After years of dealing with fame, missed opportunities, and personal development, actor Kiko Estrada says that he’s ready to give showbiz another serious try—and this time, he really means it.
In a sideline interview during the press conference for the finale of his action-drama series Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa, Kiko reflected on his journey from a once-promising matinee idol to a man now grounded by experience and focused on doing the work.
“I cherish the responsibility given to me now. So, I will do my best and keep doing my best,” said Kiko.
“I didn’t appreciate my position before. I took it for granted. But now, I’m more mature. I’m so blessed that I worked hard for it—a decade before it was given—so that I could appreciate it,” he added.
Currently in its final three weeks on air, Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa has become a major turning point for Kiko, who describes it as both a challenge and a training ground for something even more personal: Totoy Bato, his next project.
The upcoming series will see the actor stepping into a reimagined version of the classic action story originally headlined by Fernando Poe Jr. His grandfather, the late Paquito Diaz, was part of the original film’s cast—which adds emotional depth to Kiko’s new character.
“The next one, it’s really close to my heart. It’s like Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa is a training for the next series. It’s my first project that my grandfather was once involved with. This is the one I really want to dedicate my life to,” Kiko explained.
Kiko has already begun training for Totoy Bato, immersing himself in boxing and cycling to physically prepare. But more than the physical demands, the actor says this transformation is about maturity and purpose.
“I’m trying to be the guy I should’ve been when I was a kid. At the end of the day, I just wanna be a good guy. A man that will do right and earn respect,” he continued.
While remaining tight-lipped on plot details, Kiko confirmed the series aims to deliver the cinematic quality of a full-length film.
He also acknowledged the pressure to deliver—especially with a legacy name like Totoy Bato and a renewed spotlight on his career—but said he’s more than ready for the weight.
“Pressure makes diamonds. You cannot have diamonds if there’s no pressure,” he said.
Kiko sees his projects not just as a role but as a tribute to the industry legends before him, especially his grandfather.
“It’s culminating in this. All the lessons I’ve learned, I want to bring into this role. This is the one I really want to do justice,” Kiko stated.