Lito Lapid and Lorna Tolentino combined their star wattage in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo as their characters reunited in the recent episode that revealed their history as lovers. Here’s a recap of the climactic events in the series, plus behind-the-scenes photos that captured the hard work that goes into each scene.

What happened was Coco Martin’s Tanggol and his ‘tropa’ looked for a new job, determined to leave the rogue life behind. However, they couldn’t seem to free themselves of bad omen, as they witnessed the crossfire between Supremo (Lito) and Augustus (Julio Diaz)’s groups near their new workplace. It’s no secret that these two men have long been enemies, though viewers initially thought that the rivalry was merely rooted in their illegal transactions.

But, in a dramatic plot twist, Supremo abducted Augustus’ partner, Amanda (Lorna). Held at gunpoint, Amanda confessed that she remained in love with Supremo all these years but was forced to rat him out as the only way to save him from Augustus’ plan of killing him.

Flashback scenes revealed that the young Supremo/Primo (Jomari Angeles) and Amanda (Lara Fortuna) had an affair behind Augustus’ (Dominic Roco) back. Augustus found out about the affair and planned to kill Primo after the latter carries out his order to rob the house of a certain Mayor Gonzalez. Amanda, upon knowing Augustus’ ploy to dispatch Primo, alerted the Quiapo police about the planned robbery. Primo failed to escape the cops and was sent behind bars, thinking that Amanda betrayed him.

Back to the present time, Amanda said that she put up with Augustus, stayed close with him through the years just to keep watch and make sure he spares Primo, whom she never stopped loving.

So, how did they mount these intense, action-packed events? As seen in the BTS photos, Coco, as usual, was extra-hands on. Here, he demonstrates Lito and Lorna’s hostage scene.

He choreographs even the little details such as how the characters would hold their guns and move during the shootout.

He can count on his actors to make each scene believable.

Here’s Coco giving instructions to Julio Diaz.

Whether it’s about brandishing their guns like real fighters or getting into characters during actual shoots, Coco’s ‘tropa’ gives their best.

While he’s the main guy of the show as director and actor, Coco remains dedicated. He guides everyone on the set from the big stars to bit players and the production crew.

But he knows how to listen as well. As a collaborative kind of artist, he’s open to discussions with his actors and co-directors.

Things are getting more exciting! Better not miss an episode of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, shown weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5, and A2Z.