'Ang Probinsyano' stars celebrate, wax nostalgic over the show after final episode's airing
Cast members of the iconic teleserye FPJ's Ang Probinsyano took to social media to celebrate the show and wax nostalgic about it, as it aired its finale on Aug. 12 after seven years and 1,696 episodes.
FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, top-billed by Coco Martin, was inspired by the 1996 movie that starred Fernando Poe Jr. It first aired in 2015 and is the longest-running teleserye in Pinoy television history. It has since developed a cult following.
The teleserye initially adapted the movie's original plot: Ador De Leon and Cardo Dalisay, identical twins who got separated at birth, each pursue careers in the police force. When the metro-based Ador gets killed after a fellow cop betrayed him, the province-based Cardo had to assume Ador's identity and complete his mission to bust a human trafficking syndicate.
Since then, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano developed an ever-evolving plot over five story arcs or "books," which mostly resembled real-life national issues and current affairs.
Over 100 actors, rookies and veterans alike, became part of its large ensemble cast.
Martin, in a salvo of Instagram posts, shared stills from the final episode, behind-the-scene shots, selfies with the cast and crew, as well as art cards thanking certain characters of the show.
One of his posts included a picture of his character Cardo visiting the grave of Lola Flora, portrayed by Susan Roces. Lola Flora was given an offscreen death as Roces had passed away last May. It, along with a montage of Cardo and Lola Flora's moments together in the final episode, served as a tribute to the character and the veteran actress.
"Maraming Salamat, Lola Flora!" Martin wrote in a post, as well as "Mahal na mahal ka namin, Lola Flora!" in another one.
Martin also shared a clip of him thanking the cast and crew after their in-person watch party.
Julia Montes, who acted as Cardo's love interest Mara, penned a sweet post for Martin.
"Sa 7 taon na itinakbo ng Probinsyano," Montes said, "isa at Ikaw ang napakalaking parte ng Success ng buong show."
"Sa dedikasyon, pagmamahal at sipag na binigay mo sa show, isang karangalan na mapanood kang magtrabaho sa FPJAP," she added, noting she's impressed with how Martin wholeheartedly gives everything in acting.
"Mula sa pangarap lang noon, ngayon naisakatuparan mo na ang pagdidirek at ang totoo ay higit pa ang binibigay at pinapakita mo," Montes said. "Proud na proud ako sa 'yo!"
Raymart Santiago, who portrayed Cardo's ally Victor Basco, shared a photo of him and Martin facing each other during their respective roles.
"Salamat sayo kaibigan, pagpalain ka pa ng Panginoon... hanggang sa muli"
Rowell Santiago, the fictitious President of the Philippines Oscar Hidalgo, thanked legions of fans, taking note of how his role has forever changed his life.
"Lumaban kami ni Cardo para sa Bayan!!!" Santiago said. "Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan ang pagganap bilang aktor ang isang natatanging character na panghabang buhay kong dadalhin...President Oscar Hidalgo is signing off for now!!!"
John Estrada, whose character villain rebel Armando Silang died a week ago, also paid tribute to Martin, calling him a "diamante" in the local showbiz industry.
"Ang husay mo sa pag-arte, pag-direct, sa paggawa ng istorya, sa pagiging isang leader," Estrada wrote. "(Ang) dedikasyon (mo) sa trabaho ay hindi matatawaran ng kahit siino man, wala kang katulad."
Meanwhile, Shaina Magdayao, who portrayed Cardo's comrade Roxanne of the counter-terrorist group Task Force Agila, said the entire cast and crew will always remember each other even after the show's finale.
"Sa dinami dami ng pinagdaanan nating lahat, kahit saan siguro tayo dalhin ng buhay, hindi mawawala sa puso natin ang isa't isa," Magdayao said.
"At kung bigyan man ulit ako ng pagkakataon na ulitin lahat ng ito, lahat ng hirap, saya, lahat ng sakripisyo, wala akong papalitan ni isa sa inyo. ISANG PRIBILEHIYO NA LUMABAN KASAMA NINYONG LAHAT AT IPAGLABAN ANG TAMA," she added.
John Arcilla also shared a photo of the cast with a text that read, "MARAMING SALAMAT PO!" He played the main antagonist Renato "Buwitre" Hipolito.
"To God be the Glory!" Arcilla wrote in the caption.
Jay Gonzaga, former assistant of the executive secretary who helped and joined Task Force Agila, said he's "forever grateful" for the "once in a lifetime opportunity," as he gave a shout-out to the cast and crew, as well as the bosses of ABS-CBN.
"This has taught me so many things, may it be good or bad, and I am embracing it immensely as i walk to the next chapter in my life," Gonzaga said. "WHAT A ROLLER COASTER RIDE INDEED!"
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He vowed to keep in touch with his industry colleagues even after the show ended.
"I will treasure each and everyone of you! Hinding hindi ko kayo makakalimutan," Gonzaga said. In another post, he also shared a clip of the episode and quoted his character in the caption.
John Prats and Marc Solis, who portrayed Agila members Jerome Girona Jr. and Rigor Soriano, also expressed gratitude for their roles.
In a separate post before the finale's airing, Prats also shared BTS photos, including those that he had a directorial stint.
"Super proud ako na Probinsyano ang una kong teleserye na nadirek," he said. "Dami ko sobrang natutunan. To God be the glory!"
CJ Ramos, ex-drug user turned police officer Patrick Espinosa in the show, shared a montage and slideshow of his appearances. He also thanked his Ang Probinsyano "family," saying he loves them so much.
"One last snappy salute," Ramos said. "Patrick Espinosa now signing off."
Bryan Lao, also known as the rapper Smugglaz, said his role as the cop Marsial "Butete" Matero is an experience he'll cherish even during his twilight years. Lao noted that entering the showbiz industry proved to be challenging, especially that he's an out of school youth and is always awake at night with no proper sleeping schedule.
"Pero nabago dahil dito sa loob ng limang taon sinabayan ko kung anong routine nila," Lao said of his co-actors. "(A)ware naman akong dayo ako sa planeta na 'to kaya sinikap kong aralin, mabuksan kung anong kaya kong maambag bilang Smugglaz."
He also commended the show for being a source of income for many workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Napaka-saya ko at sobrang grateful na maging parte ng longest running teleseye na 'to," Lao said.