Lovi gets emotional during last taping day for FPJ’s Batang Quiapo

In a heartbreaking moment for fans of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” Lovi Poe bids farewell as her character, Mokang, meets a tragic end.

The exit of a beloved character is always a bittersweet experience for both the audience and the artist portraying them. Even Lovi couldn’t escape getting sentimental over her departure from the trending series.

In a video uploaded by ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube, the Kapamilya actress hinted at what made her decide to leave the show, “Bago pa man ako nakapagdesisyon, nakapagpaalam na ako. Pero, siyempre, nakakalungkot na marami pa sana siyang pwedeng puntahan. Pero, minsan, kailangan mo talagang i-weigh ‘yung iba’t ibang mga bagay kung saan mo pagtutuunan ‘yung oras mo bilang si Lovi.”

Nonetheless, she’s looking forward to the next chapters in her life, personal and career-wise. “Every ending also means a new beginning,” she smiled while holding back the tears.

Lovi has grown to love her character, Mokang, who taught her finding the freedom of being unapologetically herself and following her heart, “Gusto kong magpasalamat kay Mokang for teaching me to let loose. Itong character ni Mokang ang na-portray ko na talagang nag-let go ako at naging masayahin. Nagpapasalamat ako for giving me that feeling of being free."

From the character’s intricate narrative, she singles out that moment when Mokang offered herself to Ramon (Christopher de Leon), driven by the promise of financial stability for her parents, as her favorite scene. This one, she believes, encapsulates the profound sacrifices that Filipinos are willing to make for their loved ones.

For Lovi, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” has allowed her to also be part of her father Fernando Poe Jr.’s legacy, and it’s something that she is very grateful for, “It’s the first time na nakasama ako sa isang proyekto that represents my dad. Being part of this meant the world to me.”

She’s also thankful to Coco Martin, her leading man and director, for taking good care of this project that carries her dad’s name. Leading the team in prayer during her last day on set, she uttered, “Papa, I pray that you guide and bestow Coco your powers – he has it all now. I know, Papa, your legacy is in great hands.”

The Kapamilya beauty has nothing but sweet words for Coco, who managed to unleash a different and more ‘kalog’ side of her and inspire her to also give her best as he sets the tone of professionalism and dedication on the set.

“Sobrang sarap niyang katrabaho at nakaka-motivate siya panoorin kasi ginagawa niya lahat - siya ‘yung nagdidirek, siya ‘yung umaarte, siya ‘yung nagsusulat. Parang the fact na nagagawa niya lahat, parang nai-inspire ka to do more,” she said of the Primetime King.

“Sobrang laki ng pasasalamat ko sa kanya. Naging isa ko siyang mabuting kaibigan. Ang dami-dami kong natutunan sa kanya. Talgang bilib ako sa kanya in every aspect,” she added.

Lovi received praise from her directors and co-actors. In an interview, Coco said that he was already impressed by Lovi’s acting talent even before she moved to ABS-CBN. She further commended the actress’ love for the craft, “As a director and co-actor niya, hindi mo siya iintindihin. Kung ano’ng gusto mong ipagawa sa kanya, talagang gagawin niya. ‘Pag sinabi mong talon, tatalon.”

A peek into her last taping day reveals the physical endurance it took to film her final scenes. There was no shortage of action while making sure the character's emotions were neatly weaved into the action-packed sequences. Coco was caught on camera explaining Mokang (Lovi’s character)’s motivation for taking a bullet for Tanggol.

Lovi also earned the admiration of her co-stars. Ivana Alawi, who has become her bitter rival in recent episodes, said she enjoyed working with her even for just a few days. “I love you and I wish you the best in your career and love life. And I hope 2024 will bring you more happiness,” said a part of Ivana’s message. “She’s really, really nice. Napakabait niya. Sabi ko nga, bitin na bitin. Sana magka-work pa kami in the future and I’m proud of her.”

Veterans Christopher de Leon and Irma Adlawan shared that it’s been an amazing experience sharing screens with Lovi and bonding with her off-cam. They’re also looking forward to reuniting with her in future projects.

While farewells may be difficult, they are an important part of a teleserye’s storytelling process. And as Lovi takes on her next endeavors, she carries with her the valuable lessons learned from Coco and the whole “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” family.