Andrea Brillantes is grateful to be given the chance to work with showbiz veterans and icons as she joins the cast of the hit ABS-CBN series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

In “Tatak BQ: The FPJ’s Batang Quiapo 2nd Anniversary Special,” the actress said she will turn the pressure that she’s feeling into motivation so she could do better on set of the action-packed series.

A former child star, Brillantes said she also wants to see how she will grow as an actress as she joins the popular show.

“I must admit I am feeling a bit pressured, pero I am more grateful than pressured. Kasi grabe ang mga kasama ko rito. Naii-starstruck din po talaga ako kasi mga icons at skilled veterans at nirerespeto ang mga pangalan nila kaya kinakabahan ako. But at the same time, hindi ko hahayaan na magpadala ako sa kaba na ‘yon,” she said.

“And I will make sure to put it into good use and make that pressure into motivation to be better. And hindi ko ini-expect, siyempre I’m not really at par with everyone here but with this I’m excited to see kung maggo-grow ba ako sa an actor. Kasi iba ‘yung experience dito sa BQ. Excited po ako for what’s to come for me. And thank you so much po direk Coco (Martin), thank you,” she added.

According to Brillantes, she has always wanted to try the action genre. “I am very much ready, matagal ko na rin po actually nire-request na gusto ko mag-action,” she revealed.

Asked if she is ready to do the improv style, which Martin is known for in directing the hit show, the actress admitted that she is more used to working with a script, but it’s something that she is looking forward to.

“Last time na ginawa ko ‘yung improv parang 3 years old lang ako, ako lang ‘yung naglalaro mag-isa sa kwarto. Siyempre noong bata ako, super full of creativity pa ako noong bagets ako, so ngayon mapu-push ulit ako na ibalik ‘yung creativity ko noong bata pa ako. Mapu-push po talaga ako rito, kinakabahan po ako but I’m super excited and ready to go,” she said.

Prior to “Batang Quiapo,” Brillantes starred in “High Street,” sequel of the hit 2023 drama mystery series “Senior High.”

According to Martin, Brillantes asked him if she could guest in the series.

“Kinukuwento ko nga lagi every time na ini-interview ako, nangyari kasi sa buhay ko ‘yung nagsisimula ako puro rejection. Kaya sabi ko nga ngayong dumating ito, ‘yung kakayanan na kahit papaano ay makatulong sa kapwa ko artista–o kung hindi man sa mga artista, sa mga staff or crew–eh hindi ko pinagdadamot,” he said.

“Kaya kapag may lumapit sa akin, kunwari like si Andrea, nag-usap lang kami sa birthday ni Tita Cory (Vidanes)… Sabi niya, ‘Pa-guest naman sa ‘Batang Quiapo.’ [Sabi ko] ‘Gusto mo ba? Sige.’ Akala niya wala lang ‘yon. After that, kinabukasan pinaayos ko agad ‘yung script, inaayos ko agad ‘yung kuwento, pinatawagan ko agad siya. Hindi siya makapaniwala,” he recalled. “Kaso lang that time, si Andrea may mga schedule kaya hindi natuloy.”

Last January 27,  Martin and his co-stars received a heroes’ welcome from their fellow Kapamilyas as “Batang Quiapo” celebrated its second anniversary.

In the grand Kapamilya welcome, new cast members were also revealed.

Aside from Brillantes, other stars joining “Batang Quiapo” are Jake Cuenca, Angel Aquino, Albie Casiño, Juan Rodrigo, Paolo Paraiso, Gillian Vicencio, and Shamaine Buencamino, as well as screen veterans Michael de Mesa, Albert Martinez, Dante Rivero, Chanda Romero, and Celia Rodriguez.

“Batang Quiapo” airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, and TV5. It’s also available on iWantTFC and TFC.