Anyone who’s seen Aljon Mendoza in “Teen Clash” would love him for his smooth acting skills and fresh visuals. He’s one of this generation’s up-and-comers who will surely make it big. But, what is he like behind the cameras? Let’s get to know him more in this edition of Tatak Star Magic: Celebrity Conversations.

In the episode hosted by DJ Jhai Ho, Aljon looked back on his pre-artista life, those childhood years when he dreamed of becoming a policeman or a pilot. High school was his turning point, the time when he got fascinated with showbiz. Finding a sudden appetite to become an actor, he tried out for Pinoy Big Brother Otso in 2018, lining up at the venue a night before the actual audition, “Gano’n ako ka-pursigido.”

His family didn’t force him to pursue PBB. Nonetheless, they were supportive. When he got home after the screening, Aljon thought of a creative way to tell his family the good news that he was chosen as a housemate.

“Nag-video ako no’n pagka-uwi namin galing sa audition. Pinrank ko ‘yung Nanay at Ate ko, sabi ko hindi ako natanggap sa PBB. Ang lungkot nila, bagsak. Sabi ko, ‘Joke! Housemate ako!’ Sobrang saya ng Nanay ko talaga, pati Ate ko, hindi sila makapaniwala. Like, to the max, to the highest level talaga ‘yung reaction nila,” he recalled.
However, passing the audition was just the first step. His journey would be more challenging once he leaves Bahay Ni Kuya, as that’s when the real ‘artista‘ life begins. “Number one kong kalaban talaga ‘yung self-confidence ko. Lagi akong nahihiya. Hindi ko kayang makipag-usap sa tao. Lagi kong pinipili na sa dulo lang ako, sa gilid lang ako, ayaw kong makipag-interact.”

“Dahil doon, ang daming nami-miss na mga opportunities, even sa mga go-sees, auditions. Minsan gusto kong ibigay ‘yung best ko pero nilalamon ako ng hiya,” he admitted.

From his roots as the shy guy in PBB, he’s grown to be leading man material after realizing he also has to work on himself. “Self-aware naman na ako. Ngayon, active ako physically. Nagsi-swimming ako, dance workshop, English lessons, speech lessons, nag-try din ako mag-voice lesson, workout. Lahat ng feeling ko makakatulong sa akin sa improvement ko, ginagawa ko talaga.”

Proof that he’s slowly gotten out of his shell is he was able to make friends with the cast of Viral Scandal, and they remain solid to this day. “Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa kanila. Vocal ako sa kanila, sai ko, 'Kayo ‘yung malaking blessing na nangyari sa akin noong 2021.’ At hanggang ngayon na tapos na kami mag-taping, nagca-catch up pa rin kami, message or minsan nagkikita talaga kami.”

To cap off the interview, Aljon discussed the lessons he gleaned in his acting career, so far, which is basically to work hard for the future he wants for himself. “Mahirap mag-artista kasi kailangan mo mag-invest sa time mo, sa pera mo. Kailangan mo talagang mag-exert ng extra effort. Kumabaga, kung ito ka lang before, ngayong nandiyan ka na sa trabaho mo, kailangan mong triplehin ‘yung effort mo kasi sa dami ng artista, mahirap mapansin, mahirap mabigyan ng projects if wala kang ginagawa.”

“Ang learnings, hindi talaga ‘yan natatapos. Habang humihinga ka, gawin mo ‘yun part mo. kung gusto mong may maabot, kumilos ka. Hindi pwedeng nagdadasal ka lang. Syempre, nakakatulong ‘yun, pero sabi nga, nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa,” he imparted.

With such a strong grit, and with Star Magic guiding his dreams and steps, Aljon will surely go bigger places – and we’re keeping tabs on his future appearances and projects. He said that he would like to star in a full-length film and bag an acting award. For now, he takes the lead opposite showbiz royalty Jayda in the iWantTFC series “Teen Clash.”