Kiko Estrada pushes physical and emotional limits for 'Totoy Bato'

With his previous and present works in "Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa" and "Totoy Bato," Kiko Estrada has shown his promise and potential as a leading man and an action star.

- By JERRY DONATO

He is the kind of actor who can thrive in the drama and action genre. That's why he fits the bill to play the Carlo J. Caparas character, Totoy Bato, whose story began in a graphic novel and then crossed over to film and TV as a drama sports series and now a drama-action.

"The character is a kid who grew up without a mother's love and who grew up with a father who became a drunkard," said Kiko in a virtual interview with The STAR.

"So, imagine a young guy growing up without warmth, without love. So, every avenue that (the character) has, he tries to find acceptance and find people who will accept and love him for who he is," added he.

Having been immersed in the lifeworld of Totoy, Kiko shared that "it's a character study about people being abused" and the repercussions that come with it and how they deal with their reality.

Totoy is being beaten up by his father, who has an addiction to liquor and is reminded of the void left by his wife every time he sees their son.

However, the father still cares for Totoy, who also remains strong and resilient about his unique familial relationship, as past episodes show.