Coco Martin
Coco Martin, star and director of the action-comedy series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” said that what was supposed to be a quick smack between him and Lovi Poe in the show’s all-important “cotillion” scene turned into a romantic kissing sequence because “I was certain that Lovi felt ‘it,’ too.”
Coco explained that kissing Lovi while their characters Tanggol and Mokang were supposedly performing the cotillion dance at the latter’s debut was never planned.
“At first, I felt embarrassed. I also didn’t want Lovi to feel like I was taking advantage of her. We were supposed to do just a smack, but I guess the music made us feel differently. I tried to read Lovi’s actions. When I was certain that she felt ‘it,’ I went for the kiss. We were both feeling the chemistry, so sinadya ko na ‘yon,” Coco told reporters during a recent media gathering to promote the series’ Book 2, which began on May 8.
While Coco was attempting to recall what happened, Lovi could be seen smiling shyly beside him. When it was her turn to react, the actress said: “It wasn’t hard to feel the kilig at all. It just felt weird because while we were trying to act it out, Coco was also directing the scene. He was also the one who shouted ‘cut!’ As in our other scenes together, I feed off his energy.”
Also at the media gathering, Coco was asked to react to rumors that vendors and business owners in Quiapo, where most of the show’s episodes were taped, are already complaining because the activities are already disrupting their business operations there.
“It’s not uncommon for people to visit places where their favorite movies or programs were shot. Even us Filipinos do this when we travel abroad. We make sure to visit the restaurants, parks or other locations that are memorable to us. A lot of these places become tourist attractions, Quiapo included,” he began.
New chapter
“But because we now have social media, it’s easy to post unverified information that could either help or pull down a production like ‘Batang Quiapo.’ I also don’t know what these people’s intentions are. I know not everyone is in favor of what our show is doing there, but those we were able to talk with all claim to enjoy seeing us there every day. Buhay na buhay ang lugar, especially when taping is ongoing,” he added.
“We have not reacted to this issue until now. We chose to ignore it because it’s not true. You just have to see it for yourself,” Coco declared.
Meanwhile, Coco said a new chapter in Tanggol’s life has begun. “Everything he has learned on the streets of Quiapo, he will apply now that he has finally realized that it’s time to change, to do good, for the sake of his grandma (played by Charo Santos-Concio), mother (Cherry Pie Picache), Mokang and the rest of his family.”
Coco added that in the process of bringing Tanggol to life, he often incorporates personal memories into his portrayal. “As in all the characters I play, I put pieces of my own life in Tanggol’s so that I won’t feel lost, since I also have to be the show’s director, writer and producer. The stories of how Tanggol would get into trouble, or his relationship with his barkada, were my experiences, too,” he said.
Inspiration
“His relationship with his father and mother was similar to mine when I was younger. Most of the characters in the series are based on either my relatives or neighborhood friends. They become my inspiration. This is why this project is special to me,” Coco pointed out.
Coco added that he was overwhelmed by the audience’s response, as well. “I thought I would never be able to get away from Cardo, but it feels good that people are now calling me Tanggol. This means I am able to deliver, that I am doing something right,” he said.
He was sure he wouldn’t be able to surpass the success of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” which aired for seven years, but he was surprised to find out that “Batang Quiapo” is doing better than the former, ratings-wise. “Compared to the ratings of ‘Probinsyano’ during the time ABS-CBN first lost its franchise, ‘Batang Quiapo’ still did better with its first episodes. This pleases us very much. Even the views on YouTube keep getting higher and higher. We are all grateful for the support.”
The series also features Christopher de Leon, John Estrada, Lorna Tolentino, Lou Veloso, McCoy de Leon, Ronnie Lazaro, among others. It airs weekdays at 8 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and TV5. INQ