John Estrada, McCoy de Leon. Images: Instagram/@dreamscapeph
John Estrada and McCoy de Leon are said to be the “most hated” characters in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” so far, but they believe that it’s proof of how effective they are in pulling off their roles.
Estrada’s role as PO1 Rigor Dimaguiba and de Leon as his son David share a mutual dislike of Tanggol (Coco Martin) in the show. Despite their wicked characters, the actors expressed their appreciation to audiences who recognized and found their acting to be effective.
“Once in a lifetime [ang experience to star as] David. Iba ang impact niya sa’kin hindi lang sa career ko sa acting kundi pati na rin sa buhay ko. Siyempre, dahil na rin ‘yun sa tulong ni Direk Coco [Martin],” de Leon said during a media conference, admitting that his role is an opportunity to develop his acting skills.
The “Pinoy Big Brother” alum was also asked if he had any second thoughts about being beaten to a pulp by Martin in one episode, where he clarified that he “enjoyed” bringing it to life.
“‘Yung sa bugbog, natutuwa pa ako noong binubugbog ako ni Kuya Coco [Martin] kahit masakit na ang ulo ko pagkatapos. Gusto ko ang ginagawa ko. Siguro yun ang susi, nasa puso ko ‘yung ginagawa ko at ineenjoy ko siya,” he said, which earned the applause of the press.
De Leon admitted that he also enjoys “being hated” by the audiences since it’s proof that he’s doing his job as an actor.
“Mas natutuwa nga po ako eh [na hine-hate ako ng mga tao]. Siguro dahil mas nagagawa ko ang trabaho ko nang maayos. ‘Yung magulang ko lang po, medyo hindi. Sabi sa’kin, ‘Kailan ka ba babait diyan?’ Sabi ko, ‘Hindi. Gusto ko ‘to, Mommy,” he added.
On the other hand, Estrada echoed de Leon’s remarks about being an effective actor, although he hoped that he wouldn’t be typecast as a villain in the future.
“If you’re called for that kind of role and maraming nagre-react sa iyo, it means you’re effective. But ayoko namang ma-typecast nang ganun, but [I took the opportunity] because it’s Coco [Martin],” he said.
“Although, I’m not gonna be plastic and say na gagawin ko ito para sa lahat. But of course, artista kami. Matagal na ako sa industriya so of course, I have to choose kung saan ko [pipiliin magiging kontrabida],” he further explained.
Meanwhile, Martin revealed that he wanted de Leon to portray the villain as to provide an “unpredictable” experience for the audience.
“Alam ko namang mahusay na artista talaga si McCoy [de Leon] and siyempre, ayaw mo ng predictable na character. Pag si McCoy kasi, alam mong ‘cute yan. Siya ‘yung magdadala ng love story. Binali ko talaga kasi para iba naman ang makita sa kanya. Unpredictable para bago ang experience ng mga manonood,” he said.
Cheating controversies
Incidentally, de Leon and Estrada were both involved in cheating controversies this year, where the former was accused of being unfaithful to his partner, Elisse Joson. The actress, however, confirmed to reporters that they’ve patched up their relationship and they’re now “happy” together.
Estrada, meanwhile, was implied to be cheating on his wife, beauty queen-model Priscilla Meirelles, after she shared a post about a woman who entertains a married man. The couple appeared to have put the controversy behind them, as Meirelles shared that “transformation” is happening in their marriage.
No bad days
When asked about dealing with “bad days” on set, “Batang Quiapo” star Cherry Pie Picache said at the press conference that the cast remains professional and “prepared” during filming.
“Walang bad day kasi artista ka,” seasoned actress Charo Santos said, as she chimed in. “Iwanan mo ang bad day mo sa bahay. Wala [kaming bad days], kahit si John,” she said, which earned laughter from the press. EDV