Coco Martin Hints at Gina Pareño’s Guest Role in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Emphasizes Respect for Screen Veterans

Coco Martin isn’t just known for directing hit TV dramas; he’s also winning admiration for giving veteran actors the spotlight they deserve. In an industry that often sidelines older talents, Coco is making sure these legends get their due. Recently, he hinted that the celebrated actress Gina Pareño might make a guest appearance in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo. In an interview on TV Patrol on November 5, Coco emphasized the importance of respecting and honoring veteran actors—a sentiment that’s clearly at the heart of his work.

“Bigyan natin ng respeto ang veteran actors natin. Kasi sila ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito at kung ano man ang [estado] ng industriya natin ngayon (Let’s respect our veteran actors. They’re the reason why we’re here and why the industry stands until now),” he said.

Martin also mentioned his strong relationship with the movie star, claiming that the latter served as one of his mentors throughout the early stages of his mainstream TV career.

“Si Tita Gina ang isa sa nag-alaga at nagturo sa’kin noong nagsisimula pa lang ako sa TV. Kung ano ako ngayon, ‘yung disiplina ko at pagtutok ko sa trabaho, ‘yung characterization (Tita Gina was one of the actors who took care of and mentored me when I was starting in TV. She’s one of the reasons why I am the person I am now, including my characterizations, way of discipline, focus toward work),” he said.

Martin also mentioned how close he was to the movie star, claiming that the latter served as one of his mentors as he was establishing his career on popular television.

"Si Tita Gina, this is true of the nag-alaga and nagturo sa'kin noong nagsisimula pa lang ako sa TV." "Yung characterization (Tita Gina was one of the actors who looked after and mentored me when I was starting in TV. She's one of the reasons why I am the person I am now, including my characterizations, way of discipline, and focus toward work)," he said, describing his character style.

In an interview in October 2024, Pareño stated that she is glad to be "alive and kicking" on her 77th birthday and that she hopes to resume performing in TV shows and movies.