Coco Martin clarified the issue of Simon Ezekiel Pineda a.k.a Onyok’s departure from the top-grossing primetime teleserye, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
The actor said that it was not an ‘attitude problem’ between the set and Pineda’s mother that caused the child actor to leave the series.
“He (Onyok) really wanted to study. Even though they already bought a house and car, the kid still really wanted to study. So we let him be,” according to Coco Martin.
Martin also told the media that the production staff understands and prioritizes the wants and needs of their children actors, such as Paquito who works and study at school at the same time.
“It’s unacceptable to just focus on work. They should be studying too,” explains Martin.
Martin also said that Onyok is welcome ‘anytime’ to go back to the series; saying that the plot is ‘open’ in case he returns.
The good news is, Onyok will be included in the retelling of “Ang Panday,” alonside with other cast majority from “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”
“His character will be the king of the dwarves,” Martin said.
Directed by Rodel Nacianceno (who is actually Coco Martin,) “Ang Panday” is one of the entries on this year’s MMFF.
