Batang Quiapo (TV series)

"FPJ's Batang Quiapo" redirects here. For the 1986 film on which the TV series is based, see Batang Quiapo.

Batang Quiapo
Third version of 2nd Anniversary Promotional poster
Also known asGangs of Manila[1]
Genre
Created byCoco Martin
Based onBatang Quiapo by Pablo Santiago
Developed byCoco Martin
Written by
  • Enrique S. Villasis
  • Lino Balmes
  • Miguel Legaspi
  • Airic Diestro
  • Cus Velasco
Directed by
  • Malu L. Sevilla
  • Darnel Joy R. Villaflor
  • Richard V. Somes
  • Coco Martin
  • Kevin de Vela
Creative directorCoco Martin
StarringCoco Martin
Music byFrancis Concio
Opening theme
[a] (2023–2024)
[a] (2024–2025)
[a] (2025)
[a] (2025)
[a] (2025–2026)
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageFilipino
No. of seasons7
No. of episodes799 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Coco Martin
  • Julia Montes
  • Eileen Angela T. Garcia
  • Lea A. Calmerin
Production locations
Editors
  • Aries Pascual
  • Renewin Alano
  • Bernie Diasanta
  • Gerald Garcia
  • Edward Eugene Vagay
  • Hanie Uy
  • Ryan Bonifacio
Running time22–35 minutes
Production companiesCCM Film Productions
Dreamscape Entertainment
FPJ Productions
Regal Entertainment[b]
Original release
NetworkKapamilya Channel[c]
ReleaseFebruary 13, 2023 (2023-02-13) –
March 13, 2026 (2026-03-13)

FPJ's Batang Quiapo (transl. FPJ's Quiapo kid / international title: Gangs of Manila) is a Philippine television drama action series airing on Kapamilya Channel.[3] Based on the 1986 film of the same title, the series is directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, Richard V. Somes, Coco Martin and Kevin de Vela, it stars Martin in the title role. It premiered on February 13, 2023, on the network's Primetime Bida line up. The series concluded on March 13, 2026, with a total of 7 seasons and 799 episodes.[4]

This series is streaming online on YouTube.

Premise

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.[5][6]

Cast and characters

Final

Main cast
Recurring cast
  • Perla Bautista as Lola Florie
  • Allan Paule as PLT Armando "Mando" Mendoza[f]
  • Joel Lamangan as Rodolfo "Roda" D. Alcantara
  • Jojit Lorenzo as Renato "Enteng" Dimapilis
  • Mark Anthony "Big Mak" Andaya as Alvin "Tanos" Garcia
  • Sugar Ray "Mammoth" Estroso as Gabriel "Bulldog" Santiago
  • Ryan Martin as Rodolfo "Dolfo" Agustin
  • Via Antonio as Pat. Chona Vasquez[f]
  • Atong Redillas as Reporter Abet Capulong
  • Loi "Mama Loi" Villarama as Loisa
  • Francis Valle "Dyosa Pockoh" Suayan as Jessa
  • Jegs Chinel as Patty
  • Brenda Hernandez Lualhati as Lengleng
  • Criza Taa as Dimples Sanchez
  • Nicole Luna as Kitkat

Former

Main cast
Recurring cast

Guests

See also: List of Batang Quiapo guest stars

Episodes

Main article: List of Batang Quiapo episodes


Story arcEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1263February 13, 2023 (2023-02-13)February 16, 2024 (2024-02-16)
2268February 19, 2024 (2024-02-19)February 28, 2025 (2025-02-28)
3268March 3, 2025 (2025-03-03)March 13, 2026 (2026-03-13)

Production

Development

After the success of the television adaptation of Ang Probinsyano, an adaptation of the 1986 film Batang Quiapo was named by various news outlets as the project most likely to be made next by actor-director Coco Martin. 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;[14] said scene originally featured Poe and Maricel Soriano singing in a duet.[15][16] Martin had expressed interest in adapting more of FPJ's works for film and/or television,[17] as he adapted another Poe classic Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday[18] which was an entry into the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.[19]

However, the adaptation became uncertain due to Ang Probinsyano's continued extension[20] until its finale on August 12, 2022.[21]

Casting

On December 5, 2022, Martin was 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.[3][5][6]

McCoy de Leon's role as David was originally meant to only appear in the pilot episode of the show[j] but was extended numerous times due to the team being impressed with his performance.[23]

On January 4, 2024, Lovi Poe left the show due to her marriage with her fiancée in England.[24]

On January 23, 2024, Deborah Sun left the show after being injured in an accident on set.[25]

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.[11]

On February 10, 2025, Lito Lapid left the show as he ran for a senatorial position in the 2025 midterm elections.[26]

Filming

Principal photography commenced on January 9, 2023, the same day of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.[27][28]

The Binondo–Intramuros Bridge and Candaba Viaduct of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) served as one of the prominent locations featured multiple times in the show.[29]

Release

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.[30]

On January 2, 2026, the last 51 episodes of the series (749–799) and other remaining newly-released ABS-CBN programs on TV5 were transferred to AMBS' All TV. This occurred two years after a licensing agreement between AMBS and ABS-CBN was signed on April 2024 marking the latter's return to channels 2 and 16 in Mega Manila and regional channels previously held by ABS-CBN until 2020, and TV5 Network's decision to cease broadcasting new programs produced by ABS-CBN on TV5 due to financial disputes involving blocktime fees which was subsequently settled.[31][32][33]

On February 20, 2026, it was announced that this series is set to conclude on March 13, 2026.[4][34]

International

On March 1, 2025, Batang Quiapo started airing internationally in 40 countries in Africa through StarTimes under the title, "Gangs of Manila".[1]

Streaming

A 10-episode limited series title Batang Quiapo: Unang Yugto was released on iWant on March 16, 2026 to March 20, 2026.

Soundtrack

The series' opening theme song, "Batang Quiapo" (alternatively titled as "Matira Matibay" (Only the Strong Survive), is sung by various Filipino rap artists—Smugglaz, Bassilyo, CrazyMix, Flict-G, Kial, MastaFeat, Jonas, and Pistolero[a]—and a cover of Rico J. Puno's "Kapalaran" (Fate) is sung by Gary Valenciano.[35] "Pangako" (Promise) was originally sung by Moira Dela Torre.

Reception

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).[36] 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).[37]

Batang Quiapo ruled its timeslot for five consecutive months.[38] 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%).[39][40][36] 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.[41]

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 (now X) nationwide.[42] On February 21, 2025, the series reached an all-time high of 1,004,554 live concurrent viewers on YouTube.[43]

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,[44] with some calling for a boycott of the series.[45] Movie and Television Review and Classification Board later released a statement on the controversy and asked for cultural sensitivity from production houses.[46] 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.[47]

Parodies

A sketch in the children's comedy show Goin' Bulilit parodied the teleserye as "Baby Quiapo", where actor Renz Joshua "Baby Giant" Baña–who portrayed Oweng in the original series–portrays "Sanggol Dimagiba-giba", a parody of show's protagonist Tanggol Dimaguiba.[48][49]

Accolades

Accolades received by FPJ's Batang Quiapo
Award Year Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Box Office Entertainment Awards 2024 Popular TV Program-Primetime Drama Batang Quiapo Won [50]
Platinum Stallion Media Awards Socially Relevant TV Series Won [51]
PMPC Star Awards for Television 2025 Best Primetime Drama Series Nominated [52][53]
Best Drama Actor Coco Martin Won
Best Drama Supporting Actress Cherry Pie Picache Won
Best Drama Supporting Actor Christopher de Leon Nominated
Joel Lamangan Nominated
2025 Best Primetime Drama Series Batang Quiapo Won [54][55]
Best Drama Actor Coco Martin Nominated
Best Drama Supporting Actor Christopher de Leon Nominated
Joel Lamangan Nominated
John Estrada Nominated
Elijah Canlas Nominated
Best Drama Supporting Actress Cherry Pie Picache Nominated
Best New Female TV Personality Ara Davao Nominated

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f Credits as per the show's closing credits
  2. ^ copyright holder only.
  3. ^ This series also airs on A2Z, Cine Mo!, TV5 (until January 1, 2026), and All TV (since January 2, 2026).
  4. ^ formerly Hesus Nazareno "Tanggol" Dimaguiba
  5. ^ Ramon used an alias to win Mokang's heart and marry her, in order to hide his true identity as a drug lord.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k The character's rank is based on R.A. No. 11200, the current law prescribing police ranks in the Philippines
  7. ^ Rockyboy used the alias to hide his true identity after recognizing Tanggol as the man who brutally beat him at the Mondragon Hotel, allowing him to get close, gain trust, and secretly plot revenge without exposing his murderous intent, masking it instead with apparent gratitude and generosity.
  8. ^ Olga's alias when she befriends Marites and her family to support them in the hardships of life, while at the same time taking revenge on Tanggol for murdering her son Greg.
  9. ^ Olga blackmailed David into stealing Tanggol's identity, who eventually accepts due to his hatred towards his older half-brother. He introduced himself to Ramon as his biological son, and works with the Montenegros' drug cartel.
  10. ^ Sources have conflicting info until when he was supposed to appear,[22] but as stated by Coco Martin himself, and was quoted directly from the latter source, he was only meant to appear in the pilot.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Gangs of Manila Trailer". m.startimestv.com. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Iglesias, Iza (February 13, 2023). "Lovi Poe unleashes 'Batang Quiapo'". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d "Coco Martin, Lovi Poe, Charo Santos to star in 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo'". ABS-CBN News. December 5, 2022. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Brosas, Axel (February 20, 2026). "'Batang Quiapo' closes chapter as Coco Martin launches 'Sigabo' in March". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 21, 2026.
  5. ^ a b Cruz, Dana (December 6, 2022). "Coco Martin, Lovi Poe, Charo Santos cast in ABS-CBN adaptation of 'Batang Quiapo'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 8, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (December 7, 2022). "Coco Martin co-stars with FPJ's daughter Lovi Poe in TV adaptation of "Batang Quiapo"". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  7. ^ a b "'Batang Quiapo': Coco Martin ipinakilala na bilang Tanggol". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog). February 14, 2023. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
  8. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (December 15, 2022). "Christopher de Leon joins 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' cast". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  9. ^ "Miles Ocampo overwhelmed by raves for her 'Batang Quiapo' performance". ABS-CBN News. February 16, 2023. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "'Batang Quiapo': Grupo ni Tanggol, nasampolan sa pagpasok sa selda". ABS-CBN News. September 4, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "Tragic Loss: Renowned actress Jaclyn Jose passes away at 59". GMA Integrated News. March 3, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  12. ^ "Lorna Tolentino to join 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' cast". ABS-CBN News. April 19, 2023. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  13. ^ "Lito Lapid joins Coco Martin anew in 'Batang Quiapo'". ABS-CBN News. January 28, 2023. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  14. ^ Regondola, Glenn (January 28, 2017). "Push Mo Toh!: Coco at Da King FPJ, nag-duet!". Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  15. ^ Escala, Jimi (November 3, 2017). "'Batang Quiapo' ni FPJ, balak ipalit sa 'Ang Probinsyano'". Balita Online. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  16. ^ "Coco Martin eyes all FPJ movies; "Batang Quiapo" next teleserye target". LionhearTV. June 3, 2017. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  17. ^ "Coco Martin shares plan to do online series". ABS-CBN News. January 6, 2017. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved November 7, 2019.
  18. ^ "Coco Martin to direct, star in new 'Ang Panday' film". Rappler. April 26, 2017. Archived from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  19. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (April 26, 2017). "Panday movie of Coco Martin to be submitted to MMFF 2017". PEP. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  20. ^ Olea, Jerry; Rula, Georgy; Ferrer, Noel (July 1, 2018). "Coco Martin, kasado na ang kasunod na teleserye kahit di pa tapos ang Probinsyano". PEP. Archived from the original on November 15, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  21. ^ Cruz, Dana (August 13, 2022). "'FPJ's Ang Probinsyano' officially ends after nearly 7 years". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 13, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  22. ^ Liezl Dela Cruz (February 17, 2025). "Coco Martin reveals why "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" extends most characters". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  23. ^ Sabio, Nikka Avegail. "Coco Martin reveals McCoy De Leon's role in 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' was initially 'hanggang pilot lang' | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  24. ^ "Lovi Poe officially signs off as Mokang in a bittersweet social media post". ABS-CBN Entertainment. January 5, 2024.
  25. ^ "Deborah Sun naaksidente sa taping ng serye ni Coco". Abante. January 24, 2024.
  26. ^ "Lito, Lorna, at Julio nagpaalam na sa FPJ's Batang Quiapo". PEP.ph. February 12, 2025.
  27. ^ "WATCH: Coco Martin, a devotee of Black Nazarene, joins thousands in Quiapo". ABS-CBN News. January 10, 2023. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  28. ^ "Coco Martin joins Black Nazarene feast, starts taping for 'Batang Quiapo'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. January 10, 2023. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  29. ^ "How 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' pulled off the high-speed 'car chase' in recent episodes". ABS-CBN Entertainment. November 27, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  30. ^ "Some ABS-CBN shows to give way to PBA on A2Z". ABS-CBN News. October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
  31. ^ "TV-5 pulls the plug on content deal with ABS-CBN". Lois Calderon. NewsWatch Plus. December 5, 2025. Retrieved December 5, 2025.
  32. ^ Serato, Arniel (December 17, 2025). "ABS-CBN signs deal with ALLTV, says TV5 partnership "settled"". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  33. ^ Loyola, James (December 17, 2025). "ABS-CBN to air top shows on ALLTV after ending TV5 partnership". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  34. ^ Mendoza, Ralph (February 20, 2026). "'FPJ's Batang Quiapo,' magwawakas na!". Balita (in Tagalog). Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  35. ^ Antonio, Josiah (February 9, 2023). "How Gary V, FlipTop stars were chosen to sing 'Batang Quiapo' OSTs". Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  36. ^ a b Mia, Ron (February 17, 2023). "FPJ's 'Batang Quiapo' overtakes 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' on the rating chart". LionhearTV. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  37. ^ "ABS-CBN shows and movie top four streaming platforms, primetime TV, and movie box office". ABS-CBN Corporate. October 17, 2023.
  38. ^ "No.1 since 'Maging Sino Ka Man': 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' remains ruler of its timeslot for five months". LionhearTV. February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  39. ^ "TV5 ratings by AGB Nielsen NUTAM (February 13, 2023)". TV5. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  40. ^ "AGB NIELSEN PHILS. NUTAM People in TV Homes ratings TOP OVERALL PROGRAMS (February 13, 2023)". Yera Calma. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  41. ^ Mia, Ron (October 19, 2023). "'FPJ's Batang Quiapo,' '24 Oras' maintain primetime lead, 'Unbreak My Heart' unchallenged in its timeslot". LionhearTV. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  42. ^ "No. 1 trend, 340K concurrent viewers: 'Batang Quiapo' starts strong". ABS-CBN News. February 13, 2023. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  43. ^ "'Batang Quiapo' breaches 1 million concurrent online viewers mark". ABS-CBN Entertainment. February 21, 2025.
  44. ^ "'Islam doesn't condone theft': Adiong slams depiction of Muslims in 'Batang Quiapo'". Manila Bulletin. February 17, 2023. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  45. ^ "FPJ's Batang Quiapo issued a public apology to the Muslim community over insensitive content". Philippine Entertainment Portal. February 16, 2023. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  46. ^ "MTRCB releases statement over controversial 'Batang Quiapo' scene, film production apologizes". Manila Bulletin. February 17, 2023. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  47. ^ "Robin Padilla personal na pinuntahan ni Coco Martin para mag-sorry, inaming kulang ang kaalaman sa Islam". Bandera Inquirer (in Tagalog). February 17, 2023. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  48. ^ ""It's Showtime" kids and Baby Giant headline return of "Goin Bulilit"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. ABS-CBN Corporation. June 28, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  49. ^ "Alice Gulo, Baby Quiapo: 'Goin' Bulilit' returns with new parodies". ABS-CBN News. Josiah Antonio. July 1, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  50. ^ "Coco Martin dedicates Popular TV Program award to Jaclyn Jose, Deo Endrinal". The Philippine Star. May 14, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  51. ^ "Platinum Stallion National Media Awards 2024 Winners". Trinity University of Asia. February 4, 2024. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024.
  52. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (August 25, 2025). "GMA dominates with big wins at the 37th PMPC Star Awards". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on August 25, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  53. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (July 27, 2025). "PMPC reveals nominees for 37th Star Awards for Television". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on July 29, 2025. Retrieved August 25, 2025.
  54. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (February 2, 2025). "PMPC Star Awards for Television bares list of nominees". Entertainment Inquirer. Archived from the original on February 3, 2025.
  55. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (March 25, 2025). "PMPC Star Awards for TV: 'Batang Quiapo,' Piolo Pascual, Kim Chiu among winners". Entertainment Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 25, 2025.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.