From pilot episode to primetime villain: McCoy de Leon’s unexpected TV journey

In the world of television, characters come and go, but some leave a lasting impact that even creators don’t foresee. This is the story of McCoy de Leon’s David in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, a role that was initially intended for a brief appearance but evolved into a central figure in the series.

During a press conference for the show’s second book, Coco Martin, lead star and director of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, revealed that McCoy’s character was only supposed to appear in the pilot episodes.

However, De Leon’s compelling performance and dedication to the role convinced the team to extend his storyline.

“David was only supposed to be in the pilot episodes,” Martin shared. “But because we saw his hard work, his desire to learn, his talent and his willingness, he’s now been with us for two years.”

Nine lives

Martin also described de Leon’s character as resilient, often escaping his supposed demise in the series. “We say he’s like a cat with nine lives,” Martin said. “Whenever we’re about to kill him off, he always does something amazing that makes us regret it. He’s been a great help to the show. There have been so many instances like that.”

De Leon, for his part, expressed his gratitude for being part of the hit Kapamilya action series. “I’m one of the youngest cast members in Batang Quiapo,” he said. “I feel so lucky to be working with them, especially since I’m just starting out.”

He recalled the first instruction he received for his role: “On the first day of Batang Quiapo, they told me, ‘Don’t smile.’ I asked why, and they said, ‘Because we’ll see the McCoy we know. We need someone different here.’”

To maintain his character’s dark persona, de Leon said he adjusted his mannerisms on set. “That’s why I don’t smile in Batang Quiapo,” he added. “My only smile is a devilish grin.”

Villain to the hilt

De Leon shared that playing a kontrabida role gave him a newfound appreciation for acting. “I feel so lucky,” he remarked. “At the same time, I discovered that I can also play kontrabida roles. It’s fun to feel this way again, after being part of a love team. I feel like I’m more effective as a villain. And I wouldn’t be able to do that without David’s character.”

De Leon plays David, the half-brother of Martin’s Tanggol. His character pretended to be Ramon’s (Christopher de Leon) son with Marites (Cherry Pie Picache) to inherit the fortune that rightfully belongs to Tanggol. David has since become one of the most despised characters in the series due to his manipulative and cruel behavior.

Playing such a complex role was challenging, but de Leon credited the Batang Quiapo team for their guidance and support.

‘Don’t call me McCoy’

Being part of the series also helped de Leon gain confidence in his craft. “I used to be an actor who would just do whatever I was told,” he expressed. “But here, they’re asking me, ‘What do you think we should do here?’ Sometimes I’m surprised, like, ‘Wow, I’m actually giving input on what I can do.’”

“That’s how great it is to be a cast member of Batang Quiapo,” he added. “And when you do it, it feels so good.”

Despite receiving strong reactions from viewers due to his character’s actions, De Leon remains appreciative of the response. “When I get home from an event, people don’t call me McCoy anymore, they call me David,” he said. “I’m so grateful for that. I’ll never forget this, Batang Quiapo.”

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo is a Philippine television drama action series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel. The series is based on the 1986 film of the same title. Directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, Richard V. Somes, Coco Martin, and Kevin de Vela, it stars Martin in the title role. It premiered on 13 February 2023, on the network’s Primetime Bida line up.