Coco Martin on choosing Maris Racal for Batang Quiapo: “Ang lakas ni Maris sa tao”
- Coco Martin personally handpicked Maris Racal to play rookie cop Paula “Ponggay” Garcia in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo
- He praised her versatility, saying few actresses can balance action, romance, comedy, and drama
- Maris felt deeply honored by the offer and promised to give her “whole heart” to the role
- Coco hinted at unexpected “rom-com kilig” between them in the series’ new chapter
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Coco Martin has once again surprised fans with his casting choices, this time selecting Maris Racal to join the newest chapter of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.
Source: Instagram
In the Bagong Yugto interviews released by CCM Film Productions on YouTube, the actor-director revealed why he personally chose Maris to portray rookie police officer Paula “Ponggay” Garcia.
Maris admitted she was caught off guard when Coco reached out to discuss the role.
“Talaga ba?” she recalled asking, before realizing the magnitude of the opportunity. “Hindi ko sasayangin ang opportunity na ’to. Ibibigay ko ’yung buong puso ko,” she said.
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Coco shared that he and his team pursued Maris after seeing her performance in Incognito.
“Honestly, hinabol ka talaga namin kasi nga kinakabahan kami na after mo sa ‘Incognito,’ alam namin na may sasalo agad. Hindi naman lahat talaga ng babae nakakapag-action, bibihira lang,” he said.
He also praised Maris for her unique energy on set: “Sa laki ng cast at sa daming magagaling na artista dito, nakaka-excite na makasama mo si Maris dahil alam mong magdadala siya ng ibang putahe, ibang energy.”
Coco hinted that their on-screen chemistry might surprise viewers, especially in the lighter scenes.
“Basta kung anong gawin niya, sasalo na lang ako,” he joked.
Known for casting unexpected leading ladies, Coco said he prefers working with fresh faces to keep the chemistry real.
With Maris’ warmth and charm, the Batang Quiapo set, he says, has found its “sunshine.”
Maris Racal is a multifaceted Filipino actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, and entrepreneur. She rose to national prominence in 2014 as the runner-up on Pinoy Big Brother: All In, earning the endearing title 'Singing Sunshine of Davao.' Following her stint on reality TV, Maris signed with Star Magic and launched a flourishing career in both acting and music. She has since starred in acclaimed TV dramas, including her most iconic role as Irene Tiu in the romance series Can't Buy Me Love. Aside from showbiz, Maris also had entrepreneurial ventures like launching a coffee shop, Stream of Consciousness (SOC), in La Union.
Yesterday, photos of Maris at at the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally made rounds on social media. She held a placard saying “Lahat ng korap dapat managot.” The “Baha sa Luneta” protest marked the anniversary of Martial Law. Supporters lauded Racal for bravely joining the call for accountability.
She previously updated her followers about her recovery after undergoing surgery for appendicitis earlier this month. In an Instagram post, she shared photos of herself and the flowers she received, expressing how much love and support she felt from those around her. She revealed that she is steadily getting better each day and admitted that the thoughtful gestures have brought her joy. The actress-singer also said the overwhelming support has boosted her energy and excitement to return to work soon.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
