The first taping day of the TV adaptation of the FPJ classic coincided with the celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene.
Despite rumors that suggested Coco Martin’s follow-up series to FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, is already debuting on January 30.
Cameras have [actually] started to roll for Batang Quiapo, yesterday, January 9. Coco Martin, along with the show’s other director, Malu Sevilla, headed to Quiapo not just to join to feast, but also to film scenes for the upcoming primetime drama series.
FPJ’s Batang Quiapo takes inspiration from the movie of the same name, starred by ‘Da King’ himself, Fernando Poe Jr., alongside the Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano. The series comes just a few months after FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, ended its historic seven-year run on Philippine television, last August 2022. It will also serve as Martin’s first team-up with FPJ’s daughter, Lovi Poe, who is set to play the role originally portrayed by Soriano.
Like its predecessor, the new Coco Martin-starrer is a big primetime ensemble, with some of the local showbiz industry’s seasoned action and drama stars making up its announced cast. More are expected to join as the series is projected to take the path carved by Ang Probinsyano.
Other than Martin and Poe, among those already announced as part of the cast are, John Estrada, Lito Lapid, Mark Lapid, Christopher de Leon, Irma Adlawan, Cherry Pie Picache, Ronwaldo Sandino Martin, Ping Medina. Pen Medina. Benzon Dalina, Susan Africa, Roxanne Guinoo, Elisse Joson, McCoy de Leon, Ronnie Lazaro, and Charo Santos-Concio.
The series is already Martin’s second TV reboot of an FPJ classic. Alongside Malu Sevilla, he will also serve as one of the series directors, as well as one of its writers, and producers.