Anna Marie Lukban

Aljur Abrenica enumerates the things he loves about working in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” with Coco Martin

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>Following his cameo appearance in the pilot episode of the ABS-CBN Studios series <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>“Incognito”</u></strong></a> in January 2025, Aljur Abrenica surprised avid Kapamilya teleserye viewers when he started to appear in <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”</u></strong></a> in September of the year.</p><p>In his very first scene, he immediately had avid viewers wondering whether his character, P/Lt. Hector Victorino, would be a boon or a bane to the beloved primetime hero Tanggol (Coco Martin), considering the conflict that sparked between him and Rigor (John Estrada) on the first day of Hector’s assignment as officer-in-charge of Quiapo Police Station.</p><p>What began as a simple clash of attitudes soon escalated into a series of heated confrontations, particularly when the tables turned. Rigor had been personally tapped by the Guerreros to lead operations against the Montenegros, which later earned him a promotion as chief of the Quiapo precinct. From that point on, Hector became increasingly taunting toward Rigor and more determined than ever to reclaim the position he once held.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/INZqwA5Fe_w?si=HTkUm2ZK4gzAPrKf" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>However, Rigor was not the only one who got a taste of his pompousness, but also Patrolwoman Paula “Ponggay” Garcia (Maris Racal), with whom he boldly confessed his feelings right on her first day at work. Although she didn’t feel the same way towards him— largely due to his egotistic and domineering nature, as well as her aversion to workplace relationships, especially with someone in a higher position —she still agreed to go on a date with him and even introduced him to her family.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gY3lD8oZ_b0?si=W-8Y4c4C9OjtdTcM" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>But more than anything else, what truly turned Ponggay against him was the moment he threw her under the bus—telling Rigor that she was the reason their operations against the Montenegros had failed. In doing so, he proved that he was willing to sell out anyone, even the person he claimed to care about, just to protect his own interests and avoid being labeled a failure.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JimbpkN1ubY?si=bS8te9xuv4Jev3IO" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>His selfish pursuit of a higher rank ultimately took its toll, as it led him to his tragic, unforeseen death. Believing that the capture of Tanggol—who has been considered one of Manila’s most wanted criminals—would turn him into a hero and convince the Guerreros that he was the most deserving to be the commander in chief of Quiapo Police, he did whatever it took to catch him and his companions.</p><p>Upon finding out through tailing Ponggay the whereabouts of Tanggol and his group, he immediately called for backup and an intense clash ensued. Amid the chaos of the bloody battle between their teams, he came face-to-face with Tanggol and became embroiled in a riveting scuffle, wherein he got killed by Tanggol.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yiVB-sSPxLY?si=gO6hXwdlygMKeGTJ" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>As he bade farewell to his “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” family and its avid viewers, Aljur enthusiastically talked about his fondest memories and the valuable learnings he gained from this experience via this exclusive interview with CCM Film Productions.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTu6G-UgRWl/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1306307.3%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>He began by disclosing his most favorite scene, which was the first-ever brutal duel of Hector with Tanggol that happened when the police tried to apprehend the latter and his group and the remaining members of the Benito family upon the command of the Guerrero family who wanted them dead.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i_xWimu545o?si=xjBZg16IKehLPcmE" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>Aljur explained, “That day, nagawa ko ‘yong isa sa mga gustong-gusto kong gawin talaga, [which] is ‘yong action and working with Direk Coco. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na nagagawa mo ‘yong gusto mo, tapos ‘yong ka-fight scene mo ay napakagaling talaga na action star, na magaling sa choreography.”</p><p>He also recalled learning a great deal while filming that scene, having witnessed how it was executed and repeatedly refined—an experience that made the day truly unforgettable for him.</p><p>He further related, “Kung makikita n’yo, almost every take is catching my breath kasi I’m giving my 100% at saka ‘yong action talaga binusisi nila. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam. Hindi ko siya makakalimutan dahil kahit napapagod ka, you’re doing what you love.”</p><p>When asked about the lessons he drew from his character, Aljur said that Hector is someone who should not be emulated because of his compromised principles—as shown by what he did to Ponggay and Rigor. He was willing to double-cross his fellow police officers and step on others just to get what he wanted. For this reason, Aljur expressed his hope that people would refrain from thinking ill of others or passing negative judgments simply to achieve their own desires.</p><p>Overall, being part of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” taught him the importance of punctuality and assertiveness at work. He also described Coco as a blessing, because aside from giving him the opportunity, working with him also made him realize what he really wants and loves both in his life and his career.</p><p>“Behind [the] camera, si Direk-Kuya Coco has been telling me [about] my strength at saka ‘yong weaknesses ko. Ang mga natutunan ko kay Direk is mas nakilala ko ‘yong sarili ko kasi coming from him, he knows e. Alam niya kung anong gusto niya. Thank you, thank you, Kuya!” he related.</p><p>Aljur also expressed his gratitude to CCM Film Productions for their understanding, perseverance, and dedication in helping him fully grasp their vision for his character, bring out his best, and continue improving as an artist. He shared that this production stood out from all the others he had worked on, as the team genuinely prioritized the well-being and safety of the actors. And as he happily added, the food was excellent, too!</p><p>The well-managed work ethic was admirable as well, because every time they conducted a breakdown, they made sure that no time was wasted in any part of the production, which is the kind of efficiency that really makes a huge difference for him as an actor. Apart from the good memories he got to share with them, he also appreciated that they were considerate of his time, allowing him to still go home to his family in Pampanga. They consistently checked on him and his family, ensuring that he was always in good condition.</p><p>As for his message to Coco, Aljur expressed his gratitude for being given another opportunity to work with him on their second project together, which is an experience he considers another milestone in both his personal and professional life. Thus, he highly believed that Coco deserves all the blessings that he has received, as well as hoped that he was able to impart something meaningful to Coco at the same time, such as when he reminded him to take a rest at least once a week. </p><p>He voiced his admiration as well for Coco’s valuable contributions not only to the lives of their fellow artists but to the arts in general. He fondly recalled the time when he trended online, noting how the showrunners came up with a brilliant idea on how to make the most of it. With this, he wished Coco continued success, more blessings, and greater strength, while also expressing his desire to work with him again in the future.</p><p>Aljur likewise extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone who showed unwavering support for “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” and his character, imparting that he is often called “Hector” wherever he goes—a recognition that genuinely warms his heart and affirms the impact his character has had on viewers.</p><p>Prior to officially signing off from his character, a behind-the-scenes clip of the “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” family giving him a simple farewell surprise led by Direk Coco was shown. </p><p>What will happen next following Hectors death? Let&#x27;s find out in the next episodes of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” </u></strong></a>weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant.</u></strong></a></p>

<p>As he bade farewell to his “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” family and its avid viewers, Aljur Abrenica talked about his fondest memories.</p>

As he bade farewell to his “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” family and its avid viewers, Aljur Abrenica talked about his fondest memories.