Veteran actor Michael de Mesa was chosen as one of the directors of ABS-CBN’s long-running “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” series where fellow actor Coco Martin is the main star.
“Isang malaking karangalan na ako’y maging director ng ‘Ang Probinsyano’ sa episode ngayong gabi at sa mga darating na mga araw,” De Mesa said on Instagram on March 27.
He now joins directors Malu Sevilla, Enzo Williams and Martin, whose real name Rodel Nacianceno is used at the opening credit, at the helm of the succeeding episodes.
Despite being the director, the 58-year-old actor retained his character Ramil Taduran, one of the members of the rebel group Vendetta led by Martin.
His colleagues in the industry congratulated De Mesa’s new feat as director in the comments section of his post.
Some Filipinos also shared their excitement with this development as this meant that the show will not be airing its last episode anytime soon.
De Mesa is notable for his roles in TV and film such as the “Unfaithful Wife,” “Everything about Her,” “On the Job,” and “Paradise Inn.”
He also won awards in prestigious local award shows such as the PMPC Star Awards, the FAMAS Awards and the Gawad Urian Awards.
In 2018, De Mesa won his battle with hepatitis C which he had been diagnosed with in 1999.
The actor announced on Instagram that he was finally cured from the illness after 20 years.
Misrepresentation issues
The Philippine National Police lodged misrepresentation allegations against the production team of “Ang Probinsyano” in November 2018 despite a disclaimer being shown in every episode of it being a work of fiction.
Secretary Eduardo Año of Interior and Local Government later remarked that the production team should change the entire plot.
This prompted Martin to issue a public apology to the police force and clarified that the narrative of the movie remake is developing.
ABS-CBN and PNP also signed a memorandum of understanding that restored PNP’s support to the production team, including the lending of police uniforms and facilities.