After the recent success of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, actor-director Coco Martin is set to return on primetime television.
Dreamscape Entertainment has announced on Monday, December 5, 2022, that Coco will again star in yet another adaptation of a Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) classic film, Batang Quiapo.
The actor will be joined by Charo Santos-Concio and Lovi Poe, daughter of the late King of Philippine Movies, in the new project.
Lovi, who will be paired for the first time with Coco, is confirmed to be the actor’s love interest, while Charo will play Coco’s grandmother in the series.
The caption read (published as is), “Isang FPJ Classic ang muling bibigyang-buhay ni Coco Martin kasama ang anak ng nag-iisang Da King, Lovi Poe.”
Dreamscape Entertainment added that the ABS-CBN adaptation of Batang Quiapo, which was first released as a movie in 1986, is in commemoration of FPJ’s 18th death anniversary.
Also joining the series are Lito Lapid, Christopher De Leon, Susan Africa, John Estrada, Pen Medina, Cherry Pie Picache, Benzon Dalina, Mark Lapid, Ronwaldo Martin, Ping Medina, Mercedes Cabral, Alan Paule, and Tommy Abuel.
The original Batang Quiapo is an action-comedy film that centers on Baldo (FPJ), a former pickpocket who has just been released from prison and is determined to start a new life and to set Maria (Maricel Soriano), a young pickpocket, on the right path.
Directed by Martin and Malu Sevilla, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo ABS-CBN adaptation is targeted for release in 2023.