With “Totoy Bato” set to end on April 24 after a nearly yearlong run, Kiko Estrada described playing the iconic hero as “an honor.”
Onscreen, the TV5 action-drama is building toward its decisive final showdown this week.
As tensions escalate in Pook Paraiso following the death of Don Silvio Castillo (Mon Confiado), Dwayne Perez, portrayed by Diego Loyzaga, further cements his power, setting the stage for a concluding confrontation with Totoy.
Estrada said taking on the character was a defining moment in his career and personal journey.
“It is truly an honor for me to portray a character like Totoy Bato, a role that was once played by our idols. I feel very blessed and deeply honored to be given this opportunity,” he said during a press conference.
“Working on this show felt like being part of a family. They really molded and challenged you to become a better actor, to push yourself and become the best version of what you can be,” he added.
Director Albert Langitan said the production carefully balanced respect for the original material with the need to innovate.
“I tried to approach the project with a blank canvas. We still had to respect what the original truly was, but at the same time, we wanted to find ways to innovate and bring something new to today’s audience,” Langitan explained.
He emphasized that collaboration was central to the show’s creative process.
“Television is really a collaborative. If someone has a good idea, whether they are from the highest or lowest position on set, we take that into consideration and see how it can improve the story,” Langitan said.
For Loyzaga, portraying the main antagonist represented a new phase in his career.
“I’ve become more open to the idea of playing a villain again. This role has been a big stepping stone for me and has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect,” he said.
“There’s so much more you can do when you play the antagonist. You’re not limited to being good all the time, so you really get to explore and enjoy the character in a different way,” Loyzaga continued.
Loyzaga also credited Estrada for encouraging him early on.
“From the very beginning, Kiko told me, ‘You should really be my villain in this story.’ And now that we’re at the end of it, I’m really happy that this is the direction we took,” he said.
Meanwhile, both actors pointed to the physically demanding nature of the show’s action sequences.
“It definitely wasn’t easy, but it was a lot of fun. There were times when we had to shoot fight scenes for three to four straight days, and it was all punches and intense action,” Loyzaga said.
Estrada added, “That’s the level of commitment everyone gives in this project. When you see how hard everyone is working, you really feel like you don’t have the right to complain — you just have to give your all as well.”
TV5 President Guido Zaballero credited the team behind the series for its success.
“The success of ‘Totoy Bato’ is a testament to the incredible passion of the production team and the stellar performances of the entire cast. It was their dedication that turned every episode into a memorable journey that we were able to share with the audience,” shared Zaballero.
As the series heads into its final week, viewers can expect heightened tension, unexpected twists and a final confrontation that will determine who ultimately prevails in Pook Paraiso.
“Totoy Bato” airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on TV5, with simulcast on One PH and streaming available via the Cignal Play app.
