “I’ve had three close calls—my mom, wife, and recently, my brother,” he told Inquirer Entertainment. “I have to be strong for everyone.”

Albert has just finished filming “Rosario,” a coproduction of Cinemabuhay International and Studio 5, and one of eight official entries to the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival, which runs from December 25 to January 3.

Albert had to take charge of the production of the period movie when director Maryo J. delos Reyes begged off due to conflict in schedule.

“It took me a month to finally agree to direct the movie myself,” Albert said. “This was after I tried talking to three other directors. In the end, I realized no one knows ‘Rosario’ better than I do.”

“Rosario,” which Albert cowrote with Elmer Gatchalian, tells the story of a woman of the 1920s who is ahead of her time—independent and liberal in her views and manner of living. Jennylyn Mercado plays the title role.

“I was worried about handing over the reins to a director whose vision was different from mine. A director who doesn’t understand his material very well may not be able to deliver. I’ve studied ‘Rosario’ and life in the 1920s for the last five years.”