Jhong, Louise, and Arnold admit the pressure of joining “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’s” flashback arc

Long before the chaos of the present-day narrative in "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" unfolded, the characters of Don Gustavo (Dante Rivero), Pilar (Celia Rodriguez), and Don Julio (Tommy Abuel) were already caught in a tangled history that began with ambition and a romance that never really found closure. Back then, Gustavo was still clawing his way up the ranks of the criminal world, while Don Julio, the calculating political aspirant, was already scheming his way into power with Pilar as a political tool and the woman he grew to love. 

And now, in the series’ recent flashback arc, we finally get to see that story in full color, told by a new set of younger actors. Taking on the challenge of playing young Gustavo is Jhong Hilario, while Louise delos Reyes brings a new layer of fire to the role of young Pilar, and Arnold Reyes portrays the earlier version of Don Julio.

In a behind-the-scenes reel, these three actors talk about how they prepared to enter the world of "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo" and what it means to share a character with some of the industry's most respected veterans. 

Jhong admitted that it wasn’t easy to follow in the footsteps of a Dante Rivero, and that taking on the younger version of such a well-established character meant every detail had to be on point. “Kailangan mong aralin kung ano 'yung mga kilos niya, kung ano 'yung mga mannerism niya, kung paano siya magsalita, kung paano siya maglakad," he explained, emphasizing that Gustavo's role carries a quiet sense of danger that demands presence even without words. “Simple lang pero hindi mo alam kung ano ang iniisip, kung ano ang pwedeng gawin,” he added.

Louise, on the other hand, shared that stepping into the shoes of the one and only Celia Rodriguez brought her nerves, especially since she’s not usually cast in 'mataray' or kontrabida-type roles, much less one that mirrors the sharp-tongued elegance of a veteran like Celia, who is widely known as one of the country's premier antagonists. "Meron siyang mga mannerisms, kung paano siya magsalita at binabato 'yung lines, kailangan mo 'yung aralin,” shared Louise, who is determined to give justice to the iconic persona she’s temporarily borrowing. 

“Ayaw naman nating mapahiya. I really try my best to emulate Miss Celia Rodriguez,” she said, while also expressing her excitement that this project brought her back to working with Jhong again, but this time, with the tables turned in contrast to their previous roles in "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" where she played a cop while he portrayed rebel. "Kasi dito, hindi niya ako inaapi, ako ang nang-aapi sa kanya,” remarked Louise. 

Arnold likewise took his preparation seriously, knowing just how big of a character he was about to embody, and especially since he had long been waiting for the opportunity to be cast in "FPJ's Batang Quiapo." So he makes sure he comes to the set with everything in order. “Dapat pagdating ko sa set nina Direk Malu [Sevilla] at Direk Coco [Martin] ay handang-handa ako para tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho." Aside from doing his own research, he also paid close attention to the nuances of Don Julio’s power-hungry personality.

Catch Jhong, Louise, and Arnold in the flashback scenes of “FPJ's Batang Quiapo,” airing weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamily Online Live (KOL), TV5, and A2Z.