The top-rating television series of Kapamilya Network “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” which premiered in September 2015 is still going strong despite the many attempts of its rival network to topple the show that is inspired from the 1997 Fernando Poe Jr. film of the same title, courtesy of FPJ Productions.
With a tried and tested box-office draw that the lead actor—Coco Martin there is NO WAY that this series would have its farewell soon; it is in fact extended till 2018. That is one proof that it continues to be undisputed in terms of impressing its captive audience and the soon-to-be converted following.
Based on a close observation, the said series succeeded and won the hearts of the Filipino tele-viewers especially the masses because of 10 Reasons.
An FPJ Classic, revived.
Since most Filipinos love the films that the late King of Action Movies—Fernando Poe Jr. did—it is a ‘given’ thing that viewers got hooked with the series that still tried to be loyal to its film version. Its lead actor, Martin who portrays the twin brothers—Ador and Cardo as a prominent, respected CIDG police official and as a SAD Trooper, respectively—have made the characters’ journeys as relevant as the country’s situation.
FPJ’s cult following have seen a new ‘hero’ and learned to love Martin as the new FPJ, maybe. Even up to now, it believed that the former action star who is considered to be the most loved by the people (based on an article on PhilStar.com titled ‘Family to Congress: Honor FPJ as ‘most loved by people’, December 15, 2011).
A mother named Elisa described the show in an article as successful due to the promotion of Filipino values that resonate with the audience.
It’s Family-oriented.
Picking up from the show and the Network’s thrust—it has proven its strong standing to be consistent in the ratings and made Filipinos hold on to what it offers—socially relevant and inspiring stories about family and patriotism according to another write-up via an article online.
Elisa further mentioned that the lead character assumed by Martin as someone that every Filipino should be.
“He has a heart for people in need, but he is tough on criminals who take advantage of innocent people. If all of us would be like him, we can bring a big change to our country.”
The unconditional love and concern of Cardo for his family isn’t contained in the boob tube alone, but rather went beyond and the national audience learned to embrace its appeal.
Entertaining.
Actions films as expected are quite expensive to make. It requires humungous budget for special effects and stunts.
To most people, such genre is considered to be a spectacular of sorts. But with the brilliance of its creative team—it has employed two adorable and genuinely funny kids—Onyok Pineda and Awra Briguela.
The two kids provided great equalizer for the heavy scenes in the series especially when the two child stars start to banter with each other. They are the ‘life’ of the show. It’s like walking into a stand-up comedy show, only a kids’ version.
Even if how taxing the actions in the show—audiences are in for a treat. “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” is a source of joy and laughter altogether. Yes, there have been times that the kids were becoming a ‘clutter’ in some of the series’ big scenes; still they served to probably build up the intense heat between the protagonist, his allies and the antagonists.
Action-Packed but Contained?
And because there has been a scarcity of action flicks in the country and rarely can televiewers see such genre dominating Philippine television these days—the show is probably the likely ‘treat’ for male viewers to enjoy.
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” has not just convinced the female audiences but the action-flick male viewers, too.
Yes, the country maybe in the midst of war against drugs and even with terrorism, maybe the show is a way to just contain the fear or just imagine that any violence is only good for the small screen and not in real-life encounters.
The show became an ‘evening habit’ for Filipino viewers as it somehow inculcated the importance of avoiding dangers and enhancing family relationships.
Right Mix of Drama
The protagonists and the antagonists in this series aren’t simply one-dimensional, thus their respective stories have contributed to the heightened tensions of the characters.
There may have been killings, but those were necessary to manipulate the emotions of the characters and so as the viewers. In fact the suspense it has placed in all of its scenes has been well-thought of. Everything is fast-paced but the drama is still in-placed.
Yes, this action-drama series that is already running for its third season have probably mastered the craft of having the right mix of drama without boring the audience.
Has Substance
This series won’t last for three months the longest if this hasn’t offered something substantial for the Filipino viewers.
Indeed the creative may have too much challenge in maintaining the interest of the public to continue watching and being hooked with Martin’s most-loved character after “Juan dela Cruz”; but still they continue to triumph and maintain its popularity even online via iWantTV with a whopping 853,333 views.
What makes the show possess such substance—it is because it like any other cinematic materials—it seeks to explore the dark side of things like drug abuse. It always attempted to tell a good story and leave hope for the audience that there is a chance for change or simply present a scenario or a tale of tragedy. With the issues presented in the series—it somehow opened a discussion on important personal and public health topic.
Now that’s what we mean by substance.
Love Angle isn’t forced.
Let’s face it that there were beautiful actresses that appeared in this series. The most prominent were Maja Salvador as SPO1 Glenda ‘Glen’ Corpuz and Bela Padilla as Carmen M. Guzman-de Leon and later on became Mrs. Joaquin Tuazon.
But, none of which were forced but in fact, the audience identified with the two ladies linked to the lead character.
It even spiced up the story as it also complicated each scene leading to tensions and conflicts, too.
The inclusion of Yassi Pressman as Alyanna Arevalo, who later on became Dalisay’s wife fell in its proper place. Yes, from being a hard-hitting reporter—she has been reduced to a secondary cast when the third book opens.
But still, their love story just transpired naturally.
Episodic.
The show has been very effective in its approach because of how the creative team managed to make it episodic.
The series of events or memories or even places, emotions presented and occurred or recurred in each episode of the series provided more reason for the viewers to hang in there; waiting for what will explode next. Everything were managed and written beautifully even if some of those who have chosen to skip the series due to have been prolonged too much—still when they come back—they still find their way back, biting into the ‘feel’ of being ‘hooked’ again.
With such device, it truly kept those who followed the show religiously still wanting for more.
The audience’s ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ were even explored.
Interesting Guests.
Also, in this show—it has allowed both fresh and even the ‘has-beens’ in the entertainment industry to have a chance to appear and be recognized again.
And these names aren’t just names, but have contributed one way or another in Philippine showbiz. Let us not forget Richard Yap, Baron Geisler, Raikko Mateo, Gloria Sevilla, Jett Pangan, Jay Manalo, Ronaldo Valdez, Joem Bascon, Anne Curtis, Gina Pareño, Susan Africa, William Lorenzo, Ana Capri, Elmo Magalona, Janella Salvador, JC Santos, the late Lilia Cuntapay, Angelica Panganiban, Wendell Ramos, Cesar Montano, Eddie Gutierrez, Vice Ganda, Cherry Pie Picache, Carlo Aquino, Allan Paule, Ronnie Quizon, James Blanco, Paulo Avelino, DI Durano, Antoinette Taus, Tirso Cruz III, Jun Urbano, Dan Alvaro, Christian Vasquez, William Martinez, Jake Roxas, Sonny Parsons, Ahron Villena, Atoy Co, Daniel Fernando, Lito Legaspi to name a few.
But more celebrities are expected to grace the series. Lito Lapid, John Arcilla, Angel Aquino, Yam Concepcion, Jhong Hilario, Alessandra de Rossi, Sid Lucero, Pokwang, Ejay Falcon and Mitch Valdez are just among the names that the viewers must expect in the series’ third season.
Good Acting.
You can never go wrong with “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”. It has never shortchanged its viewers by giving them with actors who truly can act and can provide interesting flavors to the characters imagined by the creative team behind the series that has cemented Martin as the young FPJ and the well-loved hero on television.
But having three veteran actors like Susan Roces, Jaime Fabregas and Eddie Garcia still sharing the spotlight with Coco—the show still promises a more exciting season.
But with all these, the show must maintain the following in order to maintain its lead—encourage social interaction, provide education or information, and most importantly entertain its audience.
