In Filipino culture, where deep religiosity and reverence for elders are at our core, we grew up believing that a grandmother's prayer is timeless. It's whispered with love, sealed with faith, and sent straight to heaven. So, when your 'lola' prays for you, believe that it works.  

That’s why in "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo," Tindeng (Charo Santos) never stops praying, especially when it comes to her family's guidance and protection. In this Holy Week feature, we look back on her silent conversations with Poong Nazareno, which also reflect of a grandmother's unwavering love.  

Even in her younger years, Tindeng was already a devoted follower of the Black Nazarene. Her praise has always come from the deepest parts of her heart and soul. In a scene showing the younger Tindeng (Lara Quigaman) participating in the Feast of the Black Nazarene, she's shown attending mass and praying for peace, protection, and the simple hope that their small family store would be blessed. "Mahal na Nazareno, pinupuri kita nang buong puso at kaluluwa. Nawa'y patnubayan N'yo po ako at ang pamilya ko palagi ng sapat sa pangangailangan namin sa araw-araw. Bigyan N'yo po kami ng proteksyon laban sa masasamang loob," she whispers to the heavens.  

Tindeng's prayers for her beloved grandson Tanggol (Coco Martin) are constant. She utters words of protection for him. But despite her religious fervor, Tindeng does not act as if she or her family is blameless. She acknowledges that Tanggol needs help, and then pleads with God to give him a renewed life. 

“Panginoong Nazareno, ako po ay nagsusumamo at dumadalangin, nawa’y patnubayan Ninyo ang apo kong si Tanggol. Patawarin N’yo po sana siya sa mga kasalanang kanyang nagawa. Bigyan N’yo siya ng tamang direksyon upang malayo siya sa mga temptasyon na hindi naaayon sa Inyong kagustuhan. Alam ko naman ho na hindi siya masamang tao pero parati siyang nalalapit sa gulo. Bigyan N’yo sana siya ng pagkakataon na magbagong-buhay at sana bigyan Niyo rin po siya ng magandang kapalaran,” she begs.  

Tindeng also never forgets to pray for her daughter, Marites (Cherry Pie Picache), who has long been stuck in the chaos of her broken marriage with Rigor (John Estrada), her spirit worn down and her heart bruised from all the pain. As a mother, Tindeng fights for Marites and defends her even from Rigor when things get too heated. But deep down, she knows that only prayer can truly bring Marites the peace and guidance she needs. 

As someone whose life is anchored in faith, Tindeng makes it a point to pass on the importance of prayer to those around her. She believes that faith should be lived and shared. There was an instance when she influenced Katherine (Ara Davao), the granddaughter of her former employers, to speak freely to the Lord. After all, no pain is too small, no worry too trivial to lay before God. 

In moments when fear and darkness cloud her heart, Tindeng turns to the Black Nazarene for light. In a scene where her entire world shatterd at the sight of someone from her past, Gustavo (Dante Rivero), the very man who ruined her life, Tindeng was overwhelmed and trembling, so much so that she could only cling to her faith. In her weakened state, she uttered a quiet, desperate plea, "Diyos ko, nagbabalik ang demonyong pilit kong tinatakasan. Huwag N'yong hayaang mag-krus ang aming mga landas..."  

To Tindeng, prayer is her only way of protecting herself and her family when the world turns cruel.