It’s easy to misconstrue “Batang Paco” as an action film.
Traditionally — well, at least around these parts — such a title often suggest exactly that.
Take the hugely popular “Batang Quiapo” of ABS-CBN.
Empoy Marquez understands this perfectly.
He told us during a recent chat, “Noong una kong marinig e, akala ko nga din action film ang ino-offer sa akin.”
Not that he doesn’t want to do it if ever. It’s just that, he said, “Hindi kapanipaniwala kung mambubugbog ako ng mga mas malalaki sa akin.”
In any case, he is more than excited for “Batang Paco” to hit the big screen.
For the actor-comedian, the movie arrives at just the right time relating how it offers something everyone could use more of these days: love.
“Napapanahon kasi magba-Valentine’s, di ba? Pero kahit hindi naman Valentine’s dapat importante ang love,” Empoy shared.
He added, “Importante ang pagmamahalan—hindi lang sa mag-jowa, kundi pagmamahal sa kapwa, sa pamilya, sa kaibigan, sa lahat, kahit sa alaga mong aso.”
In “Batang Paco,” that love takes a deeply personal form.
The film tells the story of a father who will stop at nothing for his child.
“Itong pelikula namin tungkol sa pagmamahal ng isang ama sa anak. Gagawin niya ang lahat para sa ikabubuti ng anak niya,” Empoy hinted.
Note that in the film, Empoy is reunited with Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, whom he considers family.
“Para ko nang nanay-nanayan si Ms. Ai. Mula pa noong ‘MTB’ days namin, sobrang supportive at napakabait niya sa akin.”
“At dahil na rin sa participation ni Ms. Ai e, siguradong maraming manonood nito,” he added.
“Batang Paco” marks the maiden offering of MiVida Productions, Inc.
At the center of the story is Paco, a timid tattoo artist who never imagined himself as brave—until his child is taken and he’s forced into a dangerous world far bigger than him. What unfolds is not just a thrilling ride, but a deeply Filipino story of fear, faith, and parental love.
“Hindi kailangang maging perpekto para maging bayani,” Empoy said. “Kapag pagmamahal na ang nagtutulak sa’yo, may lakas kang hindi mo inaasahan.”
Directed by Rechie del Carmen and written by Gina Marissa Tagasa, “Batang Paco” opens in cinemas nationwide February 18.
