One last take: McCoy de Leon bids farewell to ‘Batang Quiapo’

After more than two transformative years, McCoy de Leon is saying goodbye—not just to his character, David Dimaguiba, but to a chapter of his life that redefined his purpose as an actor and storyteller.

In a heartfelt message shared with fans, McCoy de Leon revealed that FPJ’s Batang Quiapo wasn’t just another television assignment. For him, it was a creative and spiritual milestone. “I thought this was going to be my last project,” he wrote. “Kaya sinabi ko sa sarili ko, I’ll give everything I’ve got—lahat ng natitira sa akin. Not just as an actor, but as someone who truly loves this craft.”

McCoy’s portrayal of David, a complex and evolving character, became one of the central emotional arcs in the widely followed series. But off-camera, the experience left an even deeper mark. The long hours, sleepless nights, and demanding taping schedules were grueling—but they were also filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable lessons. “Sa dalawang taon at kalahati, tinuring ko na rin itong isa pang tahanan,” he shared, reminiscing about the friendships and the unspoken camaraderie that grew behind the scenes.

He didn’t just pay tribute to his co-stars—he highlighted the tireless efforts of the production crew, the assistant directors, writers, and every hand that shaped the world of Batang Quiapo. “Malaki ang respeto ko sa buong production team… nakita ko kung paano nila ginagawa ang trabaho nila nang may puso, tiyaga, at dedikasyon.”

And at the center of it all, McCoy expressed deep gratitude to Coco Martin, the show’s lead star and creative driving force. “Siya ang nagbigay sa akin ng tiwala… Isa siyang tunay na kuya para sa akin,” he said, acknowledging the mentorship and opportunity Coco extended to him.

As David Dimaguiba’s story comes to a close, McCoy also closes a personal chapter—one that molded him not only into a better actor, but into a man more in touch with his own voice. “This wasn’t just another project, it changed me,” he confessed. “I’ll forever carry the lessons it gave me, and I hope it gave you something real too.”

For now, McCoy lets go of David, with respect, love, and gratitude. But he takes with him the power of a role that taught him how to give everything—even when it feels like the last.

“Ngayon, binibitawan ko na po ang character na si David Dimaguiba. Maraming salamat, Batang Quiapo family. Mahal na mahal ko kayo. Mamimiss ko kayo sobra.”