How Susan sees FPJ in Coco

MANILA, Philippines - Passion for work.

That, among other things, is what Susan Roces sees in Coco Martin who plays the titular role in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano in which Susan plays Lola Flora.

“Like Ronnie, Coco is in touch with the masa (common people),” added Susan. “He keeps his old friends and he doesn’t forget the places that are familiar to him, which other actors cannot do kapag sumisikat na sila. Like Ronnie, ang pananamit ni Coco ay hindi nagbago.”

The STAR talked to Susan Thursday night during the 100th-week celebration of Probinsyano which continues to be the top-rating TV series of all time (46.7 percent according to Kantar Media), extended until 2018 and reinventing itself by casting both new and veteran actors.

“In that sense,” said Susan, “Coco is also very much like Ronnie. They both recognize talent. The TV series gives veteran actors a chance to exercise their talent.”

Earlier that day, Susan was with an ANC-organized group that visited soldiers confined at V. Luna Medical Center, wounded during their encounters with terrorist groups in Marawi.

Asked how the experience was, Susan said, “I can’t describe the feeling. Ang babata nila; they have so much ahead of them. What about the families, especially of those who were killed? That is also how my Probinsyano character feels. Paano na ang kanilang mga pamilya?”

One of Probinsyano’s plus factors is its relevance to the times.

“Katulad ng terrorism,” explained Susan. “Totoong nangyayari noon pa at nauulit-ulit. You know, the script is written way ahead pero nagtutugma sa mga pangyayari ngayon. Hindi yon sinasadya.”

Before they left V. Luna, Susan told the soldiers how proud she was of them.

“Ikinararangal ko sila,” said Susan. “Nakikipaglaban sila para magkaroon ng kapayapaan.”