FPJ’s Batang Quiapo unveils official poster during premiere night

The Official poster of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo. Photo by: Dreamscape

ABS-CBN Primetime King Coco Martin, returned to action together with the lead cast of his newly-led series adaptation of yet another Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) masterpiece, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, gathered with hundreds of fans for the commencement of the #FPJsBatangQuiapoDay as its official poster unveiling kicked off live on the evening of February 13 at Plaza Miranda.

Following the mobbed unveiling ceremony was the live watch party of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’s pilot episode — exactly six months after the seven-year-long FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (FPJAP), the longest-running Philippine teleserye, also starred by Martin, aired its finale episode on August 13 last year.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo graced the venue with their presence as they joined Coco and the cast of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo in presenting its official poster that preceded the teleserye’s blockbuster debut.

Kapamilya singers Fana, and one of Idol Philippines Season 2’s Top 5 finishers, Bryan Chong, were two of the notable acts who also performed for a concert before the poster's unveiling and the live watch party.

Inevitable moments of blues for some fans

The Manila Police District had to set barriers around Plaza Miranda to contain adequate space for social distancing for fans who, for some, came as early as 3 PM for the live poster unveiling at 7 PM. Fans were already not allowed to enter the venue as early as 5 PM.

The said barriers that encircled Plaza Miranda gathered many onlookers on the street next to it as more fans witnessed the gathering at around 8 PM.

While many had a chance to view the event live, even from a distance, some chose to pass by or listen to the loud-sounding speakers resonating in areas near the Quiapo Church, while others chose not to be in attendance because of their need to earn a living during those hours.

“Papasok pa po sana ako kaso punuan na po pala. Kakalabas ko lang po kasi sa trabaho,” said Wardi Abas, 17, who just left her workplace at around 7 PM.

Abas added that she would rather go home right after her co-worker bought food for their dinner since she could also barely see what was happening in the venue, even with the big screen flashing the scene on stage.

“Dapat nga manonood ako, kaya lang maaga pala ang ano [simula] niya, alas otso pala,” Monica Babun, 72, told the Six Stars Capitol, who was listening from the other side of the highway and supposedly had to pack up her fashion accessories and school supplies products as early as 6pm but rather chose to extend her selling hours since her son could not pick her up as well and bring her to the Plaza.

Babun is an avid fan of the Kapamilya Primetime King as she was also enjoying watching Martin even before FPJAP premiered in September 2015.

“Ang gusto ko sa kanya [Coco Martin], mabait siya, maraming natulungan tulad niyan sa Probinsyano, at saka gwapo!” she said.

“Hindi rin naman kasi ako marunong mag-cellphone,” she added when asked whether or not she, by any chance, could view the live stream of the event online.

The legacy continues

According to the data collected by Dreamscape Entertainment, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’s pilot airing garnered over 340,000 concurrent views via the Kapamilya Online Live segment of the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel.

Sen. Lito Lapid, Cherie Pie Picache, Christopher de Leon, Miles Ocampo, Pen Medina, Mark Lapid, Mercedes Cabral, McCoy de Leon, Ronnie Lazaro, Lou Veloso, Ryza Cenon, Toni Fowler, Norvin and Lovely dela Peña, together with Sarah Edwards, BigMak, Renz "Baby Giant" Benzon, Smugglaz, and Bassilyo, were the cast present in Quiapo during the teleserye gathering.

Aside from Senator Lapid, Smugglaz and Bassilyo, veteran Kapamilya actors John Estrada, Tommy Abuel, and Charo Santos-Concio, who all became a part of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano in its final year, are rejoining Coco Martin for another FPJ “Da King” paragon.

After the late Susan Roces, regarded as the Queen of Philippine Movies, starred in FPJAP, Supreme Actress Lovi Poe now takes her turn to be FPJ’s family member to star in one of his film’s television series adaptations. Lovi will serve as Coco’s leading lady for this project.

The newest Kapamilya series is still produced by ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment and now together with Martin’s own CCM Film Productions.

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo will premier every Monday to Friday at 8pm via the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC and TFC.

Watch the recorded live stream by Dreamscape Entertainment of the #FPJsBatangQuiapoDay through this link: https://fb.watch/iMNYrwJX2W/

J. G. I.