Lovi Poe bids farewell to ‘Batang Quiapo’ role
Coco Martin and Lovi Poe in “Batang Quiapo.” Image: screengrab from YouTube/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Lovi Poe ended her stint as Mokang in the ABS-CBN series adaptation “Batang Quiapo” full of gratitude, saying the opportunity was the “missing piece to [her] puzzle.”
In the Jan. 4 episode of the TV series, Lovi’s character died after taking a bullet for Tanggol, the role portrayed by Coco Martin. Mokang was shot in the head and was seen being buried by a wailing Tanggol in the teaser for the next episode.
“I am truly blessed to have been part of a project that represents my father’s name. It was a first and it will always mean the world to me,” Lovi said via her Instagram page.
“My deepest appreciation to Sir Deo, Tita Cory and ABS-CBN for this opportunity,” she continued, referring to the Kapamilya network executives Deo Endrinal and Cory Vidanes. “You have given me a missing piece to my puzzle. For that, I will always be grateful.”
Lovi also addressed the production team as well as the cast, commending them for their creativity and talent. “I will always be cheering for all of you from afar. Mamimiss ko kayo nang malala.” (I will miss you dearly.)
She then expressed her gratitude to Martin—who also serves as the series director—for continuing her dad Fernando Poe Jr.’s legacy. Lovi further said that she’s one of Martin’s biggest fans, urging the actor to find time to rest amid his many work commitments.
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“A big part of my 2023 was breathing life into a character I have grown to love—what a privilege it was to play Mokang. She was a fighter and she taught me how it is to truly be free,” she wrote. “It really was a tough decision for me to make but I have decided to turn the page.”
“…Sa mga nagmamahal kay Mokang, sobrang mahal ko din kayo. Maraming maraming salamat poe,” she added. “Inyong tropa, Mokang…now signing off.”
(To those who love Mokang, I love you all so much. Thank you so much. Your friend Mokang, now signing off.)
“Batang Quiapo,” which is meant to commemorate FPJ’s 18th death anniversary, is based on the 1986 movie starring FPJ. Other cast members include Charo Santos, Christopher de Leon, Lito Lapid, John Estrada and Cherry Pie Picache.
