Andrea Brillantes joins Batang Quiapo, a new challenge for the young actress. This is the hit ABS-CBN primetime series. During the show’s second-anniversary special, Tatak BQ, she shared her excitement, nerves, and determination to prove herself.
“I won’t let the pressure get to me,” she said. “I’ll turn it into something that will push me to do better.”
Brillantes, who started as a child star, knows she’s working with some of the biggest names in the industry. She admitted feeling a bit intimidated but said she’s more grateful than anything.
“The actors here are icons, skilled veterans. Their names command respect,” she said. “I do get starstruck, but I won’t let that shake me. Instead, I’ll use it as motivation.”
For her, this project isn’t just another role—it’s a test of growth.
“I’m not at their level yet, but I’m excited to see if I’ll improve as an actress. The experience here in Batang Quiapo is different,” she added.
A Longtime Dream to Do Action
Brillantes has always wanted to try action roles. Now, she’s finally getting her chance.
“I’ve been asking for this for a long time,” she shared. “I’m more than ready.”
Aside from action scenes, she’ll also have to adjust to a new acting style. Batang Quiapo is known for using improvisation, something Coco Martin, the show’s lead star and director, is famous for.
Brillantes admitted she’s more comfortable working with a script. But she’s up for the challenge.
“The last time I did improv? Probably when I was three, just playing alone in my room,” she joked. “As a kid, I had so much creativity. Now, I’ll have to push myself to bring that back.”
She knows it won’t be easy. But she’s excited to step out of her comfort zone.
From Guest Role to Major Addition
It turns out, Brillantes asked for a guest spot on Batang Quiapo months ago. At a birthday event, she casually mentioned it to Coco Martin. She didn’t expect him to take it seriously.
But Martin didn’t forget.
“The next day, I had the script prepared,” he revealed. “I called her right away. She couldn’t believe it.”
The timing wasn’t right at first. Brillantes had scheduling conflicts. But now, she’s officially joining the cast.
Martin, who struggled with rejection early in his career, said he doesn’t want to turn away people who want to work with him.
“I know how it feels to be starting out, to hear ‘no’ so many times,” he said. “Now that I have the chance to help, I won’t hesitate. Whether it’s actors, crew, or staff, I’ll support them if I can.”
A Growing Cast for Batang Quiapo
Brillantes isn’t the only fresh face in the show. Batang Quiapo recently marked its second anniversary with a grand event. Fans came out to celebrate, while new cast members were introduced.
Joining Brillantes in the series are Jake Cuenca, Angel Aquino, Albie Casiño, Juan Rodrigo, Paolo Paraiso, Gillian Vicencio, and Shamaine Buencamino. Screen legends Michael de Mesa, Albert Martinez, Dante Rivero, Chanda Romero, and Celia Rodriguez are also now part of the show.
With its mix of rising stars and seasoned actors, Batang Quiapo continues to evolve. It remains one of ABS-CBN’s most-watched shows, drawing strong viewership every night.
The series airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, and TV5. It’s also available for streaming on iWantTFC and TFC.
For Brillantes, this is just the beginning. Fans are eager to see what she’ll bring to the show—and how this experience will shape her career.
