''FPJ's Batang Quiapo'' () is a

Philippine television drama Philippine television drama, also known as ''teleserye'', Filipino telenovelas or P-drama, is a form of melodramatic, serialized, televised fiction in the Philippines. ''Teleserye'' is derived from two Filipino words: "tele", short for "''telebis ...

action Action may refer to: * Action (narrative), a literary mode * Action fiction, a type of genre fiction * Action game, a genre of video game Film * Action film, a genre of film * ''Action'' (1921 film), a film by John Ford * ''Action'' (1980 fil ...

series broadcast by

Kapamilya Channel Kapamilya Channel (stylized as Kapamilya channel) is a 24-hour Philippine pay television network formerly known as ABS-CBN Corporation, a company under Lopez Holdings Corporation owned by the López family. The network is headquartered at th ...

. Directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Darnel Villaflor and

Coco Martin Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno (born November 1, 1981), known professionally by his stage name Coco Martin (), is a Filipino actor, director, and film producer. He is best known for playing the lead roles in ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin'', '' Walang H ...

, the series stars Martin as the titular character. It is based on the 1986 action-comedy film of the same title starring

Fernando Poe Jr. Ronald Allan Kelley Poe (August 20, 1939 – December 14, 2004), known professionally as Fernando Poe Jr., and often referred to by his initials FPJ, was a Filipino actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, and politician. His long and s ...

and

Maricel Soriano Maricel Soriano (; born Maria Cecilia Dador Soriano; February 25, 1965) is a Filipina film and television actress, occasional host and dancer. With a career spanning of over 50 years, Soriano is one of the most celebrated artists and popularly ...

The series premiered on the network's ''Primetime Bida'' evening block,

Cine Mo! Cine Mo! (; stylized as CINEMO! and formerly known as SineBox) is a Philippine pay television channel owned and operated by ABS-CBN Corporation and ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (content provider) and it was one of the former freemium channe ...

A2Z A2Z may refer to: *A2Z (2006 film), a 2006 German action film *A2Z (TV channel), a Philippine television channel **A2Z News Alert, a Philippine television newscast broadcast by A2Z (TV channel) *A2Z Group A2Z Group is an engineering, procurement ...

''Primetime Weeknights'', and TV5's ''Todo Max Primetime Singko'', and worldwide via

The Filipino Channel The Filipino Channel, commonly known as TFC, is a 24-hour global subscription television network based in Daly City, California with studios in Redwood City, California and offices in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, UAE, Ethi ...

and

Kapatid Channel Kapatid Channel (stylized as Kapatid) is an international Philippine subscription television channel owned by Pilipinas Global Network, Ltd. The channel offers programming highlights from the Philippine television channels TV5, One Sports, ...

on February 13, 2023, replacing '' Mars Ravelo’s Darna.'' The series is also available for

streaming Streaming media is multimedia that is delivered and consumed in a continuous manner from a source, with little or no intermediate storage in network elements. ''Streaming'' refers to the delivery method of content, rather than the content it ...

via

iWantTFC iWantTFC is a Filipino over-the-top content platform and production company owned and operated by ABS-CBN Digital Media, a division of ABS-CBN Corporation, formed in 2020 through the merger of two streaming services iWant and TFC Online. In ad ...

worldwide.

Synopsis

A young man rises to be one of the biggest outlaws in the neighborhood while he navigates his way in life to survive in Quiapo. Hoping to earn the affection of his parents, his feat draws him closer to the truth about his identity.

Cast and characters

;Main cast *

as Jesus Nazareno "Tanggol" A. Dimaguiba *

Lovi Poe Lourdes Virginia Moran Poe (born February 11, 1989), popularly known as Lovi Poe, is a Filipino actress, model, and recording artist. She is the daughter of action star Fernando Poe Jr. Poe is known for starring in two popular GMA drama series ...

as Monica "Mokang" Dimaculangan *

Christopher de Leon Christopher Strauss de León (born October 31, 1956) is a Philippine film actor and politician. He is recognized as the “''King of Philippine Drama''” has appeared in over 120 films since the early 1970s. Regarded as an "acting genius" and ...

as Ramon Montenegro **

as young Ramon *

Cherry Pie Picache Cherry Pie Sison Picache (born May 27, 1970) is a Filipino actress who has starred television and in mainstream and independent films and has worked as a print and TV commercial model for Palmolive, Camay, and Eskinol. Cherry Pie is notable ...

as Ma. Teresa "Marites" Asuncion-Dimaguiba **

Miles Ocampo Camille Tan Hojilla (born May 1, 1997), known professionally as Miles Ocampo, is a Filipino actress, model, writer, and singer. A former mainstay in the kiddie gag show ''Goin' Bulilit'', she is a member of Crown Artist Management, a talent age ...

as young Marites *

Charo Santos María Rosario Navarro Santos-Concio (born October 27, 1955), popularly known as Charo Santos-Concio or simply Charo Santos (), is a Filipino media executive and actress. She is the host of ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'', the longest-running television dra ...

as Matilde "Tindeng" Asuncion **

Precious Lara Quigaman Precious Lara San Agustin Quigaman-Alcaraz (; born 3 January 1983) is a Filipino actress, multi-product endorser and beauty queen who won the Miss International 2005 beauty pageant held in Tokyo, Japan. She is the fourth Filipino to have won th ...

as young Tindeng *

Lito Lapid Manuel "Lito" Mercado Lapid (; born October 25, 1955) is a Filipino actor and politician serving as a Senator since 2019, and previously from 2004 to 2016. He started his political career in Pampanga, serving as vice governor from 1992 to 1995 ...

as Supremo *

Tommy Abuel Tomas "Tommy" Abuel (born September 16, 1942) is an actor and lawyer from the Philippines. He won the FAMAS Best Supporting Actor Award in '' Maynila, Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag'' (1975), and ''Karma'' (1981); and Cinemalaya Best Actor Award in Dagsin (2 ...

as Don Julio Montenegro ** Raul Montesa as young Don Julio *

Irma Adlawan Irma Santonil Adlawan (born March 7, 1962) is a Filipino stage, television and film actress. She is dubbed as the “''Queen of Independent Cinema''” for her acting prowess and exceptional contribution to Philippine film industry. Adlawan is ...

as Olga Montenegro ** Ryza Cenon as young Olga *

RK Bagatsing Ramon Khino "RK" S. Bagatsing (born May 9, 1988) is a Filipino film and television actor. Bagatsing is most notable for the role of Arnaldo Ardiente Torillo in the ABS-CBN primetime series ''Wildflower''. Early life Bagatsing is the son of ac ...

as Greg Montenegro *

John Estrada John Anthony Siason Estrada (born June 13, 1973) is a Filipino film and TV actor who has starred in a number of roles as a leading man, comedian and villain. He is a contract actor of ABS-CBN, where he remained there from 1990 to 2018 and re ...

as PO1 Rigor Dimaguiba **

Ejay Falcon Ejay Lasap Falcon (born 21 November 1989) is a Filipino actor, model, endorser and politician who is the vice governor of Oriental Mindoro. As an actor, he came to prominence in 2008 after winning the reality show '' Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edi ...

as young Rigor ;Supporting cast * McCoy de Leon as David A. Dimaguiba * Ronwaldo Martin as Santino A. Dimaguiba *

Lou Veloso Luciano "Lou" Mariñas Veloso (born January 7, 1948) is a Filipino actor, comedian, director and politician. He is known for his supporting roles in over 30 comedy films, which include ''Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang'' (1985), ''Pulis Patola'' (1993 ...

as Ricardo "Noy" Asuncion, Jr. ** Karl Medina as young Noy *

Pen Medina Crispin "Pen" Parungao Medina Sr. (born August 27, 1950, in Arayat, Pampanga) is an actor from the Philippines who started acting in theater plays in his youth. He eventually played versatile roles on the big screen and in various television s ...

as Marciano "Marsing" Dimaculangan *

Susan Africa Susan Africa (born August 20, 1959) is a veteran Filipino film, television and theatre actress. Recognised as a legend in the Philippine cinema, Africa won "Best Supporting Actress" at the 13th Metro Manila Film Festival for her performance in ...

as Nonita "Nita" Dimaculangan *

Ping Medina Crispin "Ping" Chupungco Medina Jr. (born July 23, 1983) is a Filipino film actor. Medina is a contract artist of Star Magic. Career Medina is a prominent independent film actor in the Philippines. He debuted in Marilou Diaz-Abaya's film ''Jose ...

as Edwin Dimaculangan *

Rez Cortez Res Septimo Cortez (born January 4, 1956), better known as Rez Cortez, is a Filipino film and television actor and assistant director. Acting career Cortez's film career began in 1974, when he was introduced in ''Daigdig ng Sindak at Lagim''. ...

as Abdul * Sarah Jane Edwards as Fatima * Mark "Big Mak" Andaya as Tanos * Renz Joshua "Baby Giant" Baña as Oweng * Sugar Ray "Mammoth" Estroso as Bulldog * Jojit Lorenzo as Enteng *

Ronnie Lazaro Ronnie Zabala Lazaro (born November 14, 1957) is a Gawad Urian Award-winning Filipino film and television actor, producer, casting and art director. Biography He has received many nominations throughout his career as an actor, nine of which wer ...

as Lucio *

Mark Lapid Mark Tadeo Lapid (born February 16, 1980) is an actor and politician in the Philippines. He is a former Governor of Pampanga (2004–2007). President Gloria Arroyo appointed him as general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority in 2008. Fr ...

as Ben * Benzon Dalina as Turko *

Allan Paule Allan Paule De Guzman (born January 1, 1970 in Cebu City), better known as Allan Paule, is a Filipino actor who appeared in more than 100 movies and television series. He also unsuccessfully ran for councilor of Muntinlupa from the 1st district ...

as PO1 Armando "Mando" Mendoza **

Marlo Mortel Jhann Marlowe Galman Pamintuan (born January 4, 1993), known professionally as Marlo Mortel, is a Filipino actor, TV host, musician, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, who was best known for his role as Nicolo Angelo Cortez in the morning t ...

as young Mando *

Mercedes Cabral Mercedes Cabral (born August 10, 1986) is a Filipino actress. She is best known for starring in Philippine arthouse and independent films, notably those by Brillante Mendoza such as '' Serbis'', ''Kinatay'', ''Captive'', and ''Thy Womb''. She al ...

as PO2 Lena Cortez * King Gutierrez as Police Lt. Col. Manuel Suarez * Dindo Arroyo as Severino * Ryan Martin as Dolfo * Toni Fowler as Chicky * Lovely Jimenez-Dela Peña as Joy * Norvin Dela Peña as Norman * Jeolanie Aporado Sacdalan as Chairman * Elyson "Ghost Wrecker" Caranza as Tanod/Kagawad * Aaron "Yorme" Sunga as Tolits * Erin Espiritu as Tala * Derick Hubalde as Brando * Gela Atayde as Vanessa Dimaguiba * Rani Caldoza as Mr. Valentin * Julio Diaz as Delfin * Robbie Packing as Ato * Ivan Carapiet as Diego *

Joel Lamangan Joel Lamangan (born September 21, 1952) is a Filipino film director, television director and actor. His award-winning films includes '' The Flor Contemplacion Story'', ''Sidhi'', '' Deathrow'', ''Hubog'', '' Aishte Imasu 1941'', '' Blue Moon'' an ...

as Roda * Anghel Marcial * Ghersie Fantastico * Marlon Tourette ;Guest cast *

Rey Langit Reynante Magat Langit (; born September 20, 1948) is a Filipino journalist. He is a longtime columnist for Philippine newspapers ''Tempo'', ''Balita'', ''People's Tonight'', and ''Pilipino Mirror''. He is also the main anchorman for the natio ...

as Ruben * Jun Hidalgo as Omar *

Dino Imperial Dino Ricardo Kilates (born April 9, 1988), known professionally as Dino Imperial, is a Filipino actor, Club MC, commercial model and radio disk jockey. He was a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents named Star Magic, ABS-CBN's Talent ...

as JP *

Paolo Serrano Paolo Matthew Serrano (born August 17, 1987), more widely known as Paolo Serrano is a television and film actor in the Philippines. His film debut was in the indie film ''Matthew, Mark, Luke and John'' but mainly gained his fame when he got a ...

as Paquito *

Jimboy Martin Hendrix Jim Balasoto Martin (born October 12, 1997), better known as Jimboy Martin, is a Filipino television personality known for winning the teen edition of the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: 737. He is part of the all-male dance group of '' ...

as Karlo * Marie Preizer as Sarah * Sophie Reyes as Jill * Drey Brown as Tony * Yuki Takahashi as Camille * Myrna Castillo as Myrna * Bryan "Smugglaz" Lao as Kidlat * Lordivino "Bassilyo" Ignacio as Teban * Raymond Buensuceso "Flict-G" Rivera * Boss "Barakojuan" John * Bullet "Boss Bullet" Manliclic * Antonio "Mastafeat" Cajuban Jr. * Jonas Dichoso * Romarico "Crazymix" Superable * Marco "Kial" Alkadama * Christian Carlo "Pistolero" Cañares

Episodes

Production

After the success of the television adaptation of ''

Ang Probinsyano ''FPJ's Ang Probinsyano'' (lit. ''FPJ's The Provincial Man''; abbreviated as ''FPJAP'' and internationally known as ''Brothers'') is a 2015 Philippine action drama television series under ABS-CBN Entertainment replacing ''Nathaniel''. Based ...

'', ''Batang Quiapo'' was pegged by various news outlets as Martin's likeliest next project and a possible new TV series. Rumors of the possible TV adaptation of ''Batang Quiapo'' began when the film's theme, ''Doon Lang'', was performed by Martin in a "duet" with

as the clip of the scene from the film was being played; said scene originally featured Poe and

singing in a duet. Martin had expressed interest in adapting more of FPJ's works for film and/or television, as he adapted another Poe classic '' Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday'' which was an entry into the

2017 Metro Manila Film Festival The 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is the 43rd edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival held in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. It is organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Metropolitan Manila Devel ...

. However, the adaptation became uncertain due to ''Ang Probinsyanos continued extension until its finale on August 12, 2022. On December 5, 2022, Martin is confirmed to star, direct, write, and to co-produce (the first in his showbiz career) in the ''Batang Quiapo'' remake alongside Poe's daughter,

and

Principal photography Principal photography is the phase of producing a film or television show in which the bulk of shooting takes place, as distinct from the phases of pre-production and post-production. Personnel Besides the main film personnel, such as actor ...

commenced on January 9, 2023, the same day of the celebration of the

Feast of the Black Nazarene The Feast of the Black Nazarene (Filipino: ''Pista ng Itím na Nazareno''), also known as the ''Traslación'' after the mass procession associated with the feast, is a religious festival held in Manila, Philippines that is centered around the Bl ...

Original soundtrack

The original soundtrack of the series is composed of the song "Batang Quiapo" performed by various local rappers, and a cover of

Rico J. Puno Enrico de Jesus Puno (; February 13, 1953 – October 30, 2018), better known as Rico J. Puno (), was a Filipino singer, television host, actor, comedian and politician. He was considered as a music icon in the Philippines. He started the tren ...

's "Kapalaran" sung by

Gary Valenciano Edgardo Jose Santiago Valenciano (, born August 6, 1964), also known as Gary V., is a Filipino singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, actor, music producer and television host. Valenciano has released 39 albums, and won the Awit Award for "Bes ...

Reception

''Batang Quiapo'' was a success upon its debut. The pilot week has generated over 44 million digital views across all online platforms and peaked with 341,509 live concurrent viewers on

YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...

. The official tag also became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter nationwide.

Ratings

''Batang Quiapo'' ruled its timeslot upon its premiere on February 13, 2023. According to

Kantar Media Kantar Group is a data analytics and brand consulting company, based in London, England. It was founded in 1992, and has approximately 30,000 employees in 100 countries working in various research disciplines, including social media monitoring, ...

, the pilot episode rated a 21.4% and rose to 22.6% on February 15 (beating its rival ''

Maria Clara at Ibarra ''Maria Clara at Ibarra'' () is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on the novels of José Rizal: '' Noli Me Tángere'' and '' El filibusterismo''. Directed by Zig Dulay, it stars Barbie Fo ...

'' with 19.1% and 19.6% respectively). Despite limited reach on free-to-air,

AGB Nielsen Philippines AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines, commonly called AGB Nielsen, is a market research firm in the Philippines specializing in broadcast media. AGB Nielsen conducts audience measurement of television ratings for certain areas in the Philipp ...

reported that the pilot week of the series gave a positive feedback on the viewers with 12.5% pilot episode rating on February 13, 2023, placing it in the 3rd spot of the rating board and 13.8% rating on February 15, placing on the 2nd spot of the rating board (compared to ''Maria Clara at Ibarras 12.5%).

Muslim stereotype controversy

A day after its debut, the series' creators apologized to the

Muslim community ' (; ar, أمة ) is an Arabic word meaning "community". It is distinguished from ' ( ), which means a nation with common ancestry or geography. Thus, it can be said to be a supra-national community with a common history. It is a synonym for ' ...

due to a scene where Martin's character Tanggol sought the help of his Muslim friend Abdul–portrayed by Rez Cortez–as he was being pursued by the police. Tanggol took refuge in the company of armed Muslim men whom the police were hesitant to take action due to fear of retribution. A number of Muslim Filipinos took offense and criticised the portrayal as reinforcing negative stereotypes against them, with some calling for a

boycott A boycott is an act of nonviolent, voluntary abstention from a product, person, organization, or country as an expression of protest. It is usually for moral, social, political, or environmental reasons. The purpose of a boycott is to inflict som ...

of the series.

MTRCB The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board ( fil, Lupon sa Rebyu at Klasipikasyon ng Pelikula at Telebisyon; abbreviated as MTRCB) is a Philippine government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines that is respon ...

later released a statement on the said controversy.

Senator A senate is a deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature. The name comes from the ancient Roman Senate (Latin: ''Senatus''), so-called as an assembly of the senior (Latin: ''senex'' meaning "the el ...

Robin Padilla Robinhood Ferdinand Cariño Padilla (; born November 23, 1969), known professionally as Robin Padilla, is a Filipino politician, television personality, martial artist, actor and director currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines since ...

–a prominent Filipino Muslim–also issued a statement regarding the episode, assuring people that Martin did not have any "ill intentions" and appealed to fellow Filipino Muslims for understanding and forgiveness.

Notes

References

External links

* {{A2Z (original programming) 2020s Philippine television series 2023 Philippine television series debuts 2020s crime television series Bank robbery in fiction Gangs in fiction Islam-related controversies in Asia Live action television shows based on films Philippine action television series Philippine comedy-drama television series Philippine crime television series Robbery in television Television controversies in the Philippines Television series about organized crime Television series about orphans Television shows set in Manila Theft in fiction