Setting the Philippine screen ablaze is the action-packed primetime series Batang Quiapo. Starring Coco Martin and Lovi Poe, the modern adaptation of Fernando Poe, Jr.’s 1986 movie is an homage to the latter’s legacy as a household name in the country’s cinema and as National Artist.

The adventure begins as Coco Martin brings another FPJ classic to the audience, making it one of the most-awaited ABS-CBN teleseryes in 2023. Apart from it being top-billed by Coco, the show has an all-star cast and a captivating story that will surely turn a monotonous night into a marvelous one.

Here’s a fact and history check of the series and its cast:

1. Coco Martin’s “Batang Quiapo” is a remake of FPJ’s 1986 film with the same title.

The series follows the reinvention of the classic Baldomero “Baldo” Dimaguiba, whose nickname is now changed to Tanggol (Coco Martin). Tanggol was born and brought up in the slums of Quiapo, Manila, where his street shenanigans started to unfold.

Some of the stars who were in the original film include Maricel Soriano (Maria), Johnny Delgado (Rigor) along with Sheryl Cruz (Sonea), Manilyn Reynes (Mona), Kristina Paner (Caring), Chuckie Dreyfus (Dodong), Mel Martinez (Totoy), Anita Linda (Iska), Rez Cortez (Tikboy), Dencio Padilla (Momoy), Paquito Diaz (Kits), Bomber Moran (Rading), Bayani Casimiro (Mang Paquito), and Bella Fores (Mila).

2. “Batang Quiapo” is Coco Martin’s first time to film a teleserye as a co-producer, co-director, and actor.

Produced under Dreamscape Entertainment and Coco Martin’s CCM Film Productions, the action-drama “Batang Quiapo” serves as an instrument for Coco to show more of his multitude of talents.

3. Lovi Poe has always wanted to act alongside coveted actor Coco Martin.

While it is not really necessary for “Batang Quiapo” leading lady Lovi Poe to star in the series, it has always been her aspiration to work with Coco. Lovi also revealed that among his father’s films, the 1986 classic is her top choice.

4. “Batang Quiapo is teeming with industry veterans and venerable icons of showbiz.

Seasoned names such as Christopher De Leon, Cherry Pie Picache, John Estrada, Charo Santos, Pen Medina, Irma Adlawan, Lito Lapid, Susan Africa, Tommy Abuel, and Alan Paule are swarming the show.

5. Miles Ocampo, who played the young Marites (Cherry Pie Picache), was praised for her stellar performance in the series.

Miles Ocampo became an instant talk-of-the-town for her brief yet important appearance in “Batang Quiapo.” Playing the young Marites, Miles portrayed her role as a rape victim with versatility and superb acting skills.

6. The series’ pilot scored a total of more than 340,000 simultaneous views via YouTube streaming.

The pilot episode of “Batang Quiapo,” which premiered last February 13 on Philippine primetime, landed Twitter’s trending topics and is valued at 340,000+ concurrent viewers on Kapamilya Online Live alone. Awesome!

7. The teleserye’s live telecast gathered an audience of great numbers, making it the biggest meeting for a primetime show since the pandemic.

Hosted by Eric Nicolas and Melai Cantiveros, the “Batang Quiapo” concert happened last February 13 at Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila. Attended by prominent actors, the live watch party was a whole new experience for the Quiapo neighborhood.

8. “Batang Quiapo” captures the lives of the common people in the Philippines.

Since ABS-CBN’s newest series is mostly shot in the streets of Quiapo, the main subject of the show, Tanggol Dimaguiba, is representative of how the regular Filipino operates in the face of poverty and social problems.

Related Story: “Batang Quiapo” Premieres on Philippine Primetime

Tune in to the action teleserye from Monday to Friday at 8 P.M. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and TFC.

Lead photos from IMDb and ABS-CBN Entertainment