Arzen Rose Dulzura

John Estrada on portraying Rigor Dimaguiba in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo: “I’m honored and I’m still excited”

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1759801139862New Project (4).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>With how manipulative, abusive, ruthless, and illogical he is, there’s definitely no wonder that Rigor Dimaguiba is one of the most hated characters throughout the more than two-year run of “<a href="http://batangquiapo.abs-cbn.com">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a>.” While he’s unapologetic and uncompromising, the actor behind him, John Estrada, is actually the complete opposite.  In his interview with CCM Film Productions for the commencement of its “Panibagong Yugto sa Ikatlong Taon,” the seasoned actor talked about Rigor and his experience in portraying the well-hated character. He began by recounting how complicated the journey of Rigor has been after losing his wife and child. But just like in reality, life must go on for Rigor, especially now that the Guerreros have entrusted him with a new important mission—to spearhead the arrest of the Montenegros and make sure that they’ll pay for all their transgressions to them, most especially Tanggol (Coco Martin). <div><iframe width="1513" height="569" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5FXN0sYifm8" title="JOHN ESTRADA: FPJ’s Batang Quiapo Ang Bagong Yugto | Year 3" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“As an actor, I think this is one of my most challenging roles. Hindi ako nagrereklamo. I’m so grateful for it. And, of course, I’m so grateful to Coco dahil pinili niya ako na gampanan ang isang Rigor Dimaguiba. I’m honored, and I’m still excited,” John related, adding that even though “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is already approaching its third year, it feels like they’ve just started filming or they are still on the pilot episode.  While Rigor firmly believes that his constant wrath against Tanggol is justifiable by the fact that he’s the son of Marites (Cherry Pie Picache) with her sexual abuser, Ramon (Christopher de Leon), John actually believes otherwise. For the seasoned actor, just because Tanggol isn’t a biological son of Rigor or he is the product of a crime carried out against his wife should not mean that he will not love him and that he will channel all his rage at him. When asked about the possibility of Rigor and Marites getting back together, John said that he knew that his character still loves his wife. However, he isn’t sure if there’s still a chance for them to mend their broken relationship since the ball, or the decision, will be on Marites. And with regard to what the viewers should look forward to in the next face-offs of Rigor and Hector (Aljur Abrenica), he admitted that even he actually doesn’t have any idea of what the real intention of P/Lt. Hector Victorino is in their precinct. “Ako kasi parang ayoko na masyadong magtanong, I want to be surprised at this point. But I’m excited for Aljur and, at the same time, for all of us na may bagong mukha sa precinct namin. And, of course, nadagdagan pa, sina Maris [Racal]. So, panibagong yugto, panibagong kuwento, panibagong sorpresa para sa akin,” he confessed.  Then he continued, “Ang masasabi ko lang, itong bagong yugto napakadaming sorpresa na naman. Ang dami na naman naming pasabog at dapat lang na ma-excite kayo.” John capped off the interview by thanking everyone for their overwhelming support to “<a href="http://batangquiapo.abs-cbn.com">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a>” over the past two years, as well as expressing his wish that the viewers will continue to support as they enter a new chapter and that we will choose to stick by them until the very end. Catch John Estrada as Rigor Dimaguiba in “<a href="http://batangquiapo.abs-cbn.com">FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</a>,” weeknights at 8 PM, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5, and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb">iWant</a>.

Watch “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” star John Estrada talk about his abhorred character Rigor Dimaguiba in this interview with CCM Film Productions.

Watch “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” star John Estrada talk about his abhorred character Rigor Dimaguiba in this interview with CCM Film Productions.