Primetime series FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo is not your ordinary television drama. Instead of providing the actors with a traditional script, Coco Martin – who wears different hats in the series as the lead actor, director, and co-producer – gives them a general idea of the scene and allowed them to improvise their dialogue and actions based on their understanding of their characters and the situation.
This unscripted approach allows the actors to tap into their creativity and deliver performances that felt authentic and natural.
“You have to be on your toes. You have to rely on your instincts and knowledge of your character to create meaningful scenes,” said Charo Santos who plays Tindeng Asuncion in the action drama.
She added that the technique also challenges the actors to be more present at the moment and respond to each other’s cues and actions in real time.
According to Coco, this approach was a way to make the actors feel more invested in their characters and the story. He wanted to create an environment where the actors felt free to explore and express their creativity and to give them a sense of ownership over their performances.
This and more will be seen in the succeeding episodes of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo starting tonight. The announcement was made during a media conference, where Coco shared his thoughts and feelings about the show’s storyline and characters. His involvement in the production demonstrates his commitment to creating captivating content for his audience.
Coco teased viewers to watch out for the new developments, as well as the new characters who will join the story, as Tanggol finally commits to becoming a better person by turning his back on his vices. He discussed that Tanggol has learned a lot from street life and his experiences in Quiapo and has realized that it is time for a change in his life. Coco also expressed his excitement and curiosity to see what new journey Tanggol will embark on in the future episodes of the show.
Aside from the shift in Tanggol’s character, Coco promised an explosive episode as the lives of the different characters will finally intertwine and cause chaos among their respective groups.
Talking to the media, Coco also expressed his appreciation to the viewers who continue to tune in making Batang Quiapo a big part of their lives ever since its premiere in February.
“We thank all the people who love and support Batang Quiapo from the beginning until now. You are the reason why our program turned out to be great. Thank you so much for all your help and love for us,” said Coco, who serves as an actor, co-producer, and one of the directors of the series,” he said in the vernacular.
FPJ’s Batang Quiapo premiered strongly in February 2023, earning 44 million total online views in its first week alone. It has consistently hit record-breaking concurrent views online on Kapamilya Online Live and continues to be loved by Filipinos around the world as Tanggol, Mokang, Lola Tindeng, and other characters have become household names.
FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, which is inspired by the original story of Regal Films, airs on weeknights at 8:00 on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
