Coco Martin admits he is having difficulties with “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” because of this reason
Coco Martin wants “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” to air as long as “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” his previous ABS-CBN show that aired for seven years.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” aired from September 28, 2015 until August 12, 2022. “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” on the other hand, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” started airing on February 13, 2023.
Just like “Ang Probinsyano,” Martin has been inviting a lot of stars to join his new show.
In fact, the actor-director says they are running out of celebrities to guest on his action series. “Lahat naman kami… sana humaba rin siya na kasing haba ng ‘Ang Probinsyano,'” Martin admits during a press conference for his Summer Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Apag.”
He adds, “Actually, doon nga ako namumroblema kasi nahihirapan na kami mag-cast, sino yung pwede i-guest kasi nauubusan na kami ng pwedeng i-guest.”
At that point, Martin’s “Apag” co-star, Gladys Reyes, teases him by saying: “Tinalo na ng ‘Ang Probinsyano’ ang ‘Mara Clara!’ Dati kami ang longest!”
Headlined by Reyes and Judy Ann Santos, the original version of “Mara Clara” aired for five years on the Kapamilya Network from 1992 to 1997.
Martin points out that he wants to guest a lot of celebrities on his show as his way of giving back to those who helped him in the past. “Bumabalik lang naman ako ng utang na loob ko sa lahat ng mga taong tumulong sa akin kasi iyon yung bagay na hindi ko makakalimutan. Ngayon, kahit papaano, nakakatulong ako sa kapwa ko.“
READ ALSO: Coco Martin Shares How He Gathered Actors To Join “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”
“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” vs “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”
Does Coco Martin feel pressure for “Batang Quiapo” to match “Ang Probinsyano?”
He explains, “Hindi naman po kasi ibang-iba siya sa ‘Ang Probinsyano.’ Hindi ko naman siya inaano na sana humaba. Hangga’t gusto siya ng mga manonood, nandito yung show. Kung sakali na maramdaman namin na hindi na ganun kagusto, marami pa kaming konsepto na nakaabang para gawin.”
Martin is glad that his show is being shown on other networks and online platforms as well.
“Masayang-masaya ako kasi ang sarap na maraming network at maraming trabaho para sa ating mga artista. Dapat talaga magtulungan tayo para sa lahat dito sa industriya.”
READ ALSO: Miles Ocampo Recalls Shooting Trending Scene In “Batang Quiapo”
Banner Art Paulo Correa
