Batang Quiapo (TV series)

FPJ's Batang Quiapo is a Philippine television drama action series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel. Directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, Coco Martin and Kevin de Vela, it stars Martin in the title role. The series is based on the 1986 film of the same title. It premiered on February 13, 2023 on the network's Primetime Bida line up replacing Mars Ravelo's Darna.

The series is streaming online on YouTube.

Plot
A young man named Tanggol rises to be one of the biggest outlaws in the neighborhood while he navigates his way in life to survive in Quiapo, Manila. Hoping to earn the affection of his parents, his feat draws him closer to the truth about his identity.

Present

 * Main cast


 * Coco Martin as Hesus Nazareno "Tanggol" A. Dimaguiba
 * Christopher de Leon as Ramon Montenegro / Alberto Frias
 * Coco Martin as young Ramon
 * Lito Lapid as Supremo "Primo" C. Medina
 * Jomari Angeles as young Primo
 * John Estrada as PCpl. Rigor Dimaguiba
 * Ejay Falcon as young Rigor
 * Cherry Pie Picache as Ma. Teresa "Marites" Asuncion-Dimaguiba
 * Miles Ocampo as young Marites
 * Lorna Tolentino as Amanda Salonga
 * Lara Fortuna as young Amanda
 * Charo Santos as Matilde "Tindeng" Asuncion
 * Precious Lara Quigaman as young Tindeng


 * Supporting cast
 * Ivana Alawi as Samantha Montenegro-Macaraig / Samantha "Bubbles" Fortun-Zaballa
 * Mona Alawi as young Bubbles
 * Tessie Tomas as Señora Bettina Caballero
 * Jaime Fabregas as Don Facundo T. Caballero
 * Joey Marquez as PMSg Edilberto "Berting" Oliva
 * Julio Diaz as PMGEN Augustus V. Pacheco
 * Dominic Roco as young Augustus
 * Allan Paule as PCpl. Armando "Mando" Mendoza
 * Marlo Mortel as young Mando
 * Joonee Gamboa as Harrison Co Cheng / Angkong
 * Tommy Abuel as Don Julio Montenegro
 * Raul Montesa as young Don Julio
 * Pen Medina as Marciano "Marsing" Dimaculangan
 * Ronnie Lazaro as Lucio Liberan
 * Viggo Franco as young Lucio
 * Irma Adlawan as Olga Montenegro / Beng
 * Ryza Cenon as young Olga
 * Nonie Buencamino as Marcelo Macaraig
 * Alex Vincent Medina as young Marcelo
 * Soliman Cruz as Celso "Mayor" Fortun-Zaballa
 * Jim Pebanco as young Celso
 * Susan Africa as Nonita "Nita" Dimaculangan
 * Lou Veloso as Ricardo "Noy" Asuncion, Jr.
 * Karl Medina as young Noy
 * Joel Lamangan as Roda
 * Jojit Lorenzo as Renato "Enteng" Dimapilis
 * Mercedes Cabral as PCpl Lena Cortez
 * Ping Medina as Edwin Dimaculangan
 * Lao Rodriguez as Jail Lt. Antonio Macasantos
 * Mark Lapid as Benjamin "Ben" Camacho
 * Jeffrey Tam as Leroy "Roy" Tiu-Lee
 * McCoy de Leon as David A. Dimaguiba / Fake Hesus Nazareno "Tanggol" A. Montenegro
 * Ronwaldo Martin as Santino A. Dimaguiba
 * Renz Fernandez as Bullet
 * King Gutierrez as PLTCOL Manuel Suarez
 * Dan Alvaro as Dante "Dan" Martinez
 * Luisito Espinosa as Roberto
 * Levi Ignacio as Coach Gary
 * Benzon Dalina as Turko
 * Mark Anthony "Big Mak" Andaya as Alvin "Tanos" Garcia
 * Sugar Ray "Mammoth" Estroso as Gabriel "Bulldog" Santiago
 * Ryan Martin as Rodolfo "Dolfo" Agustin
 * Renz Joshua "Baby Giant" Baña as Rowell "Oweng" Bulawan
 * Niño Muhlach as Baste
 * Malou Crisologo as Pacing
 * Gil "Ate Gay" Morales as Elsa
 * Jean Saburit as Lourdes
 * Lito Camo as Goodah
 * Nikko Natividad as Emong Fortun-Zaballa
 * Kim Domingo as Madonna
 * Ara Davao as Katherine Caballero
 * Yukii Takahashi as Camille
 * Kim Rodriguez as Jelly
 * Deo "Diwata" Balbuena as Frida


 * Guest cast
 * Victor Silayan as PLT Luis Jacobe
 * Kiko Matos as Erik
 * Raymond Buensuceso "Flict-G" Rivera as Rocky
 * Antonio "Mastafeat" Cajuban Jr. as Pito
 * Jonas Dichoso as Jonas Jay "Jojo" Pamatpat
 * Romarico "Crazymix" Superable as Jude "Botchok" Andulan
 * Marco "Kial" Alkadama as Theodoro "Toryo" Paanum
 * Bryan "Smugglaz" Lao as Estroso / Kidlat
 * Lordivino "Bassilyo" Ignacio as Teban
 * Christian Carlo "Pistolero" Cañares as Kaloy
 * Paolo Gumabao as Lawrence Martin
 * Jorel Ramirez as PLT Mario Samonte
 * Dexie Diaz as Annika
 * Rey Campanilla as Chairman
 * Marlon Tourette as Marlon / Iking
 * Pokski Ramirez as Opok
 * Jess Evardone as Gaspar
 * Romy Romulo as Homer
 * Thamara Alexandria as Phoebe
 * Andrew Ramsay as Bobby
 * Shernan Gaite as Chito
 * Salvador Domasian as Joel
 * Pontri Bernardo as PBGEN Avelino Rivas
 * Happy Marcial as Happy
 * Ghercie Soriano as Ghercie
 * Geline Garcia as Geline
 * Myrna Castillo as Myrna Dimapilis
 * Erlinda Villalobos as Betchay Fortun-Zaballa
 * Nanding Josef as Rev. Fr. Ruben
 * Zeus Collins as Tisoy
 * Numerhus Maranan as Rod
 * Bart Guingona as Jail Chief Supt./BGEN Oscar Duran
 * Muriel Anne "Sisa" Jamito as Sonya
 * Pedro Mercado "Zaito" Canon Jr. as Zanjo
 * John Rendez as Juancho Caballero

Former

 * Main cast
 * Lovi Poe as Monica "Mokang / Monique" Dimaculangan-Frias
 * Jaclyn Jose as Jail Chief Supt./BGEN Dolores Espinas


 * Supporting cast
 * RK Bagatsing as Greg Montenegro
 * Ricardo Cepeda as Richardson Wu
 * Marina Benipayo as Christine Cheng
 * Odette Khan as Aurora Cheng
 * Toni Fowler as Chicky
 * Ynez Veneracion as Marita
 * Dinky Doo Jr. as Boston
 * Deborah Sun as Yolly
 * Dindo Arroyo as Severino Sabado
 * Val Iglesias as Romulo "Mulong" Cordero
 * Robert Seña as Jail Warden Col. Gerardo Balatucan
 * Vandolph Quizon as Ronaldo "Bong" Pulido
 * Donna Cariaga as Becky
 * Neil Coleta as Obet
 * Yce Navarro as Ruben
 * Elijah Canlas as Pablo Caballero


 * Guest cast
 * Rez Cortez as Abdul
 * Sarah Edwards as Fatima
 * Jun Hidalgo as Omar
 * Rey Langit as Reporter Ruben
 * Rani Caldoza as Mr. Valentin
 * Robbie Packing as Ato
 * Lovely Jimenez-Dela Peña as Joy
 * Norvin Dela Peña as Norman
 * Elyson "Ghost Wrecker" Caranza as Kagawad / Tanod
 * Aaron "Yorme" Sunga as Tolits
 * Erin Espiritu as Tala
 * Eric Fructuoso as Banjo
 * Janice Jurado as Janet
 * Peso Ratschild as Baldo
 * Angela Balagtas as Kiara
 * Jonic Magno as Nestor
 * Anne Feo as Lilian
 * Kevin de Vela as Efren
 * Shanaia Gomez as Selene
 * Christine Bermas as Aileen
 * Rafael Froilan as Kanor
 * Edna Vida Froilan as Erlinda
 * Nonoy Froilan as Amanda's dad
 * Via Veloso as Cynthia
 * Rags Regalado as Ruby
 * Lowell Conales as Raul
 * Giovanni Baldisseri as Felix Jacobe
 * Alireza Libre as Atty. Legaspi
 * Dino Imperial as JP
 * Jimboy Martin as Karlo
 * Sophie Reyes as Jill
 * Karla Marie Preizer as Sarah
 * Drey Brown as Tony
 * Loi "Mama Loi" Villarama as Loisa
 * Francis Valle "Dyosa Pockoh" Suayan as Jessa
 * Leo Bruno as Fria
 * Alexa Macanan as Ema
 * Katrina Paula as Tinay
 * Amanda Zamora as Charlene Cheng
 * Ava Mendez as Eva
 * John Lapid as John
 * Syra Mulleno as Café Manager
 * Kenjhons Serrano as Victor
 * Jong Cuenco as Cong. Amado Sevilla
 * Nognog as Nognog
 * Jaime Cuales as Pango
 * Roberto Antonino as Bantay
 * Alma Concepcion as Queeny Fortun-Zaballa
 * Leandro Baldemor as Jimmy Fortun-Zaballa
 * Boss "Barakojuan" John as Bobet "Buboy" Border
 * Bullet "Boss Bullet" Manliclic as Baste "Bagyo" Fuego
 * Michael Rivero as Abner
 * Joel "Pambansang Kolokoy" Mondina as Cocoy
 * Zeppi Borromeo as Fidel
 * Darwin "Haprice" Tolentino as Teron
 * Rey Solo as Solo
 * Raul "Higante" Dillo as Raul
 * Rey Bejar as Bejar
 * Alex Cunanan as Augustus's henchman
 * Xander Madrid as Augustus's henchman
 * Ricky Alma Jose as Augustus's henchman
 * Kit Thompson as Alvin Daniega
 * Gerald Gabonado as Bong's cellmate
 * Alex Tolentino as Bong's cellmate
 * Larry Estroso as Bong's cellmate
 * Anton Catral as Bong's cellmate
 * Michael Angelo Soberano as Bong's cellmate
 * Joseph Cabral as Bong's cellmate
 * Robby Dizon as Bong's cellmate
 * Gino Ilustre as Don Ismael
 * Lotlot Bustamante as Ibyang
 * Johnny Revilla as Mr. Salazar
 * Giemel Magramo as Gabriel "Gagamba" Gamboa
 * Francis Mata as Mr. Tolentino
 * Lauren Novero as Renan
 * Mika Bernabe as Bianca
 * Wilmar "Scarface" Peñaflorida as Augustus's henchman
 * John Ching as Augustus's henchman
 * Ivan Carapiet as Diego
 * Paolo Serrano as Paquito
 * Nico Antonio as Simon

Development
After the success of the television adaptation of Ang Probinsyano, Batang Quiapo was pegged by various news outlets as Martin's likeliest next project and a possible new TV series. Rumors of the possible TV adaptation of Batang Quiapo began when the film's theme, Doon Lang, was performed by Martin in a "duet" with Fernando Poe Jr. as the clip of the scene from the film was being played; said scene originally featured Poe and Maricel Soriano singing in a duet. Martin had expressed interest in adapting more of FPJ's works for film and/or television, as he adapted another Poe classic Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday which was an entry into the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

However, the adaptation became uncertain due to Ang Probinsyano's continued extension until its finale on August 12, 2022.

Casting
On December 5, 2022, Martin is confirmed to star, direct, write, and to co-produce (the first in his showbiz career) in the Batang Quiapo remake alongside Poe's daughter, Lovi Poe and Charo Santos.

On January 4, 2024, Lovi Poe left the show due to her marriage with her fiancée in England. Her character was signed off.

On January 23, 2024, Deborah Sun left the show due to an accident on the set and was immediately taken to the Hospital. Her character was signed off.

On March 2, 2024, Jaclyn Jose died, leaving her role as Jail Chief Supt./BGEN Dolores Espinas. Bart Guingona replaced Jose as the new Jail Chief Supt./BGEN Oscar Duran.

Filming
Principal photography commenced on January 9, 2023, the same day of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Broadcast
The series, along with other primetime programs were pre-empted on A2Z from November 8, 2023 to February 9, 2024 and took effect every Wednesday and Friday to give way to the 2023–24 PBA season. It continued to air on Cine Mo! (as Saturday Marathon), Kapamilya Channel and TV5.

Soundtrack
The series' opening theme song, "Batang Quiapo (alternatively titled as "Matira Matibay")", is sung by various Filipino rap artists—Smugglaz, Bassilyo, CrazyMix, Flict-G, Kial, MastaFeat, Jonas, and Pistolero—and a cover of Rico J. Puno's "Kapalaran" is sung by Gary Valenciano. "Pangako" was originally sung by Moira Dela Torre.

Ratings
According to Kantar Media, the pilot episode of the series debuted to a rating of 21.4%, and rose to 22.6% on February 15 (compared to its timeslot rival Maria Clara at Ibarra with 19.1% and 19.6%, respectively). Additionally, the series received an average national TV ratings of 25.2% from October 9 to 13, covering urban and rural homes (ahead its timeslot rival Maging Sino Ka Man).

Batang Quiapo ruled its timeslot for five consecutive months. Despite limited reach on free-to-air, AGB Nielsen Philippines reported that the pilot week of the series gave a positive feedback on the viewers with 12.5% pilot episode rating on February 13, 2023, placing it in the 3rd spot of the rating board and 13.8% rating on February 15, placing on the 2nd spot of the rating board (compared to Maria Clara at Ibarra's 12.5%). As per AGB Nielsen, the series registered its highest rating of 16.9% on October 13, 2023, placing at the top spot of the rating board.

Online viewership
Batang Quiapo was a success upon its debut. The pilot week has generated over 44 million digital views across all online platforms and peaked with 341,509 live concurrent viewers on YouTube. The official tag also became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter nationwide. On July 9, 2024, the series reached an all-time high of 556,203 live concurrent viewers on YouTube.

Muslim stereotype controversy
A day after its debut, the series' creators apologized to the Muslim community due to a scene where Martin's character Tanggol sought the help of his Muslim friend Abdul–portrayed by Rez Cortez–as he was being pursued by the police. Tanggol took refuge in the company of armed Muslim men whom the police were hesitant to take action due to fear of retribution. A number of Muslim Filipinos took offense and criticised the portrayal as reinforcing negative stereotypes against them, with some calling for a boycott of the series. Movie and Television Review and Classification Board later released a statement on the controversy and asked for cultural sensitivity from production houses. Senator Robin Padilla–a prominent Filipino Muslim–also issued a statement regarding the episode, assuring people that Martin did not have any "ill intentions" and appealed to fellow Filipino Muslims for understanding and forgiveness.