Nicole Luna, the daughter of former actress Katherine Luna, has joined the cast of Coco Martin’s hit Kapamilya action series ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’, marking a new chapter in the long and complicated history between her mother and the actor-director.
Nicole appears in scenes alongside Maris Racal and plays a character who is friends with Maris’ on-screen sibling in the series. The young actress’ participation has drawn attention, given her mother’s past connection to Coco Martin.
Katherine Luna and Coco Martin were romantically linked during the actor’s indie film years. For several years, Katherine claimed that Coco was the father of Nicole, a statement that later led to public controversy. In a previous interview, however, Katherine admitted that Coco is not Nicole’s biological father and formally apologized to him for the earlier claim.
Despite the past issues, Coco extended help to Katherine during her struggles. Earlier this year, he shouldered her medical expenses, including treatment for an infection in her eye, and also offered assistance in fixing her teeth. He had also planned to include Katherine herself in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, where he serves as lead actor, director, and producer.
However, Katherine was ultimately unable to appear in the series due to health concerns. While her role did not push through, Coco’s support continued through the opportunity given to Nicole, which many see as a fulfillment of his promise to help Katherine get back on her feet.
In a message previously shared by entertainment insider Ogie Diaz, Coco confirmed that he had already forgiven Katherine and wanted to help her move forward.
“Pakisabi, napatawad ko na siya at kalimutan na namin ‘yun. Ang importante ‘yung ngayon. Gusto ko siyang matulungang makabalik muli sa trabaho para sa panibagong buhay niya,” Coco said, as quoted by Diaz.
Diaz added that Coco felt compassion for Katherine after learning about her difficult past, including her time in prison and her battle with drug dependency.
“Sabihin mo, kukunin ko siya sa ‘Batang Quiapo’ kahit hindi pa ayos ang mata niya. Para magkaroon siya agad ng trabaho at mas matuloy niyang maayos ang kanyang buhay para lalo sa mga bata,” Coco said in the same message, while also emphasizing that Katherine must commit to staying away from her former vice.
In an earlier interview with journalist Julius Babao, Katherine publicly apologized to Coco for mistakenly identifying him as Nicole’s father. She clarified that a DNA test eventually confirmed that Coco is not the child’s biological parent.
Despite everything that transpired, relations between the two appear to have improved. Coco is currently in a relationship with actress Julia Montes, while Katherine has expressed gratitude for the support she received during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
