Primetime King Coco Martin returns to action in 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo'

Primetime King Coco Martin returns for more action-packed adventures in another Kapamilya teleserye inspired by Fernando Poe Jr.'s 1986 film “Batang Quiapo” that will air beginning Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

After making a mark in the hearts of viewers as 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 said he is very confident that the upcoming teleserye will surpass the success of "FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano." 

"Yes, kasi day one pa lang makikita mo na yung difference kasi sa first episode pa lang full of action, saka sinigurado namin yung quality talagang sinagad namin in terms of camera works, kaya nararamdaman namin na kaya natin makipagsabayan sa mga teleserye sa ibang bansa, kaya ako ngayong pa lang sinasabi ko na first time ko magyayabang alam ko na magiging successful itong project na 'to," said Coco, when asked about his initial thoughts about his latest serye.

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

In a recent teaser by ABS-CBN, 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 will be Coco’s first time to serve as an actor, co-director, and co-producer under CCM Film Productions, will also showcase the rich culture and beauty of the beloved town of Quiapo in Manila.

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

Coco also revealed that he personally handpicked the stars who will play significant roles on the show. 

"Ang iniisip ko po, noong binubuo ko 'tong 'Batang Quiapo,' gustong kong kunin yung lahat ng mahuhusay na artista sa Pilipinas. That's it. Gusto ko sila makatrabaho, gusto ko magsama sama kami dito kaya alam ko na kung sino yung mga mahuhusay at masarap katrabaho kaya personally ako yung tumawag at pumili sa kanila," Coco mentioned. 

“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. Direk Malu Sevilla will co-direct the series with Coco.

Don’t miss Coco’s action-packed return in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” on weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Viewers who use any digital TV box at home such as the TVplus box only need to rescan their device to be able to watch “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” on TV5 and A2Z.

The show is also available to viewers in and out of the Philippines on iWantTFC, while viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.