After more than three years on air, the action-packed series ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ starring Coco Martin is set to air its final episode this Friday.
Initially, the series was supposed to be replaced by ‘Sigabo’, a new project headlined by Martin and Julia Montes. Photos from the show’s taping had already circulated online, teasing a new look for Martin, who appeared with long hair for the role.
However, ABS-CBN recently announced that ‘Sigabo’ will not premiere on March 16 as originally expected.
Instead, the primetime slot will temporarily be filled by ‘The Alibi’, starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.
In a statement, the network explained that the premiere of ‘Sigabo’ is being moved to a later date while preparations for the series continue.
“Ililipat sa ibang petsa ang inaabangang teleseryeng ‘Sigabo,’ na pinagbibidahan nina Coco Martin at Julia Montes, habang patuloy ang preparasyon nito para maghandog ng isang bago at kapanapanabik na serye sa lahat ng manonood,” the network said.
Chiu admitted she was both surprised and grateful when she learned that ‘The Alibi’ would take over the coveted primetime slot previously held by Martin’s show.
In an interview on ‘TV Patrol,’ the actress shared that the opportunity also comes with pressure due to the massive audience built by ‘FJ’s Batang Quiapo’.
“May mga bagay na hindi mo in-expect pero ako grateful lang talaga ako… nakaka-pressure ‘yung oras na ‘yun dahil matagal ‘yun at ang naka-upo sa trono ay si Sir Coco Martin,” she said.
She added that she hopes their show can at least reach part of the loyal audience of Martin’s character, Tanggol.
“Ipinagdarasal ko talaga na sana kahit lumapit lang doon sa mga audience ni Tanggol,” Chiu said.
Chiu also shared that her co-star Paulo Avelino reacted calmly to the news.
“Tinext ko siya, sabi ko ‘alam mo na ba ‘yung balita?’ Sabi niya ‘oo kanina pa.’ Nonchalant lang siya… sabi niya lang ‘congrats,’” the actress recounted with a laugh.
‘The Alibi’ will begin airing March 16 after TV Patrol on multiple platforms including the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, ALLTV, and Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube and Facebook. Meanwhile, viewers will have to wait a little longer for the premiere of ‘Sigabo’, which marks the much-anticipated reunion project of Martin and Montes.
