According to Coco Martin, McCoy De Leon’s role was not planned to last this long.
FPJ’s Batang Quiapo director Coco Martin revealed the reason why the role of McCoy De Leon was extended in the series.
On February 13, 2023, Coco Martin made his TV comeback over six months after the seven-year-long run of ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’ ended. He starred in another series from the rich film library of late movie icon, Fernando Poe Jr.
He leads and directs the 1986 classic ‘Batang Quiapo’. Last January 23, 2025, the series scored its highest peak concurrent viewers on Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube to date at 803,123.
Recently, during a press conference, Martin revealed that McCoy De Leon playing as David, is supposed to have an early exit. However, his strong performance has made them extend his storyline.
Supposed to be, David will only be on the pilot but his determination, talent, openness to learn, and willingness made him reach the series second year.
“Sabi nga namin, ‘May pagkasa-pusa to.’ Kapag malapit na namin patayin, laging ginagalingin na nanghinihinayang kami, kasi nga di ba, as in, parang sayang naman,” Martin said and further expressed. “Parang nakakatulong siya sa show eh. Ang daming mga incident na gano’n.”
For McCoy, being given an antagonistic role opened a new perspective for him when it comes to acting. He had a newfound appreciation and in order to keep his role, he adjusted his mannerisms on set.
As a newbie in drama and action, he found himself lucky as he was able to work with some of the best actors in the entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, as the series marked its second anniversary, a new set of characters portrayed by some of the icons of the industry will be introduced.
The new Batang Quiapo cast members are Andrea Brillantes, Jake Cuenca, Angel Aquino, Juan Rodrigo, Paolo Paraiso, Gillian Vicencio, Shamaine Buencamino, and veteran stars Michael de Mesa, Albert Martinez, Dante Rivero, Chanda Romero, and Celia Rodriguez.
The lineup overwhelms Martin as it is rare for one to be able to work alongside the veterans.
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