Anna Marie Lukban

Tropang Tanggol reminisces about their favorite scenes, memorable moments in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>The tragic deaths of the members of Tropang Tanggol were something that avid viewers of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”</u></strong></a> had definitely least expected to witness, especially now that it races towards the highly anticipated “Ang Huling Laban ni Tanggol.”</p><p>Since they were among the people who had been consistently beside or behind him in every battle that he undertook, many were, perhaps, looking forward to seeing them join Tanggol in the continuation of his enduring and grueling crusade against the injustices of the Guerreros to the people of Manila—and probably even watch them celebrate the fruits of everything they’d worked hard and risked their lives for.</p><p>Unfortunately, that will never happen anymore, as Dolfo (Ryan Martin), Tanos (Mark Anthony “Big Mak” Andaya), Bulldog (Mammoth Estroso), and Enteng (Jojit Lorenzo) were killed as a result of Rigor’s (John Estrada) pursuit to exact vengeance on Tanggol and finally finish him off.</p><p>As their characters bade farewell to the show, watch as Ryan, Big Mak, Mammoth, and Jojit fondly reflect on their experiences working with Coco and the rest of the “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” cast and crew, as well as the takeaways they will certainly carry with them beyond the series, in their respective exit interviews posted by CCM Film Productions on its social media platforms.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Ryan Martin</strong></div><p>Let&#x27;s start with Ryan, whose character, Dolfo, was the first one to be eliminated by Enteng via stabbing him with a knife—as per Rigor’s instruction. He began by thanking Coco, who might be unbeknownst to many but is actually his brother in real life, for including him in this project as one of the barkada of Tanggol.</p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F892528506989317%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>Since Tropang Tanggol has been part of the story right from the very beginning, he would certainly miss their clique so much. He conveyed, “Sobrang mami-miss talaga namin ‘yong tropa kasi parang sa amin kasi, para na talaga kaming magkakapatid. Mas marami kaming pagsasama than doon nga sa family namin eh. Kasi kahit naman na hindi kami nagta-taping, may mga outside show kami na parang pinagsasamahan.”</p><p>Ryan went on to enumerate the things he would miss about each member of Tropang Tanggol, starting off with Jojit, who had served as their mentor since he was the eldest and most experienced actor in the group. Meanwhile, he would miss Mammoth’s comedic flair as the “clown” of the production, as well as Big Mak’s wisdom. He also didn’t forget to mention Renz Joshua “Baby Giant” Baña, whose character, Oweng, was killed in September 2025.</p><p>With regard to his favorite story arc in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” he disclosed that it was when Tropang Tanggol was jailed at the correctional facility, wherein their brotherhood was not only tested but also Tanggo’s admirable loyalty to his friends was highlighted. Despite already being emancipated, he still didn’t forget about them and even helped them escape from prison.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/si0385JUD_s?si=4IH0UPMq-ncH9e_o" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>This reflects the most important lessons he has learned from the show, which were to give importance to the people around you while they’re still there, love your parents and other family members, and maintain rapport with others.</p><p>He went on to express how proud he is to be part of CCM Film Productions, noting that many artists they worked with praised the team for being disciplined, easygoing, and fair. He also lauded his brother, co-actor, and director, Coco, describing him as an exceptional leader who can inspire others to rally behind a shared vision.</p><p>When asked for his message to him, whom he fondly addresses as “direk” and “kuya,&quot; Ryan conveyed, “Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo sa lahat ng mga bagay na itinulong n’yo sa amin ni Ron [Martin]. Sobrang salamat po na pinaramdam n’yo [sa amin] ‘yong buhay na meron kami dahil sa inyo.”</p><div> </div><div><strong>Mark Anthony “Big Mak” Andaya</strong></div><p>Next in line is Big Mak, whose character, Tanos, was slashed by Enteng with a chainsaw. He imparted not being able to sleep well the night before his death scene and the interview were filmed since it also marked his last day on the set, alongside Mammoth and Ryan.</p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1942385296647537%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>His favorite scene was the first time when an intense conflict erupted among their group after Tanos, Bulldog, and Dolfo criticized Tanggol’s action during one of their encounters with Rigor (John Estrada). It was truly an unforgettable experience for him because they had the opportunity to do a fight scene with Direk Coco.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c9W0XbJSfWw?si=KKs0hWZmQB28MSa5" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>When it comes to the valuable lessons that “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” has ingrained upon him, it would be the importance of family, friendship, and brotherhood, which Tropang Tanggol was able to showcase. As a family-oriented man himself behind the camera, he had no trouble adapting to his role since he does it and it happens to him at home.</p><p>Big Mak then commended Coco for his outstanding leadership and supervision of the entire production, making their taping days consistently smooth and efficient, as well as for setting a good example and serving as an inspiration to everyone part of the cast and crew.</p><p>“I’m very grateful and honored sa ibinigay sa akin na role ni Direk Coco, kaya ‘yong pagiging professional talagang nasa ‘A list’ ko ‘yan. Hindi ko ipinahiya si Direk Coco sa ibinigay niyang tiwalang role para sa akin,” Big Mak conveyed. “Moving forward after this ‘Batang Quiapo,’ mas magagamit ko ‘to sa mga future show ko na mas maging masipag, mas maging disiplinado, mas maging professional dahil nanggaling ako sa isang first-class na organization—CCM [Film] Productions under Coco Martin, syempre.”</p><p>He also thanked Coco for the opportunity to be part of the series for three years, as well as for the blessings that came with it, including endorsements and other ventures. Through these, he was able to buy a house and a car and start a business—opportunities he vowed not to squander, as they had given him a second chance at life.</p><p>While he would miss playing his character onscreen, Big Mak shared that he would miss more of their bonding moments off-cam and performing together in front of the crowd during their promo tours. “Sa lahat po ng mga nakasama ko sa Tropang Tanggol—kay Mammoth, kay Ryan, kay Jojit, kay Baby Giant—maraming salamat sa three years. Forever na tayong magkakaibigan,” he declared.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Mammoth Estroso</strong></div><p>The last character to be killed by Rigor through Enteng was Bulldog, played by Sugar Ray “Mammoth” Estroso. He began by sharing his most unforgettable scene in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” which was when the tropa believed Tanggol had been killed by Rigor during their encounter outside a hospital. It was very memorable for him since it was his first time crying and wailing onscreen.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PNnvDEfYKcw?si=NlJlgPRIhY1qhP_8" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>What made his stint in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” even more remarkable was working alongside showbiz veterans he had only admired on TV. He was grateful that, despite their status, they remained patient and supportive, especially for newcomers like him.</p><p>From the series, he learned that true friendship means “walang iwanan,” or no one is left behind and that in a family grounded in genuine love, no misunderstanding is too great to be resolved.</p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F925813529966126%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>Meanwhile, when it comes to the things he will miss about the show, Mammoth said that it would be their off-cam bonding moments and the solid friendship they had formed in their three years of working together. He revealed that they never had any conflicts, as they chose to simply enjoy themselves, joke around, and tease each other. However, when it was time to film, they immediately became serious and professional.</p><p>Mammoth went to get sentimental as he reminisced about how Coco recruited him to be part of the series despite not having any acting experience and how he had guided him throughout his journey as Bulldog. Aside from his acting job, Mammoth is also thankful to Coco for helping him establish his own businesses, which are paresan carts and a small meat stall business at a public market. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Jojit Lorenzo</strong></div><p>Last, but certainly not least, is Jojit, whose character, Enteng, was the reason Tropang Tanggol fell apart after he conspired with Rigor to save his beloved mother, Aling Myrna (Myrna Castillo). In the end, he was killed during a shocking encounter with Tanggol and Ramon (Christopher de Leon) when he attempted to eliminate them as well.</p><p>He shared several of his most unforgettable scenes as Enteng, from the joyful moments of Tropang Tanggol early in the series to the group’s intense action sequences, as well as the heartfelt exchanges between Enteng and Tanggol, where he offered words of wisdom and encouragement as his closest friend.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H2Nry0WAzuc?si=iuqqdl7ScAbASUnP" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>As they worked three to four days a week, Jojit said that it’s truly inevitable for them to get used to the presence of the tropa, especially since they stay in the same tent, eat together, and chat with each other before and after the take. Thus, he would really miss their noise, their playful teasing, and the willingness of the tropa to learn and deliver good performance. Among them, he revealed that it was Mammoth who usually reached out to him to ask for tips and advice, either via phone call or in person on the set.</p><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1854783045180285%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=267&amp;t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>“Paborito kong karakter actually si Enteng kasi ang honest at saka ang bait ng pinanggagalingan niya palagi. Marami siyang ginawang mali, marami siyang naging pagkukulang, pero ‘yon nga ang iniisip ko lagi eh, may mga taong mababait na kagaya ni Enteng na nakokompromiso ang kabaitan dahil sa sistema sa paligid, dahil kinakailangan nilang lumaban nang patas,” Jojit said about his character.</p><p>Jojit went on to discuss Enteng’s highly controversial betrayal toward Tropang Tanggol, admitting that he himself felt betrayed by his own character, whom he loved and cared for with all his heart over the past three years. He related, “[Nang] una kong nalaman ‘yong mangyayari, kahit ako mismo trinaydor ako ni Enteng. Ganoon ang pakiramdam ko. Pero noong nalaman ko ‘yong pinanggagalingan, mali man ‘yong desisyon na ginawa niya, pero naiintindihan ko kung bakit.”</p><p>The veteran theater thespian then shared that aside from how the characters and scenes reflect reality, another thing he liked about “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is that Tanggol wasn’t only the protagonist but also the setting and location. Simply seeing them onscreen already gives viewers hints on what the viewers are going to expect or witness in the scenes. Furthermore, he liked how the characters and their stories were woven.</p><p>Jojit ended his interview by addressing the avid viewers of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” as Enteng, well aware that the majority of them were totally horrified by what Enteng had done to his friends, most especially to Tanggol.</p><p>“Sana po patawarin n’yo ako. Hindi ko po talaga gusto ‘yong nangyari pero sana maunawaan ninyo. Sabi ko nga bilang Enteng, parang kahit mapatawad n’yo siguro si Enteng, si Enteng hindi niya kayang patawarin ‘yong sarili niya dahil masyadong marahas ‘yong desisyon na ginawa niya.”</p><p>Then he added, “Sabihin man natin na naintindihan n’yo ako, pero alam ko masakit pa rin ‘yong nangyari. Kaya ako nga para sa audience na nanood, kung hindi n’yo man patawarin, sana man lang maintindihan ninyo. Kasi ako mismo, kung si Enteng hindi niya kayang patawarin ang sarili niya, kasi para maging traydor ka sa kaibigan mo, sa taong minahal mo, alam n’yo kung gaano kasakit ‘yon.”</p><p> Are we going to see more painful scenes like Tropang Tanggol’s demise in the remaining episodes of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”</u></strong></a> leading to the “Ang Huling Laban ni Tanggol” finale? Stay tuned weeknights on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, 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>Watch as Ryan Martin, Big Mak Andaya, Mammoth Estroso, and Jojit Lorenzo fondly talk about their “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” stint via these exit interviews!</p>

Watch as Ryan Martin, Big Mak Andaya, Mammoth Estroso, and Jojit Lorenzo fondly talk about their “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” stint via these exit interviews!