MANILA -- Actress Via Antonio expressed her gratitude to be given the chance to be part of "FPJ's Batang Quiapo," which is set to end next week, March 13.
"Siyempre mixed emotions. Nututuwa ako na naging parte ako. Siyempre ang gusto lang namin ay to end on high note pa rin at siyempre 'yung kini-crave pa rin ng taumbayan," Antonio told ABS-CBN News in a recent interview.
Antonio admitted that aside from her co-stars and directors, she will miss portraying her character Chona, a policewoman and friend of Ponggay (Maris Racal).
"Siyempre si Maris. We can always see each other pero iba 'yung kapag nag-uniform na kami ng police tapos tumatayo na kami as Ponggay and Chona. And, of course 'yung characters, 'yung demands and requirements such as dapat hindi ka masyado makulit, dapat matikas pa rin kami, nakatayo ng tuwid, so yung mga ganoon. But I miss of course 'yung mga in between chats with CM (Coco Martin), with Maris, with ate Pie (Cherry Pie Picache) and everybody lahat ng cast, si kuya John (Estrada). And of course si Ma'am Charo (Santos) kasi kapag si Ma'am Charo ang talagang nangaral at nagkuwento parang makikinig ka na lang, parang si Mama Mary na nagbibigay learnings sa aming mga bagets," she said.
When asked to describe her experience working with Martin, Antonio said: "Oh, God! I've worked with veterans in theater and some veterans sa industriya (ng showbiz) but I think finding a gem such as CM, talagang ano siya ibang klase. Para kang mai-inspire. Kahit 'yung kuwento niyang entrepreneur, kuwentong artist, kuwentong writer, kuwentong artista ang dami niya talagang ibinabagi na masustansiya. I'm learning so much kapag siya, kapag ibinubuka na niya 'yung ibibig niya I always listen," she said.
"Feeling ko understatement 'yung good actor to work with, but I think he is really something. Mabait, gentle, open for collaborations and yeah I think nasabi ko ito entry interview pa lang answered prayer ang makasama sa 'Batang Quiapo' because ang tagal kong hinintay 'yung chance na makatrabaho talaga si CM," Antonio added.
"FPJ's Batang Quiapo" airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel AllTV2, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z. It's also available on iWant and TFC.