Angel Aquino in 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo.' Screenshot from ABS-CBN Entertainment on YouTube
Actress Angel Aquino considers her portrayal of the ruthless Jackie Guerrero in "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo" as one of the most challenging roles of her career, saying her greatest achievement would be knowing that viewers truly felt the impact of the character.
For Aquino, success as an actor lies in whether the audience connects with the story, even if it means making them hate the character she plays.
“Ako mako-consider kong biggest achievement, if I am able to portray my character well and also kung... na-affect ko 'yung mga tao bilang si Jackie Guerrero at napakita ko sa kanila na 'yes, dapat kayong magalit sa mga tao tulad ni Jackie Guerrero at ng mga pamilya Guerrero',” Aquino said
Despite portraying one of the series’ antagonists, Aquino said working on the long-running action drama has been a rewarding experience, particularly because of the collaborative environment led by actor-director Coco Martin.
“Masarap siya katrabaho. Gusto ko 'yung proseso ni Coco. Na-appreciate ko at pinahahalagahan ko 'yung tiwalang binibigay niya sa aming mga artista,” she said.
Aquino also emphasized that projects like "Batang Quiapo" resonate with her because of their deeper message.
“Gusto ko dahil may social relevance at may puso ang lahat ng mga proyektong ginagawa niya,” she added.
As the series moves closer to its highly anticipated finale, Aquino teased that viewers can expect intense developments.
“Oh my God, what doesn’t excite you? Nakita niyo na ba 'yung trailer? Grabe, ‘di ba? At trailer lang ‘yan. If you see the real thing, parang hindi ka na makahinga,” she said.
According to Aquino, the final episodes will be packed with nonstop action and revelations that will keep viewers on edge.
“Dire-diretso na talaga 'yung action, dire-diretso na 'yung lahat ng revelation. You really have to hold your breath and stay at the edge of your seat because everything is exciting, thrilling, and scary actually,” she explained.
But while the finale promises gripping scenes, Aquino hinted that justice may finally catch up with the villains, including Jackie Guerrero.
“Expect her to pay her dues. Kailangan bayaran ng mga masasamang tao ang lahat ng mga masasamang ginawa nila,” she said.
Playing Jackie also taught Aquino an important lesson about acting: never judge the character.
She recalled advice from acting mentor Ina Feleo during a workshop.
“Sabi niya, ‘Don’t judge your character.’ She’s a person different from you,” Aquino said.
Aquino admitted that Jackie is far from someone she would admire in real life, but as an actor, she had to fully understand and embody the character.
“Hindi ko siya gusto. I don’t want to be a Jackie Guerrero. Pero dahil inatasan ako na bigyan ng buhay si Jackie Guerrero, kailangan gawin ko 'yun sa abot ng aking makakaya,” she said.
To effectively portray the role, Aquino said she had to step into Jackie’s mindset and understand what drives her.
“I had to think like her ano ba 'yung importante sa kanya, ano ba 'yung mahalaga sa kanya, at ano ba yung mga minamahal niya,” she explained.
Ultimately, Aquino hopes she was able to bring depth and humanity to the complex character.
“I hope that I was able to give humanity to somebody as greedy as Jackie Guerrero,” she said.