One of the characters who has been part of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” ever since it premiered almost three years ago was Lucio Liberan, compellingly portrayed by veteran character actor Ronnie Lazaro.
Right from the very beginning, he has been known for being a trickster, who used to be involved in buying and selling stolen jewelry, with Tanggol (Coco Martin) and his friends being among his frequent clients. Since he’s a great manipulator while Tropang Tanggol was always in dire need of money, he was able to outwit them a number of times without them knowing.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to pull that same trick on Vice Mayor Roberto Guerrero (Albert Martinez), who ruthlessly murdered him by pouring scalding hot water onto his body and mouth when he tried to ask for money from him. This was after he and his henchmen failed to accomplish the mission that he had entrusted to their group and after he admitted that he was forced by Tanggol to confess what he knew about Roberto’s involvement in the illegal drug trade.
As Ronnie officially signs off from his “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” character whom viewers had probably loved to hate, he fondly talked about his experience being part of the series via this exit interview with CCM Film Productions.
Realizing that he had been part of the show ever since it started in February 2023, the screen legend had nothing but amazement as he uttered, “Wow.” This awesome experience taught him the importance of taking good care of himself—staying strong and healthy so he can keep up with the demands and responsibilities of being part of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” Besides, it also inculcated in him the importance of being passionate and professional towards his job.
With regard to his most unforgettable scenes or moments as Lucio, he related that he actually had a lot, yet his top favorite was when his character was given a love interest whom he fondly called “Yolly Baby,” played by veteran actress Deborah Sun. He loved her so much that her death became his catalyst in shifting to the antagonist side in order for him to exact vengeance.
When asked how his “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” stint was able to contribute both to his personal life and career, Ronnie enumerated that it provided him a regular job, helped him leverage his career and be able to be further known in the industry, as well as to gain more friends, such as the rappers who comprised the Tondo Gang, and to explore and experience Quiapo, where most of their scenes were shot.
For his message to his co-star-cum-director Coco, Ronnie stated, “Mabigyan pa si Coco ng lakas, ng marami pang pagmamahal. Sabi ko nga eh, si Coco ay man with a mission. So, kapag may mission ka kasi, may goal ka eh. Pagpapalain ka, Coco. Mabuhay ka at maraming salamat.”
He then went on to thank everyone who has been watching and supporting “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” over the past three years.
A clip where the production staff and crew, led by Director Richard V. Somes, surprised him with a cake as they bade him farewell was shown in the middle of filming Lucio’s escape scene from the shipyard. Completely astonished and delighted by the gesture, he uttered, “Karangalan ang mapasama sa ‘Batang Quiapo.’ Pero ito ay simula pa lang, walang paalam,” then jokingly added “bye.”
Will Lucio’s statement against the Guerreros be able to help Tanggol and Ponggay (Maris Racal) in seeking the truth behind the results of the last elections and in giving the Manileños the justice and service that they truly deserve? Let's find out by not missing an episode of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).