Just a few days after we’d witnessed the unexpected demise of Nita (Susan Africa) and Marsing (Pen Medina) Dimaculangan, another character has bid adios to “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”—Alfredo Pangan, the old flame and constant ally of Tindeng (Charo Santos), portrayed by veteran character actor Juan Rodrigo.
In the December 15 episode, we’d seen how he was able to prove his undying love for Tindeng, as he once again courageously saved her from the cruel Gustavo (Dante Rivero), who attempted to force himself again on her. Despite being beaten up by him and his son, Miguelito (Jake Cuenca), Alfredo stood on his ground and continued to fight for Tindeng and even for the people of Manila.
Unfortunately, his bravery was rewarded with death as Gustavo refused to heed the plea of Tindeng to help them out anew and allowed Miguelito to do whatever he wanted to him. And since he brazenly crossed Gustavo and threatened to expose the wicked deeds of their family, Miguelito didn’t simply assault him physically but also ruthlessly killed him by throwing him off the view deck of the city hall, which resulted in his instantaneous death.
As he signed off from “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” CCM Film Productions caught up with him first via this exit interview, wherein he was quizzed about his experience being part of the series for the past seven months—starting off with his most unforgettable scene as Alfredo.
According to him, it would be none other than that scene wherein Tindeng shared with him her hapless past with the Guerreros after her unexpected encounter with them. This made him realize that Tindeng, who had been living with him as his tenant, was actually the ultimate love of his life, Matilde, whom he had been searching for and yearning for over the past decades after Gustavo took them away from each other.
This marked their reunion, with Alfredo hoping that they could rekindle the romance that they used to have. However, although Tindeng appreciated him and everything that he had done for her and for the people dear to her, she seemed to be still hesitant to completely accept and reciprocate his love because of her traumatic past.
When asked about the greatest lesson that being part of this series had taught him, Juan related, “Well, it’s relevant naman sa nangyayari ngayon. Siguro dapat hindi tayo maging greedy o maging [makasarili]. Dapat iniisip din natin ‘yong taong taumbayan. Alisin natin ‘yong pagiging korap sa gobyerno.”
Aside from playing Alfredo, he apparently enjoyed working not only with his stellar castmates but also with CCM Film Productions, whom he commended because of how hardworking, reliable, and very professional they all are.
Of course, this exclusive interview didn’t end without Juan’s heartfelt parting message to the main star and one of the directors of the show, Coco Martin. He conveyed, “Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat at napili mo akong lumabas na Alfredo rito sa ‘Batang Quiapo.’ At sana ay maging matagumpay ang lahat ng production mo at marami ka pang matulungan na mga ibang artista.”
The unforeseen demise of Alfredo may have saddened viewers, especially the shippers of his tandem with Tindeng, but he consoled them by implying that he was still glad about the exit of his character, as he promised that the discussions he had with Tindeng and their allies are going to be fruitful.
How will the death of Alfredo affect the life of Tindeng and their fight against the Guerreros? Let's find out by not missing an episode of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL). Viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.