Coco Martin returns to prime time in ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ with Lovi Poe, other stars

“Hari ng Primetime” Coco Martin returned for more action-packed adventures in another Kapamilya teleserye inspired by Fernando Poe Jr.’s 1986 film “Batang Quiapo” that started airing on February 13 at 8 p.m. on ABS-CBN Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Coco and the cast hobnobbed with fans in various malls prior to the airing of the series.

On airing night, Coco hosted a show and viewing at the Plaza Miranda besides the Quiapo Church attended by thousands of fans and supporters.

ABS-CBN reported after the initial showing that “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” garnered more than 340,000 concurrent viewers on YouTube and was among the top trending topics on social media that day.On Kapamilya Online Live, ABS-CBN’s free livestreaming on YouTube, the series peaked at 341,509 concurrent viewers — or those watching at the same time — according to producer Dreamscape Entertainament.

The hashtag #FPJsBatangQuiapoDay alsoranked first in the trending topics on Twitter in the Philippines, with more than 10,000 tweets, as of writing.

“It’s definitely a good night to be a Kapamilya. ABS-CBN proving once again they reign the primetime!” a netizen said in the ABS-CBN report.

“Deserved ang 330K+ live viewers. So proud to see Philippine TV production that mixes mainstream quality and indie sensibility. Coco Martin is an auteur,” another fan added.

The names of lead actor Coco Martin and Miles Ocampo were also among the trending topics, as viewers praised their performance, the network added.

Ocampo drew raves for her portrayal as the young Marites, who gave birth to Tanggol (played as an adult by Martin) in the pilot episode.

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” airs every Monday to Friday, 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC and TFC.

After making a mark in the hearts of viewers as the hero cop Cardo Dalisay in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” Coco is back to give life to yet another exciting, resilient “tagapagtanggol ng bayan” character as Tanggol/Baldo in the series.

Coco is joined by a star-studded cast, including the daughter of FPJ “Da King,” Lovi Poe, which will be her first time to work on an FPJ title.

In a teaser shared by ABS-CBN recently, Coco shared his excitement about giving viewers another FPJ series that’s not only filled with intense action scenes but also important life values that viewers can learn from.

“Napakalaking bagay nito na napapalabas namin ang kanyang mga pelikula na nagawa.

Nakakapagbigay kami ng napakagandang kwento at inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga Pilipino,” said Coco.

“Batang Quiapo,” which is Coco’s first time to serve as an actor, co-director, and co-producer under CCM Film Productions, also showcases the beauty of the Quiapo district and its main landmark, the Basilica of Black Nazarene, popularly known as the Quiapo Churhc.

“Napaka-rich ng kultura niya, lahat ng mga buhay o kwento ng bawat taong nasa Quiapo,” Coco said.

“Napakalawak ng kwento at isa pa ito sa mga pelikulang talagang tumatak sa mga ginawa ni FPJ at ni Ms. Maricel Soriano,” Coco added.

In the action-comedy series, Coco plays Tanggol/Baldo, a stubborn yet loving son to his mother (Cherry Pie Picache), father (John Estrada), grandmother (Charo Santos), and younger brother (McCoy de Leon). Lovi, meanwhile, plays Mokang, Tanggol’s charming friend who will put up with his shenanigans.

“Batang Quiapo” also stars Benzon Dalina, Mark Lapid, Ronwaldo Martin, Jojit Lorenzo, Ping Medina, Mercedes Cabral, Alan Paule, Lou Veloso, Susan Africa, Pen Medina, Lito Lapid, Irma Adlawan, and Christopher de Leon. Malu Sevilla will co-direct the series with Coco.

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” airs weeknights at 8 on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live. (Jennifer T. Santos,cmtprt1962@yahoo.com.ph)