More than two decades since her last appearance in a Kapamilya teleserye, Philippine showbiz icon Celia Rodriguez is about to make a grand comeback in ABS-CBN Studios this 2025 via the undisputed, top-rating Kapamilya series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”  

The great news was revealed during the teleserye’s 2nd anniversary kick-off event held last January, in which she was among the new set of cast members that was unveiled. In an interview with Kapamilya showbiz reporter MJ Felipe for “On Cue,” the iconic kontrabida couldn’t help but get emotional as she talked about her forthcoming stint.  

When asked what makes her “very” excited to be part of the program, Celia said, “This is something new to my life. And it’s actually the talk of the town.” 

She then remarked that it’s certainly going to be a huge challenge for her, confessing that she actually wanted to already retire when this project was offered to her. But it seems that God has other plans for her, and He wanted her to continue doing what she’s always been passionate about—acting. 

Without giving away any spoilers, the legendary actress revealed that it’s going to be another kontrabida character, yet “with a different twist” that viewers must watch out for. She shared how impossible it is for her to say “no” to a great TV show like “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” that is comprised of “so many beautiful and wonderful people.” 

Celia went on to get a bit emotional as she expressed how she’s always been touched by Coco Martin, not as an actor, director, and producer, but with how he sincerely helps other people despite his superstar status. Instead of spending his fortune and time on traveling to different parts of the world and on buying anything that he pleases—which some people his age typically do—he chooses to work on something that could help a lot of people, especially those who are part of the industry. 

“It’s truly amazing for a man to enjoy helping people. Bihira ‘yong gano’n, especially nowadays,” she said, chuckling as she mentioned that some of the artists that he is able to help were sexagenarian and up, a.k.a. senior citizens, like her.  

She went on to comment about Coco, “This boy is God-given. I think he’s God-given to us. Kaya kanina naiyak ako. Sabi ko, ‘My God, he doesn’t have to do that. Hindi ako nakakapaniwala na may taong gano’n kasi in this industry, it’s also self-interest palagi. And here comes this boy. He doesn’t have to do that, he’s Coco Martin. He can go all over the world and enjoy life but look at what he’s doing. Nagshoo-shooting siya, nagta-taping siya, lahat tinutulungan.” 

As MJ conveyed how excited he is to see her onscreen every night, Celia admitted that she’s actually been very nervous and even told Coco that she is hoping to be able to fulfill the expectations of him and other people from her. She couldn’t help but be teary-eyed when the showbiz reporter relayed to her that she and fellow veteran actress Chandra Romero were among the trending topics on social media upon being unveiled as among the new cast members.