Arzen Rose Dulzura

Bad boy gone good: How Ramon has found redemption in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766712109885NEW THUMB (85).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Aside from being the “season of giving,” we are reminded that Christmastime must also be a “season of transformation,” as amidst our busyness in preparing for the slew of gatherings we had or have to attend or organize, as well as in checking items off our shopping list, we should also take this period to reflect on everything that happened over the past year and assess ourselves to see which aspects of our lives that needs changing. </p><p>However, we all know we don&#x27;t have to wait for Christmas to decide to change. Just like what Ramon Montenegro (Christopher de Leon) of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</em></u></strong></a>” did, who, from being a notorious crime and drug lord, eventually had a change of heart as we’ve been seeing him supporting the fight of his son, Tanggol (Coco Martin), against the powerful and corrupt political family of Guerreros and their wicked acts. </p><p>As we’re yet to find out if his personal transformation is already for good, let us revisit in this feature the scenes that prove Ramon is indeed on the road to redemption.</p><p>Apparently, it all began when he found himself on the brink of death after being tortured by the Red Phoenix Group led by Lucio (Ronnie Lazaro), when they took hold of him. While gunfires were blaring in the background as Tanggol singlehandedly fought against Lucio and his henchmen, Ramon was awakened by a blinding ray of white light, which made him assume that it was God coming to fetch him since he was already dead.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="951" height="535" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9e9NpzrlCUs" title="Ramon repents and prays on the brink of death | FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo (with English Subs)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>From someone who seemed to be fearless and not to believe in God, Ramon had gone to implore Him to forgive him, as well as to give him another chance to make up for his shortcomings to his loved ones—Tanggol, Marites (Cherry Pie Picache), and Don Julio (Tommy Abuel). </p><p>“Alam ko wala akong karapatan humingi sa inyo ng pabor dahil mamamatay-tao ako. Marami  akong buhay na nilapastangan dahil sa pagnanasa kong yumaman at magkaroon ng kapangyarihan. Patawarin N’yo ako. Patawarin N’yo ako. Bigyan N’yo ako ng pagkakataon. Nagsisisi na ako. Patawad. Patawad. Bigyan N’yo pa ako ng isa pang pagkakataon,” he earnestly uttered as his crimes and misdeeds, as well as his heartwarming encounters with Tanggol and Marites flashed before his eyes.</p><p>Just when Ramon thought that he was already going to die, his heartfelt prayers were obviously heard by the Heavens, as he made it out alive after Tanggol and his friends were able to save him. With all the bad things he had committed, Ramon was in utter disbelief that God had chosen to save him. He simply supposed that God probably wanted him to stay alive for him to be able to continue guiding Tanggol. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="951" height="535" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AI77PYrmGeA" title="Ramon’s new outlook on life | FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo (with English Subs)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In his conversation with his son, Ramon opened up about being struck by the realization that more than losing the power and fortune he used to strongly hold on to, he was actually more scared to die and not have the chance anymore to be a father to him nor to give him a complete family. </p><p>He was also reminded of what Tanggol had told him before about not becoming the reason for society’s collapse due to their family’s illegal drug business, which made him ponder what sets him apart from their greedy adversaries if he would continue it. He apologized to him for all his wrongdoings, which Tanggol gladly accepted.</p><p>As they were able to take Don Julio away from the police, they also tried to talk him out of changing for the better during one of their tête-à-têtes. Of course, the old man initially objected to it since he was very concerned with their long-running business that they worked hard to grow from the ground up. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="951" height="535" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1w1wDMBezNY" title="Ponggay hears about Tanggol’s plan to turn over a new leaf | FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo (with English Subs)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Refusing to listen to Tanggol and Franco (John Medina), Ramon chimed in to tell him that God might have put them in their current situation to help us recognize the wrong things they have been doing. Tanggol seconded it by saying that this could be the right time for them to change for the better and turn a new leaf by fighting against all the politicians who have been doing terrible things in the city hall. </p><p>Aside from their son, Ramon also made the love of his life, Marites, happy as he promised that he won’t go back anymore to selling drugs since he’s already done with that. If he wants to get ahead in life, he’ll make sure to do it the right way. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="951" height="535" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAeOcJrlKZ8" title="Don Julio wishes that Tanggol’s good intentions succeed | FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo (with English Subs)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>When she asked how he got to that decision, he reminisced on the conversation he had with God the moment he thought he was already taking his final breath. He told her, “Hinilling ko sa Kanya na bigyan ako ng isa pang pagkakataon. Binigay naman Niya. Hindi ko sasayangin itong pangalawang buhay na ibinigay Niya sa akin para sirain lang ang buhay ng ibang tao.”</p><p>He went on to remark that Tanggol had been right all along when he said that it was their illegal drug business that really destroyed their family. Besides, he also realized how much more important their family is than the wealth and power that he used to hold on to. Marites told him that she had actually been praying for this moment to come and vowed to join him on this journey towards living a brand-new life. </p><p>Ultimately, as Don Julio wondered how they arrived in this situation and where he went wrong, Ramon told him that they made the huge mistake of trusting the Guerreros. Thus, they would strive to put an end to their reign in Manila and rub out their power by helping Tanggol take back the city hall from them. This prompted Don Julio to wish that the good intentions of his grandson would succeed, signifying that he also had a change of heart. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="951" height="535" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LdTFUD8hDC8" title="Marites cries because of Ramon’s planned changes | FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo (with English Subs)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Ramon is proof that it will never be too late for us to change and restart, and we can definitely do it at any point in our lives or of the year. As we celebrate the birth of our Newborn King, may we take the Christmas season as a time for us to reflect and rejuvenate ourselves, as if we’re being rebirthed as well.</p><p>Don’t miss an episode of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</em></u></strong></a>,” weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).</p>

<p>As we’re yet to find out if Ramon’s personal transformation in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is already for good, let us revisit in this feature the scenes that prove Ramon is indeed on the road to redemption.</p>

As we’re yet to find out if Ramon’s personal transformation in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is already for good, let us revisit in this feature the scenes that prove Ramon is indeed on the road to redemption.