Three years is a long time—long enough for a man like Tanggol (Coco Martin) to rise, fall, and find himself caught between what’s right and what’s real, and to harden in the process. But in the new chapter of "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo," Coco seems intent on restoring the show’s original rhythm, which blends action with a touch of humor and romance. Apart from the fact that viewers surely missed this lightness, it will also allow the story to breathe.
“Ito na ’yung paikot, kung ano ’yung mangyayari sa kanya after matalo sa eleksyon,” Coco shared, explaining that every scene in the recent episodes was carefully crafted to mark the beginning of a new cycle in Tanggol’s life.
This phase brings back the familiar mix of action, kilig, and comedy that fans first loved about "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo," which is actually a challenge for the team, given that Tanggol is now portrayed at a crossroads between his ideals and emotions. Still, the show’s “Year 3” promises to reawaken the version of him who once knew how to smile and soften his heart, the same Tanggol who seemed to disappeared following the death of Mokang (Lovi Poe), the last woman he ever truly loved.
This also introduces a new batch of characters including a team of police officers set to chase down Tanggol and the Montenegro family. Among them is Paula “Ponggay” Garcia, a bright-eyed rookie cop portrayed by Maris Racal.
Maris was surprised when Coco asked to meet with her to discuss the character. She honestly thought, “Talaga ba?” until it sank in and made her feel so blessed to be trusted with such a huge project, which she promises to take care of, “Hindi ko sasayangin ang opportunity na ’to. Ibibigay ko ’yung buong puso ko.”
Maris was personally handpicked by Coco, who noted her potential and the way she makes every character remarkable, especially after watching her in the action-drama series "Incognito" which ended last July. “Biglaan ’to lahat, eh,” Maris laughed, sharing how she hadn’t even rested yet from filming "Incognito" and promoting her movie "Sunshine" when the offer came in.
Coco chimed in, “Honestly, hinabol ka talaga namin kasi nga kinakabahan kami na after mo sa ‘Incognito,’ alam namin na may sasalo agad. Hindi naman lahat talaga ng babae nakakapag-action, bibihira lang." And yet here's Maris who can handle action between romance, comedy and drama. “Sa laki ng cast at sa daming magagaling na artista dito, nakaka-excite na makasama mo si Maris dahil alam mong magdadala siya ng ibang putahe, ibang energy sa trabaho,” Coco said. "Ang lakas ni Maris sa tao. Parang ang sarap niya makatrabaho kasi 'pag pinapanood mo si Maris, nakangiti lang kami."
Coco trusts Maris so much that he expects her to take the lead in their lighter scenes together, which he admits isn’t his strongest suit. “Basta kung anong gawin niya, sasalo na lang ako,” he laughed, hinting that fans might just get a dose of unexpected rom-com 'kilig' between the two. “Kasi si Maris, ilagay mo lang sa ganyan, kaya na niyang patakbuhin ’yan, kaya niyang magdala.” The chemistry between them was already evident during the interview for the series’ "Bagong Yugto," leaving us excited for what could be their most unexpected pairing yet.
Coco’s choice of leading ladies has always intrigued viewers, as he seems drawn to new faces or unexpected choices, actresses he hasn’t worked closely with before. Admittedly, he prefers casting someone he isn’t too familiar with yet because that slight distance creates a tension that feels real on screen. “Masarap din ’yung medyo nagkakapaan,” he expressed. “Nararamdaman mo ’yung intensity kasi ’yun ang tatrabahuhin n’yo. ’Pag sobrang pamilyar na kayo, minsan nadadaya na ’yung kilig, pati na ’yung comedy.”
If "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" runs on action and intensity, Maris is expected to bring the bubbly energy that will soften it. She describes herself as the wide-eyed newcomer who’s just genuinely happy to be there, and Coco seems to agree, saying that in a set full of action stars, Maris will be their sunshine.
Even an actor as big as Coco admits he still gets nervous working with a new co-star, especially on a set as spontaneous as "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" where nothing is strictly by the book. "Buhay kasi 'yung set. Hindi siya nakaplano, hindi siya sukat, 'yung ang daming pwedeng mangyari. Minsan guest lang pero biglang lumalaki 'yung role. Minsan kontrabida nagiging bida tapos 'yung bida biglang naging kontrabida. Ang daming nangyayari," explained Coco.
If there’s one thing Coco has learned from leading a massive ensemble like "FPJ's Batang Quiapo," it’s that everything begins and ends with teamwork. He’s seen every kind of actor dynamic through the years, and it taught him that skill is easy to find, but good work ethic is not. So when an actor lasts long in the series, it usually means they’re doing something right on and off camera
When it comes to casting, Coco is as hands-on as it gets. Beyond attitude, what earns his approval is genuine admiration. He chooses people he’s a fan of, those he’s actually watched so he's already aware of their range. "Para mabigyan sila ng tamang role, ng tamang kwento, kailangan alam mo kung ano 'yung kapasidad nila bilang artista."
He also knows that passion can only thrive in the right environment, which is why he makes sure his set is filled with people who work hard and find happiness in what they do. He wants every artist to have a good experience on set that it makes them want to come back and work with the same team again.
As “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” opens its "Bagong Yugto," a new batch of characters is set to enter the story, each one playing a significant role in Tanggol’s journey. "Lahat ng mga kasamahan naming mga bagong artista, definitely makakaeksena ko kaya exciting kung ano 'yung bagong mabibigay natin sa mga manonood," teased the Primetime King.
Coco gets to live the best of both worlds, acting alongside some of the most talented artists while also directing them behind the scenes. He loves putting big names together in one frame, like Christopher de Leon and John Estrada. Sometimes he feels giddy watching how perfect the scenes turn out. He’s looking forward to doing the same with the younger cast, like the clash between Maris and Andrea Brillantes in a recent episode.
Coco’s goal as a storyteller is to keep things fresh and exciting for the audience, to create scenes that feel new and unpredictable, hence the plot twists that keep everyone on their toes.
Don’t miss an episode of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL). Viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.