Aside from being the voices behind the remarkable official soundtracks of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” several Filipino rappers were given the rare chance to showcase their hidden talent in acting as well when they were tapped to become part of it as supporting acts, specifically as members of Tondo Gang that eventually comprised the Red Phoenix Group led by Lucio (Ronnie Lazaro).
While some of them had already departed from the well-loved primetime series last year, those who were left had also bid farewell recently, after the Red Phoenix Group figured in a bloody and nail-biting clash against the group of Tanggol (Coco Martin) and Ponggay (Maris Racal), in which Tropang Tanggol was able to annihilate the Batang Tondo Gang.
They may have been appearing on the show ever since its first year, but we didn’t have the chance to get to know each one of them. Thus, just in time for their shocking exit, CCM Film Productions came up with an entertaining way for us to get to know them by having the rappers play the popular social media game called “Passing the Phone Challenge,” in which they had to describe the person with whom they were about to pass the phone without mentioning their name.
The only rose among the thorns, Muriel Anne "Sisa" Jamito, who played Lucio’s most trusted lackey named Sonia, was the first one in line. She fondly talked about her friend of two decades, whom she regarded as playful, hardworking, kind, uncomplaining, and a brilliant joker. She enthused, “Lahat ng jokes nito pasok. Kahit minsan seryoso na ‘yong usapan namin, nakakatawa pa rin kapag siya na ‘yong nagbigay ng salita niya.”
It turned out to be Lordivino “Bassilyo” Ignacio, who quipped that he’s passing the phone to the person who idolizes him so much, but now he looks up to him as well, as he admires how diligent, professional at work, and ambitious he is. So, he manifests to be able to work with him again in the years to come.
He was revealed to be referring to Raymond Buensuceso "Flict-G" Rivera, who exposed that he was passing the phone to someone who doesn’t eat meat and whom he deems as a number one fan of all forms of art. Most importantly, this person is one of the founders of 187 Mobstaz, a prominent and influential underground Filipino hip-hop group in the Philippines.
Marco "Kial" Alkadama then appeared onscreen, who took his turn in describing the next person as “my friend na masipag, mabuting ama rin sa kanyang mga anak, magaslaw, palinga-linga, [at] pailing-iling."
That friend turned out to be Antonio "Mastafeat" Cajuban Jr., who talked highly of the person with whom he would pass the phone by saying that he’s energetic and cheerful, as well as a good friend and a hardworking man that has made him truly blessed—although he tends to get hard-headed sometimes.
Jonas Dichoso, who was being referred to by the person before him, forwarded the phone to the rapper whom he idolizes when it comes to music, battle rap, acting, and fatherhood. He even went on to joke about having a crush on him with a matching evil laugh.
And that person was none other than Bryan "Smugglaz" Lao, who described the next person as, “Isa sa mga pinakamagaling na artists din na aking nakilala. Hindi lang siya singer kundi rapper din siya [at] member ng isa sa legendary rap groups dito sa Pilipinas. Siya lang ang nag-iisang bulaklak ng Red Phoenix, ang nag-iisang babae namin.”
From this description, along with his revelation that this personality is one of the voices behind the iconic soundtracks of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” we already knew that the game was already over since he was referring to Sisa.
This exclusive reel ended with a video of Sisa belting out “Di Pa Tapos Ang Laban,” which is one of the opening themes of the action-drama series.
Even though they are among the enemies of Tanggol, ardent viewers might agree that the presence of the Red Phoenix Group and the Tondo Gang are going to be missed. Will Lucio be able to escape from the group of Tanggol now that he doesn’t have anyone to rely on? 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).