As FPJ’s Batang Quiapo launched its “Bagong Yugto” last September, it was indeed welcomed with overwhelming excitement from avid viewers who are looking forward to seeing what will happen to Tanggol (Coco Martin) and his friends as they got incarcerated for multiple crimes filed against them.

In this new chapter, we were also brought to a different setting, which is a correctional, wherein the “Batang Quiapos” have experienced more challenges and hardships, as well as met new people who would play significant roles in their lives.

Among the new characters introduced are the terrifying trio of Jail Chief Superintendent Dolores Espinas, compellingly portrayed by award-winning veteran actress Jaclyn Jose; Jail Lieutenant Antonio Macasantos played by Lao Rodriguez; and Jail Warden Colonel Gerardo Balatucan played by Robert Seña – who maintain the peace inside the maximum-security prison by applying force and violence in disciplining and taking control of the inmates, especially the ones they tap to be their “trustees”, like Tanggol.

We also witnessed their reunion with Ben (Mark Lapid), one of the henchmen of Primo (Lito Lapid) who they thought was already killed during their bloody skirmish with the authorities before. They also got to meet the elderly trio of their prison cell, namely Homer (Romy Romulo), Gaspar (Jess Evardone), and Celso (Soliman Cruz), who serves as their mayor.

Although they’re already in jail, disaster still comes after Tanggol and his friends as they unexpectedly find new rivals in the arrogant and troublemaker “Batang Divisoria” comprised of Abner (Michael Rivero), Cocoy (Joel "Pambansang Kolokoy" Mondina), Fidel (Zeppi Borromeo), Teron (Darwin "Haprice" Tolentino), and their leader Bong (Vandolph Quizon).

Arguably the most important character added to date in this continuously unfolding and enthralling narrative is the feisty and sultry Bubbles, impressively played by Ivana Alawi. While Tanggol’s main goal is for him and his friends to emancipate themselves from the hell they’re living in, little he did expect that he’s going to find a woman who would make his heart beat again after what happened to him and Mokang (Lovi Poe).

The scenes mostly shot inside the correctional may always be heavy and intense, but the mood off-cam is actually quite lighthearted and relaxed as the cast bond with one another while taking their breaks and waiting for their turns to film their scenes. Based on the photos shared by some of the cast members on social media, they seemingly love to chat with one another, goof around, and hang out and take pictures together.

We also get to see the facet of Coco as a director, as he’s spotted seriously giving instructions not just to his actors, but to the staff and crew as well!

Get your nightly dose of action and drama by never missing an episode of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, weeknights after TV Patrol, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5 and A2Z.

*PhotoS credit Real Coco Martin FB, tataynimiong IG, estrososugarray IG