Great actors are aware that it is not the amount of screen time that matters, but what they can deliver with the time they are given. Take a look at Miles Ocampo, who only needed one episode in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo to garner acclaim from netizens, making her a worldwide trending topic.

In this episode of Kapamilya Chat, Miles reacts to the praises she’s been receiving and shares off-cam stories about her much-applauded ‘birthing’ scene in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

She took the chance to thank the team, especially directors Coco Martin and Malu Sevilla. “Grabe ‘yung patience nila. Grabe ‘yung alaga nila sa akin for that scene,” she said. “Siguro kaya ganu’n ‘yung pag-ire ko do’n kasi nandoon ‘yung kaba, excitement, so kailangan ibuhos mo lahat.”

Her realistic acting was in part thanks to Ryza Cenon, her-co actress in that scene who explained to her the pain and adrenaline mothers go through during and after labor, and how they’d feel once threatened to lose their child.

The scene was repeated several times just for the camera angles and it was her very first take as the young Marites (later played by Cherry Pie Picache). She admitted to feeling pressured to portray the young Cherry Pie.

To prepare, she studied the veteran actress’ expressions and mannerisms, taking to heart Direk Coco and Malu’s pointer to take a deep breath before uttering her line as Cherry Pie does. She is glad that Cherry Pie liked her performance as the actress told her after their media conference.

It’s no secret that Coco uses improvisation for his on-cam talents instead of giving them the traditional script. When asked about this, the former child actress related that they were taught growing up to study the script as if it were their bible. Now, at 25, she understands that the industry is changing and they as artists must learn to adapt, “Kasi ‘yun na ang bagong process na ginagawa, especially with Kuya Coco.”

She said everyone on set must be on their toes. They must raise their performance level but have to be on the same page as well. Thankfully, she had workshops that covered such techniques, “May mga workshop kaming ganu’n before na you have to say ‘yes’ lang sa mga kaeksena mo. So, okay din, para siyang exercise talaga.”

Miles praised Coco for being a hands-on, multitasking leader. “Naaalala ko, siya pa ‘yung naglalagay ng mga dugo-dugo sa akin… Siya nagba-blocking, siya umaarte, siya nagtuturo ng camera angles, PD na rin siya – all-around talaga.” She can only imagine how exhausted he is juggling all important tasks in a huge production, which is why she’s proud of Coco, who’s been her ‘kuya’ since they first worked together in the drama-heavy film “Sa’Yo Lamang” in 2010.

“Kahit hindi kami nagkikita, once na nagkita kami ulit, parang kahapon lang kami last nag-meet.” In past interviews, Coco described Miles as his ‘baby-baby’ that’s why their delicate scene felt awkward but he made sure to protect the younger star. Another trivia: Miles’ mother and Coco were classmates in college. Whenever they get together, he would jestingly tell people, “Kaklase ko Mama niyan dati. Kumokopya nga Mama nito sa’kin, eh.”

When asked if she will still appear in future episodes, Miles replied, “Hindi ka pa po alam. Abangan po natin.”

Therefore, we shouldn’t miss an episode of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, airing weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.