More secrets to be revealed in Probinsyano

MANILA, Philippines – The remaining three months of the year will be filled with so much action and emotional material as Coco Martin promises to reveal more secrets in the coming episodes of ABS-CBN’s FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

“Actually, we are preparing — from this day until December — for what everyone has long been waiting for,” says Coco on what televiewers can look forward to after the series marked its first year of airing on the Primetime Bida block last Sept. 28. “Unti-unti, mabubuksan ang lahat ng totoong kwento. You know that we have tackled several issues and guested different personalities who portrayed various characters in the show and in the remaining three months of this year, you will notice that every character’s secret will slowly be revealed. That’s why we are assuring everyone that our story will be more interesting night after night.”

Coco, who also serves as the show’s creative consultant, shares that he and the rest of the creative team are meticulous on what to show on TV, especially since they, more often than not, touch on issues relevant to the government’s current undertakings like the fight against illegal drugs.

“Pinag-aaralan talaga naming mabuti (bawat istorya), di kami basta-basta maglalagay ng kuru-kurong kwento kasi napakalaki ng tina-tackle namin lalo na napapanahon ngayon. Honestly, may mga topic kami na di sinasadya gaya ng party drugs,” says Coco, adding that the writers had thoroughly researched on the matter by going to police stations to learn more about it and also at the NBI for the proper procedure whenever such situation occurs “and we were surprised when such issue (on party drugs) came out in the news.”

As an actor, Coco is aware of Ang Probinsyano’s responsibility to televiewers. “We believe we have a great obligation because we are able to touch many Filipino lives, especially my character, each of our characters, there are people who look up to us. If we commit mistakes in delivering or portraying our characters, it might affect the people in the society, that’s why we are very sensitive (and particular) in studying everything before we do the topic.”

The TV series, which was inspired by Fernando Poe Jr.’s film of the same title, has tackled such issues as prostitution dens, child abuse, police abduction and illegal drug trade.

Asked about the most touching comment he received from televiewers, Coco said he is being considered as a role model since his character Kardo mirrors the positive traits of a police officer. In fact, Coco met PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa last July during a visit at Camp Crame. The actor shares that Gen. Bato is pleased at how the show is imparting to televiewers valuable lessons and at the same time promoting positive Filipino traits and values.

“He’s very simple and shy,” Coco describes the PNP chief. “He congratulated us and he’s very pleased with FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano probably because the teleserye helps in keeping the viewers aware on what to avoid and they are also being updated of what (kind) of crime is happening around us. Ang laki ng naico-contribute natin sa Pamilyang Pilipino para makapagbigay aral lalo na sa mga kabataan.”

Gen. Bato, Coco shares, is hoping that the show will continue what it is doing and at the same time helps in bringing back the love, respect and trust to the police force.

Coco admits that he has also been learning a lot from the show. “There are many lessons to be learned in the show and the first one for me is love for family. We know that our family is always there but many of us are hesitant to share to our families our worries or pain. Through the show, we will know that our family will never leave us no matter what. As an actor, I get to absorb all the values and messages the show is imparting to the viewers.

“At bilang pulis naman na si Kardo, nakikita ko ‘yung mga karapatan ng pulis at karapatan din ng mga tao na dapat na naipapaalam sa manunuod. Kumbaga napakaraming moral lesson nito at good values na naipapakita na dapat hanggang ngayon alam ng ating mga kabataan ngayon.”

Since its pilot airing last year, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano has been enjoying the top spot of the ratings poll. It also received recognitions from different award-giving bodies. It was in the news recently that the House of Representatives commended the show for its efforts to promote crime awareness and prevention among viewers. It even endorsed Coco as a Celebrity Advocate for a Drug-free Philippines.

To thank the viewers, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano is celebrating its first anniversary via a free concert on Oct. 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the cast members. They will be joined by several artists including Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Vina Morales, Ayen Laurel, ASAP singers, Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro and Kapamilya loveteams.

With co-stars Simon Pineda a.k.a. Onyok and Susan Roces during the thanksgiving presscon for the show’s first anniversary