Coco Martin has announced plans to bring veteran actress Gina Pareño back to the spotlight with a role in his hit show, ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.’

The popular actor and producer revealed that he’s determined to fulfill Pareño’s wish to return to acting, as the award-winning actress expressed a desire to work again during a recent interview.

Supporters of Pareño reached out to Martin, urging him to consider the seasoned actress for a part in the series.

In response, Martin shared his commitment to thoughtfully crafting a role for Pareño that would hold genuine significance. “Sabi ko, hindi kasi ako nagbibigay ng trabaho for the sake na mabigyan mo ng trabaho,” he explained in an ABS-CBN interview. “Gusto ko, binigyan ko ng trabaho kasi may dahilan, may rason at may importansya ‘yung role niya. Inaaral ko ‘yun kasi ayaw ko mararamdaman nila na ay kahit hindi naman ako ‘to, hindi ako binigyan ng value.”

Martin, who has collaborated with Pareño multiple times, holds her in high regard, describing her as a mentor who helped shape his work ethic. “Tsaka lola ko ‘yan. Sobrang mahal na mahal ko yan. At si Tita Gina, isa sa mga nag-alaga at nagturo sa akin nu’ng nagsisimula ako sa TV,” he noted. “alagang kung ano ako ngayon, isa sa mga disiplina ko, ‘yung pagtutok ko sa trabaho, ‘yung characterization, galing sa kanya. Dati, imbis makipagkwentuhan ako sa labas sa mga co-actors ko, tatawagin ako niyan sa tent tapos sabi sa akin, ‘Halika dito, magbasa ka ng script.’”

“Ganu’n kahigpit yan! Kaya nga lola. Gets ko ‘yan eh, ‘yung importansya, ‘yung pagmamahal, sobra-sobra ‘yung ipinaramdam niya sa akin,” he added.

Over the years, Martin has made it a point to give substantial roles to senior actors on ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,’ ensuring that their characters make a lasting impression. “Kung mapapansin n’yo lahat ng artista na ine-exit ko sa show ko talagang binibigyan ko sila ng highlights. Sila tumutulong sa akin, sila nagpapalaki ng show. Napakalaki ng importansiya nila, give and take. Hindi lang ako tumutulong sa kanila, tinutulungan nila yung network. lam ko darating ‘yung panahon tatanda din ako at sana nangangarap ako na ‘yung respeto na nasa puso ko, nasa isip ko, sana ganu’n din ‘yung mga kabataan na bigyan natin ng respeto ‘yung mga veteran actors natin kasi sila ‘yung dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito and kung ano man industriya natin,” he said.

Talk of Pareño’s potential return also caught the attention of Ogie Diaz, who mentioned it in a recent episode of Showbiz Updates, suggesting that Martin might consider the role as a tribute to Pareño. “Knowing Tanggol, si Coco Martin, talagang mahilig namang magbigay ng break ‘yan si Coco. Kasi galing din naman siya sa wala noon. Binigyan din ng chance,” Diaz said, adding that Martin’s own rise in the industry has made him an advocate for supporting fellow artists.

 

Fans and supporters of ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ are now eagerly anticipating Pareño’s return, with Martin’s commitment to honoring the talents of his fellow actors showing once again in his dedication to bringing the acclaimed actress back to the small screen.