Jake Cuenca. ABS-CBN News
As the hit action-drama series "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo" approaches its highly anticipated finale, actor Jake Cuenca looks back on what he describes as one of the most challenging yet fulfilling chapters of his career.
Cuenca, who plays Miguelito Guerrero in the long-running primetime series led by Coco Martin, shared that working on the show was a demanding experience but one he will always treasure.
“Every single time na magkasama kami ni Direk Coco Martin, iba siya talaga,” Cuenca said. “Kaya kong sabihin ngayon pa lang na abangan ninyo ang ending ng 'Batang Quiapo.' Pinaghirapan po namin ito pinagpawisan, pinagduguan para po sa lahat ng manonood.”
He also expressed gratitude to the show’s loyal viewers who have supported the series throughout its run. “For the loyal viewers ng Batang Quiapo, magkita-kita po tayo sa finals,” he added.
For Cuenca, the challenge of being part of the action-packed series went beyond the demanding scenes. The actor admitted that the entire experience itself tested him, but it also kept him motivated.
“To be honest with you, parang the whole experience was a challenge,” he said. “Pero more than the feeling of a challenge, parang excited ka lagi pumunta sa set.”
Despite the long taping hours and physically demanding scenes, Cuenca said he never once lost his enthusiasm for the project.
“Looking back on all the taping days and all the scenes that I’ve done, there was not one day na hindi ako excited and there was not one day I wasn’t having fun in the show,” he shared.
Beyond the excitement, Cuenca said the series also became a personal test of resilience, especially as he juggled multiple commitments at the same time.
The actor revealed that while filming "Batang Quiapo," he was also working on another project, the series "What Lies Beneath," which required him to constantly switch between two very different characters.
“I had to juggle two roles at the same time,” he explained. “MWF, 'Batang Quiapo,' then TThS, 'What Lies Beneath.' So for me, it was really about having to compartmentalize two very different roles.”
According to Cuenca, balancing the two projects was not easy, especially during times when he was dealing with personal struggles and exhaustion. But he learned to push through regardless.
“I think the growth was proving to yourself na kahit marami kang pinagdadaanan, or even if you’re going through problems in your life, you still have to do it anyways,” he said. “You still have to muster the energy to go to the set.”
Now that the series is nearing its end, Cuenca describes the moment as finally reaching the finish line.
“Right now, it’s just a feeling of ‘wow.’ I just crossed the finish line and I can finally be Jake Cuenca again,” he said.
When asked what ultimately convinced him to join the massive primetime project, Cuenca had a simple answer: his close friendship with Martin.
“Coco Martin. Of course, Direk Coco Martin,” he said. “I’m always one call away for my best friend. Kahit ano pa man role 'yan, I’m ready to answer the call.”
Looking back, Cuenca said he remains deeply grateful to have been chosen to portray Miguelito Guerrero in one of Philippine television’s biggest action series.
“I’m just so happy that I was able to do it,” he said. “And I’m so grateful for 'Batang Quiapo' for choosing me as Miguelito Guerrero.”