Vlad Bunoan

Article (news)

Maris Racal

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772535612409MARIS.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Maris Racal in &#x27;FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo.&#x27; Screenshot from ABS-CBN Entertainment on YouTube</div>Actress-singer Maris Racal described her stint in &quot;FPJ’s Batang Quiapo&quot; as one of the most transformative chapters of her career, calling it a “really beautiful learning experience” that challenged her both physically and emotionally.For Racal, working on the set alongside Coco Martin for the first time was already a milestone in itself.“It’s a really big learning for me because first time ko on set with Coco Martin. Kakaibang style sa action na sobrang na-enjoy ko,” she shared.Beyond the explosive action scenes, what Racal valued most were the moments behind the camera.“Ang vina-value ko talaga &#x27;yung time namin sa tent, time behind the camera. Ang dami kong natutunan. It’s a really beautiful learning experience.”Racal admitted she was constantly challenged during her time on the show, especially with the unpredictable nature of the production.“Na-challenge talaga ako as in &#x27;yung tipong on the spot lahat. Hindi lang sa action but pati sa script. Sa mangyayari sa day. Everyday kailangan mong i-ready &#x27;yung mindset mo, &#x27;yung katawan mo, kasi hindi mo alam may action scenes ka talagang isho-shoot.”She said the experience sharpened not only her skills but also her character.“Ang nabago talaga sa akin, mas nahasa &#x27;yung professionalism and humility at &#x27;yung sipag sa trabaho.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/3/2/-batang-quiapo-directors-reflect-on-3-year-journey-1830">READ: &#x27;Batang Quiapo&#x27; directors reflect on 3-year journey </a></div>Among her most unforgettable moments was performing a daring stunt she had never done before in her career.“Most memorable moment ko &#x27;yung tumalon ako sa building. Never ko pa ‘yun nagagawa sa career ko.”She also recalled riding a motorcycle while wearing angel wings, a scene that required days of preparation.“Sobrang memorable ‘yun for me kasi ilang araw &#x27;yung shoot and nakita ko na pinaghandaan talaga ni Direk Coco Martin &#x27;yung set para lang i-launch &#x27;yung character na si Ponggay. Sobrang na-appreciate ko ‘yun kasi sobrang collaborative &#x27;yung team. Sobrang ganda ng mga action scenes.”Playing Ponggay left a lasting mark on Racal. She said she learned powerful lessons from her character particularly about standing firm in one’s beliefs.“Marami akong natutunan kay Ponggay. Isa na doon &#x27;yung paninindigan sa tama. &#x27;Yung kumapit sa tama, kung ano sinisigaw ng puso mo kahit maraming temptations, kahit maraming masasamang elemento sa paligid.”She emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite pressure.“Kailangan mo talagang tatagan yung loob mo para manindigan sa pinaniniwalaan mo.”Ponggay’s unwavering dedication to her dream of becoming a police officer resonated deeply with her.“Si Ponggay kaya siya humahawak sa katotohanan, sa tama, kasi pangarap niyang maging pulis. Never niya binenta &#x27;yung kaluluwa niya. Sinunod niya talaga &#x27;yung virtue ng isang policewoman.”As &quot;Batang Quiapo&quot; enters its final stretch, Racal teased that viewers will witness Ponggay facing the ultimate test of her convictions.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/2/20/exclusive-coco-martin-confirms-fpj-s-batang-quiapo-explosive-finale-set-on-march-13-2000">EXCLUSIVE: Coco Martin confirms &#x27;FPJ’s Batang Quiapo&#x27; explosive finale set on March 13 </a></div>“Ang aabangan kay Ponggay sa last few days &#x27;yung pagmamahal niya sa pangarap niya, &#x27;yung paninindigan niya. Ito &#x27;yung ultimate test ng paninindigan niya kasi the stakes are high buhay ng pamilya.”She added that audiences will see what Ponggay ultimately chooses, especially when it comes to her belief in Tanggol.Racal also shared how surreal it felt when Martin personally told her she would be part of the series.“Nakakatuwa nung sinabi sa akin na magiging parte ako ng &#x27;Batang Quiapo.&#x27; Si Direk Coco Martin nagsabi sa akin. Sabi ko, ‘Wow talaga ba? Maris, naabot mo na ‘to sa career mo.’ Si Coco Martin na mismo &#x27;yung nag-request sa’yo.”She immediately said yes to the opportunity, despite knowing the adjustments she would have to make.“Two and a half years na sila nagtatrabaho together so meron na silang camaraderie. May time na nangapa ako sa rhythm ng production. Pero ang babait ng lahat ng directors, ng co-actors ko. Marami akong friends na nabuo dito.”<div> </div><div>RELATED VIDEO</div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_DtNKb9PN6E?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

Actress-singer Maris Racal described her stint in 'FPJ’s Batang Quiapo' as one of the most transformative chapters of her career.

Actress-singer Maris Racal described her stint in 'FPJ’s Batang Quiapo' as one of the most transformative chapters of her career.

Maris Racal looks back on 'Batang Quiapo' journey

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Maris Racal looks back on 'Batang Quiapo' journey

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 03, 2026 07:17 PM PHT

Read More:

FPJ's Batang Quiapo

Maris Racal

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