Ardent fans of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” and its main hero Tanggol Montenegro (Coco Martin) were perhaps delighted by the arrival of Divina (Rosanna Roces) in his life, as he gained another ally beyond his family and closest friends.
More than just a trusted friend and the group’s financier—who consistently supported their endeavors by providing funds, equipment, and transportation—Divina also became Tanggol’s mentor. She guided him and showed him the ropes in the world of business, helping him grow beyond the life he once knew.
Viewers may recall that their paths first crossed when Tanggol’s friends, Peng (Long Mejia) and Raul (Raymond Ronquillo), introduced him to Divina, a wealthy businesswoman engaged in buying and selling luxury cars. Tanggol had asked if they knew anyone who might be interested in purchasing the “Star of Venus” diamond they were trying to sell. Divina took interest, offering to keep the diamond safe and help them with whatever it was they would need, until a buyer was found. They agreed, and a promising and meaningful partnership was born from that moment.
Along with their respective groups, they once formed a formidable team, fighting through a series of battles and celebrating both small and hard-won victories together—until a single pivotal moment shattered their long-standing rapport. Following the death of one of her most trusted right-hand Raul during their group’s skirmish with Tanggol’s father, Ramon (Christopher de Leon), Divina and her sidekick, Emil (Jay Gonzaga), turned hostile toward Tanggol and ultimately severed ties with him and his group.
Although they were the first to turn their backs at them by attempting to flee in the middle of the conflict and run off with the money they had stolen from Don Julio (Tommy Abuel), she felt completely betrayed when Tropang Tanggol left without her and Emil. Her resentment deepened, especially after she and Emil were arrested, driving her to sell them out to the authorities in exchange for their freedom.
Tanggol swore to kill Divina the next time their paths crossed—a vow that was finally fulfilled during their last brutal confrontation, where he savagely ended her life by crushing her body.
Since she had been part of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” for almost one year and half, Rosanna couldn’t help but be filled with emotions as she reflected on her fondest and most unforgettable experiences during her exit interview with CCM Film Productions.
“Wala akong masabi sa experience ko dito. Sobrang napakasarap, sobrang dami kong narating na magagandang lugar, mga lugar na ‘di mo aakalaing mapagta-tapingan,” she began.
The veteran actress went on to share her most favorite scenes, the first one being the shootout that ignited between the groups of Tanggol and Tisay (Barbie Imperial) that was shot on the iconic Binondo Bridge. Aside from rare opportunity to film at the famed location, she was absolutely impressed by the execution of the nail-biting sequence led by Coco—to the point that she momentarily forgot that she was part of it.
“’Yong eksena doon sa tulay kung saan hindi ako nakabaril agad kasi pinapanood ko siya. ‘Yong umiikot na ‘yong Lamborghini tapos bumabaril siyang gano’n. Nakakamangha kasi nangyayari sa harap mo,” she recalled. “Tapos ‘yong preparation, ‘yong iilawan ‘yong buong tulay para sa inyo. Tapos ang gaganda ng mga sasakyan na sinasakyan n’yo. Happy na happy ako doon. Hindi ko makuhang mapagod kapag mga ganoong eksena.”
Her second favorite was that scene wherein Tanggol and his friends—cladded in posh outfits—emerged one by one from a room in the hideout where Divina had taken them, as she helped them start afresh in life.
Having been in the industry for around three decades, not to mention that most of her acting projects were either comedy or drama, Rosanna implied how stoked she is to realize that she could still keep pace with Coco when it comes to taking on fighting scenes. Thus, she really appreciated that the well-loved actor-director was so confident that she could pull off such scenes, which gave her greater motivation to push herself.
She was also grateful that Coco believed in her prowess and versatility as an actress, as he chose not to let the story of Divina simply end without giving her a moment to truly shine. So, instead of just having her under Tanggol’s wing, her character was redeveloped into a kontrabida. She was initially taken aback by the change, but she welcomed the opportunity since it was better for her to become an antagonist than to exit the show early. She committed herself fully to her new old role and made sure to do her best for her not to break his trust.
With regard to the significant lessons she learned from her character, Rosanna enumerated three. First, she stressed the importance of being content with what God has given and avoiding covetousness, as greed brings nothing but harm.
Second, one must choose their battles wisely, because not everything in life is worth fighting for. She emphasized that walking away or stepping back from the battlefield does not equate to weakness; sometimes, it simply means pausing to reflect before making a move.
Lastly, she underscored the idea that one reaps what one sows. As attested by the antagonists who came and went throughout the show, living immorally does not lead to a happy ending.
As she reminisced about some of her fondest memories on “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” she commended Coco for his humility, sharing that she never once heard him complain about unpleasant conditions, whether a location was smelly or unbearably hot. Seeing his attitude, she felt they had no right to grumble and should instead carry on with professionalism. She was also in awe of how hands-on he can be on the set because even though he’s the main actor, director, and producer, he still ensures that all is well, including the condition of the ladies’ comfort room.
Amazed by how he seamlessly juggles his different roles on the program, Rosanna shared that she would often check on Coco. But she never heard nor saw him get really exhausted, as he has remained enthusiastic, hardworking, diligent, dedicated, and brilliant qualities that genuinely inspire her and their colleagues. She also shared that she adopted his “pamilya tayo dito” mindset, which further motivated her to work harder.
She went on to recount her experience working with the staff, crew, and cast, as well as the bond that she formed with them, as she recalled feeling sad on days without tapings because she missed everyone. As if seeing each other on set almost every day wasn’t enough, they would still spend time together elsewhere or meet up when collecting their salaries. Over time, it became inevitable for unconditional love to grow among them.
Rosanna then started to get emotional upon being asked for her message to Coco, who affectionately calls her “My”—probably short for “mommy.” “Iba kasi ‘yan si Coco makisama. Pati ‘yong mahal mo, mahal niya [na rin]. Tapos lahat ng nakita kong sumikat na yumaman nang todo, ‘yan ‘yong pinaka nakatapak sa lupa,” she said.
Then she added, “’Yong hindi [niya] na dapat pinakikialaman, pinapasok niya ‘yong area na ‘yon ng buhay mo. So, ‘pag may mga problema ako, siya din ang una kong sinasabihan. Hindi ka makakakuha diyan ng pekeng pakikitungo, laging totoo. Ang paniniwala ko kasi, bliness ako ni Lord at ginamit si Coco. At nagpapasalamat ako kay Coco kasi kapag may sinabi ka diyan, at binigyan ka niya ng sagot, 100% totoo ‘yon.”
Rosanna firmly believes that Coco is truly blessed because of how thoughtful, caring, and generous he has always been not just to his family but also to other people in need.
The video ended with Rosanna inviting everyone to keep watching the top-rating teleserye, especially now that it has already reached what she considers its peak. A couple of clips from her final taping day were also shown.
With Divina and Brando (Roi Vinzon) now gone, all eyes are on their unico hijo, Rockyboy (Baron Geisler), and how he will exact vengeance on Tanggol and his friends. So, do not miss the next episodes of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).