Coco Martin reunites with some of the actors he worked with in the past
Coco Martin’s Kapamilya primetime series, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” is set to add more big names and promising stars in its ensemble as it enters its second year.
A long trailer launched on February 16, 2024 showcased the new cast members that will join the series.
First is veteran actress Tessie Tomas, who was last seen in the trending drama series “Dirty Linen.” She plays Bettina Caballero, a rich wife who lashes out at her helpers, including Tindeng (Charo Santos-Concio), Tanggol’s grandmother.
Tanggol is the character of Coco in the series.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Coco wanted to utilize more of Charo’s capacity as an actress which is why he decided to give her a storyline outside Quiapo, and he needed an actress who could match “talent and star power.” Hence, Tessie was cast in the role.
Also part of Bettina’s storyline is Jaime Fabregas, who is reunited with Coco after they worked in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” Unlike his kindhearted character in the defunct Coco-starrer, he now plays the wicked husband of Bettina.
This is the first time that Jaime will play a kontrabida role after 2011’s “Iglot” aired on GMA-7.
The series also marks Coco’s reunion with Nonie Buencamino, who played the kontrabida in the 2012 series “Walang Hanggan.” They also worked together in the 2014 primetime series “Ikaw Lamang.”
In “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” Nonie plays a notorious inmate who is presumed to become Tanggol’s ally once they escape prison.
Coco mentioned to ABS-CBN News that he personally called Nonie over the phone to become part of the series.
Also part of the new cast is Elijah Canlas, who makes his second TV show in ABS-CBN after “Senior High.”
READ ALSO: Elijah Canlas Plays Anti-Hero In First ABS-CBN Teleserye
Two showbiz kids are making their debut on TV via “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”: Yce Navarro, the son of Vhong Navarro and Bianca Lapus; and Ara Davao, the daughter of Ricky Davao and Jackie Lou Blanco.
Malou Crisologo, Renz Fernandez, and Dan Alvaro complete the new cast of the show.
Other major characters from the first year of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” remain in the story, which are portrayed by Cherry Pie Picache, Charo Santos-Concio, Lou Veloso, John Estrada, Mercedes Cabral, Ivana Alawi, Christopher de Leon, Irma Adlawan, and McCoy de Leon.
READ ALSO: Ivana Alawi, Jaclyn Jose Join New Cast Of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”
Prior to the start of its second year, Coco’s original leading lady, Lovi Poe, made an exit from the show.
READ ALSO: Lovi Poe Makes “Tough Decision” To Exit “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”
“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” first aired in February 2023 and served as the comeback of Coco after a six-month break when “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” ended on TV.
So far, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” holds the record of the longest-running teleserye on Philippine TV.
Banner Art Dani Sison
