Coco Martin has a solid purpose in creating “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” and that is to tell a story that would deeply resonate with the Filipino audience.

But this purpose also extends to the people he chooses to bring these stories to life. Many of the “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” cast members were initially meant to have short-lived roles, yet here they are, still part of the series as it enters its second year.

What is it about “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” that keeps actors staying longer than planned? For the series torchbearer, Coco, it all comes down to heart and passion. If you pour both into your craft, your story isn’t over until it’s truly meant to be.

McCoy de Leon, who plays the widely despised David, is one of the youngest stars in the show. So if the veteran actors feel grateful for their journey in the series, imagine how much more he does. McCoy remembers that the first pointer he received on set was, “Huwag kang ngingiti,” as the team wanted to showcase a different side of him, far from his usual charming boy-next-door roles.  “Kaya hanggang ngayon hindi pa ako ngumingiti… ngiti lang na pang-demonyo,” he quipped during a media conference with the teleserye’s original and new cast members.

Coming from his tweetums love team days, he discovered that he could, in fact, be a convincing villain. “Ngayon ko mas naramdaman na effective pala ako na mas masama,” he said, thus “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” has been a game-changer for him.

But more than just exploring a new character type, he’s also learned to push past his comfort zone, especially since “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” doesn’t rely on a rigid script unlike traditional teleseryes. Most scenes are improvised, which means actors need to know their characters inside and out. This was a big adjustment for McCoy as he was used to simply following directions, but here, he had to fully understand his role to respond naturally in every scene. And without realizing it, he learned how to collaborate with the creatives.

Coco then butted in, sharing that McCoy’s character was originally meant to be around only in the first few episodes. However, the team saw his dedication, eagerness to learn, and willingness to push himself, so it felt like a waste to let him go. “May pagkasa-pusa ’to,” quipped Coco. “‘Pag malapit na namin patayin [si David], laging ginagalingan niya, kaya nanghihinayang kami… Kumbaga, nakakatulong sa show, eh.”

That’s the magic of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” —so much of it happens in the moment. There have been plenty of instances where the creative team suddenly realizes a certain angle or character’s potential way more than they initially envisioned. One perfect example would be Tindeng (Charo Santos) and Don Facundo (Jaime Fabregas)’s unexpected tandem. Originally, there was no plan to give them “special moments” together. But when Coco came across a write-up pointing out their subtle chemistry, he thought ‘FacunDeng’ might just click since viewers were already picking up on it. Even he admitted feeling a little kilig watching these two veteran actors share the screen.

It’s these little surprises that keep the teleserye exciting. Nothing is ever set in stone, which is exactly what makes the series feel so alive.

Another character who stuck around longer than planned is Roda, played by veteran director Joel Lamangan. After spending over 30 years behind the camera, this is actually his first time acting in a teleserye and and he’s enjoying it. Direk Joel says that acting is a thrilling experience, especially when working with talented directors like Coco. “Humahanga ako sa kakapalan ng utak ni Coco,” he laughed. “Namamangha ako sa kan’ya.”

 According to Coco, one of the biggest factors in deciding whether a character stays or goes is simply performance. “Depende sa actors. ’Pag hinusayan mo, ’pag ginalingan mo, tatayaan kita nang tatayaan nang tatayaan,” he explained.

That’s exactly why Susan Africa, who plays Nita, places full trust in Coco’s creative vision and is just enjoying the ride, not a bit worried about her character’s fate. What matters most to Susan is putting her heart into every scene. And if there’s one thing she wants new cast members to know, it’s that the “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” set is built on a whole lot of love.

Pen Medina couldn’t hold back his emotions as he opened up about how personal “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is to him. When he got sick and had to undergo surgery, he reached out to friends for help, but he never expected Coco would step up. Not only did Coco help cover his medical expenses, but he already offered Pen a role in the series even before the latter had fully recovered.

Since Pen was still healing, in his usual creative genius, Coco came up with a character that wouldn’t be too physically demanding. That’s how Marsing, a ‘mambubudol’ pretending to be disabled, was born. “Hanggang ngayon, dahil ito lang naman ang programa ko, ito pa rin ang nagsu-sustain sa pamilya ko,” expressed Pen.

Coco then revealed that both Nita and Marsing’s characters were supposed to be written out after their daughter Mokang (Lovi Poe) was killed off. But Coco and the creative team couldn’t bring themselves to let the veterans go.”Pinipilit namin ng lahat ng creatives at directors gawan ng paraan kung paano sila itatawid. Kasi alam namin kung gaano kaimportante itong hanapbuhay na ’to,” he explained.

The same thing happened with Julio Diaz, who, after two years, recently exited the series as General Pacheco. Coco admitted they constantly brainstorm ways to extend characters and maximize their storylines.

“Kasi hindi namin tinitingnan ‘yung show, ang tinitingnan namin ‘yung buhay ng tao,” he disclosed. “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” isn’t just about creating a hit series; it’s about giving opportunities to those who need them. And Coco truly believes this is why the show continues to be blessed. “Alam ni God na may misyon tayo. Hindi lang para magtrabaho, maghanapbuhay, o magpalabas ng maganda gabi-gabi, kundi para rin makatulong sa mga taong nangangailangan.”

This, Coco says, is his true purpose. But he’s not one to take all the credit. He sees it as a cycle of giving and receiving. While the show provides work for actors, those actors also give back through their talent. “Pinagbubuti namin nang pinagbubuti. At pakiramdam ko, binabalik ni God ang lahat ng mabubuting ginagawa namin. Lahat ng paghihirap namin, binabalik Niya dahil nakikita Niya ‘yung magandang purpose ng show—hindi lang para sa amin kundi para sa maliit na industriya natin.”

While closeness and camaraderie are important on set, Coco has one strict rule: “Bawal ang tsismis.” Respect comes first in the “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” family. And this sense of respect is perhaps another reason why the team and the show itself remain strong.

Expect even more exciting surprises as “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” enters its third year. New cast members Andrea Brillantes, Jake Cuenca, Angel Aquino, Albie Casiño, Juan Rodrigo, Paolo Paraiso, Gillian Vicencio, and Shamaine Buencamino, as well as Michael de Mesa, Albert Martinez, Dante Rivero, Chanda Romero, and Celia Rodriguez are joining the cast.