Posted by ReyFort Media
After three years of gripping primetime television, the directors of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” are looking back with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of fulfillment as the action-drama series heads into its much-anticipated finale.
For director Malu Sevilla, the journey has been nothing short of rewarding.
“It feels good. All the hard work has finally come to fruition. Lahat ng sinimulan namin has endured,” she shared. “Kita namin kung gaano na-appreciate ng audience. ‘Yung hirap ng buong team, nagpa-pay off. We’re on a high. Sarap-sarap na feeling. And hindi madali. Hindi madali.”
The show, which followed the massive seven-year run of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” carried with it towering expectations. Director Darnel Villaflor admitted the pressure was real.
“Mataas ‘yung pressure kasi syempre coming from a seven-year streak ng ‘Ang Probinsyano.’ Ito ngayon three years naman,” he said. “But every episode, we give it our best. The standard set by CCM Film Productions headed by Mr. Coco Martin is very high. Mine-maintain talaga ‘yun.”
Director Richard V. Somes likened the team’s shared achievement to finding water in the desert “and suddenly nakakita kayo ng sobrang fresh na tubig sa gitna. Lahat kayo uminom doon.”
“That’s the feeling we achieved from production, staff, directors, and the great actors under the leadership of Direk Coco,” he explained.
For Somes, the greater challenge wasn’t just sustaining ratings it was raising the bar until the very end. “From day one hanggang ending, kailangan consistent and even more intensified. I think na-deliver namin.”
Much of the directors’ reflections centered on the leadership and vision of series star, creator, and co-director Coco Martin, who plays Tanggol in the show.
Sevilla, who has worked with Martin for years, recalled seeing his potential early on.
“The first time I worked with him, sabi ko, itong artistang ‘to, hindi lang siya artista. May vision siya,” she said. “Every time we did scenes, nakikitaan ko na siya ng husay sa pag-develop ng karakter. True enough, he became a lead actor, then director, producer, and now creator. I witnessed his growth firsthand. I’m truly proud of him.”
She described working with Martin as demanding but deeply fulfilling. “It’s no walk in the park. But the fulfillment you get as an artist and co-creator iba. The professionalism, discipline, and immense talent he brings to the table ibang klase talaga.”
As “Batang Quiapo” builds toward its final chapters, the directors assured viewers that the ending will be both explosive and emotionally satisfying.
“Unang-unang abangan nila is the structure and how the characters unfold till the end,” Somes said.
“The drama, the action, the intensity and giving the audience a new kind of experience in how scenes are mounted, how acting and action coincide. This is something fresh for Philippine TV in the next few weeks,” he added.
Villaflor echoed the promise of a complete and well-rounded conclusion. “Expected na may pasabog, may barilan, maraming eksena. But assurance namin, hindi kayo mabibitin. Kumpletong experience sa ending. Makikita n’yo lahat ng magsasara all the plans, all of Tanggol’s goals as bida. Ang tanong na lang: makukuha ba niya lahat?”
Ending the series, however, comes with mixed emotions.
“We’re always emotional,” Sevilla admitted. “Parang baby mo ‘yan. The daily grind, walang pahinga. Hindi mo na iniisip ‘yung puyat at pagod. Ang iniisip mo mabuo yung experience para sa viewer.”
One of their biggest logistical challenges? Dividing Martin’s time.
“Paano namin hahatiin si Coco? I’m north, he’s south, west, east paano namin siya ikutin?” she said with a laugh. “If it was hard for us, doubly hard for Coco.”
Despite praises, criticisms, ratings highs and lows, the team says trust kept them grounded.
“It’s about trusting the project and the right people beside you,” Somes reflected.
(G. Krishnan/abs-cbn news)
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