Since she had been part of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” for almost one year and half, Rosanna Roces couldn’t help but be filled with emotions as she reflected on her fondest and most unforgettable experiences during her exit interview with CCM Film Productions.
Having been in the industry for around three decades, not to mention that most of her acting projects were either comedy or drama, Rosanna shared how stoked she is to realize that she could still keep pace with Coco Martin when it comes to taking on fighting scenes. Thus, she really appreciated that the well-loved actor-director was so confident that she could pull off such scenes, which gave her greater motivation to push herself.
She was also grateful that Coco believed in her prowess and versatility as an actress, as he chose not to let the story of Divina Mondragon simply end without giving her a moment to truly shine. So, instead of just having her under Tanggol’s wing, her character was redeveloped into a kontrabida. She was initially taken aback by the change, but she welcomed the opportunity since it was better for her to become an antagonist than to exit the show early. She committed herself fully to her new old role and made sure to do her best for her not to break his trust.
As she reminisced about some of her fondest memories on “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” she commended Coco for his humility, sharing that she never once heard him complain about unpleasant conditions, whether a location was smelly or unbearably hot. Seeing his attitude, she felt they had no right to grumble and should instead carry on with professionalism. She was also in awe of how hands-on he can be on the set because even though he’s the main actor, director, and producer, he still ensures that all is well, including the condition of the ladies’ comfort room.
Amazed by how he seamlessly juggles his different roles on the program, Rosanna shared that she would often check on Coco. But she never heard nor saw him get really exhausted, as he has remained enthusiastic, hardworking, diligent, dedicated, and brilliant qualities that genuinely inspire her and their colleagues. She also shared that she adopted his “pamilya tayo dito” mindset, which further motivated her to work harder.
She went on to recount her experience working with the staff, crew, and cast, as well as the bond that she formed with them, as she recalled feeling sad on days without tapings because she missed everyone. As if seeing each other on set almost every day wasn’t enough, they would still spend time together elsewhere or meet up when collecting their salaries. Over time, it became inevitable for unconditional love to grow among them.
Rosanna then started to get emotional upon being asked for her message to Coco, who affectionately calls her “My”—probably short for “mommy.” “Iba kasi ‘yan si Coco makisama. Pati ‘yong mahal mo, mahal niya [na rin]. Tapos lahat ng nakita kong sumikat na yumaman nang todo, ‘yan ‘yong pinaka nakatapak sa lupa,” she said.
Then she added, “’Yong hindi [niya] na dapat pinakikialaman, pinapasok niya ‘yong area na ‘yon ng buhay mo. So, ‘pag may mga problema ako, siya din ang una kong sinasabihan. Hindi ka makakakuha diyan ng pekeng pakikitungo, laging totoo. Ang paniniwala ko kasi, bliness ako ni Lord at ginamit si Coco. At nagpapasalamat ako kay Coco kasi kapag may sinabi ka diyan, at binigyan ka niya ng sagot, 100% totoo ‘yon.”
Rosanna firmly believes that Coco is truly blessed because of how thoughtful, caring, and generous he has always been not just to his family but also to other people in need.
With Divina and Brando (Roi Vinzon) now gone, all eyes are on their unico hijo, Rockyboy (Baron Geisler), and how he will exact vengeance on Tanggol and his friends. So, do not miss the next episodes of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).