We grow up believing that “family” only refers to people we are born to. But as we move through life and experience more of it, we come to realize that “family” can also be chosen. Along the way, we meet people who consistently show up for us, offering us unconditional love, support, comfort, and connection in ways that our blood relatives can’t sometimes probably do.
This truth is beautifully reflected in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” particularly through the story arc of its main hero, Tanggol (Coco Martin), and his group of friends known as ‘Tropang Tanggol.’ Aside from him, the group is also comprised of Enteng (Jojit Lorenzo), Tanos (Mark Anthony "Big Mak" Andaya), Bulldog (Sugar Ray "Mammoth" Estroso), Dolfo (Ryan Martin), Oweng (Renz Joshua "Baby Giant" Baña.
For the past three years, avid viewers have witnessed how they have steadfastly chosen to stand by Tanggol in spite of him getting in trouble more often than not, especially when he was drawn into a more dangerous world upon connecting with his paternal family. The hard-hitting and life-threatening circumstances they encountered could have easily torn them apart, but those only made their bond stronger, proving that their solid brotherhood cannot easily be broken.
Now, as their friendship faces another formidable challenge—this time because of Tanggol’s ruthless stepfather, Rigor (John Estrada), whose manipulation has successfully shaken the loyalty of Enteng to the group—let us revisit via this Kapamilya Toplist feature the 15 scenes that best capture the enduring and extraordinary friendship of Tropang Tanggol.
WATCH: Ang Pamamaalam nina Bulldog, Dolfo at Tanos | FPJ's Batang Quiapo
As we all know, they go way back as they’ve known each other since their younger years. Tropang Tanggol apparently has lived by the creed “one for all, all for one,” as they usually move as a unit, face challenges as a team, and celebrate victories together.
They had worked on various hustles together, their first gig being notorious pickpockets of Quiapo, through which they were able to earn just enough to feed themselves and support their families. Life may be tough in Quiapo, but they refused to let hardship define them or get the most out of themselves as they instead found joy in simple moments and in each other’s company.
Their loyalty extended beyond survival, with the ‘tropa’ having Tanggol’s back whenever he has problems with his family and being very supportive of his courtship of Mokang (Lovi Poe), helping him get back to her bullies and welcomig her into their circle. When Tanggol expressed his desire to turn his life around—to find honest work, make Mokang proud, and free her from working at a bar—they didn’t hesitate to support him. Whatever path he chose, they were ready to walk through it with him.
However, it seems that trouble tends to always follow them around. The group found themselves imprisoned more than once—first after being caught stealing from Roda (Joel Lamangan), and later after fleeing authorities with stolen drugs and money. Even when Tanggol was given the chance to regain his freedom first, he refused to leave his friends behind as he did everything he could to emancipate them from the correctional facility. Besides, he also really made the effort to save them from the police who almost arrested them and put them back in jail.
As his life suddenly changed upon his reunion with his biological dad, Ramon (Christopher de Leon), and his grandfather, Don Julio (Tommy Abuel), Tanggol made sure to share all the blessings that he got from being a Montenegro heir with the ‘tropa,’ promising them that no matters what happens to him or where life takes him, nobody would be left behind. They were so happy as well that their prayers of seeing Tanggol have a genuine family and live a more comfortable life were finally granted.
And before tragedy befell to their friendship due to Enteng’s unforeseen, awful betrayal, Tropang Tanggol shared one final, tender moment together. Over drinks and heartfelt confessions, they reflected on their journey, with Tanos asking Tanggol not to forget them once he officially becomes the mayor of Manila, Tanggol reassured them that it wouldn’t happen since they were the ones who initially believed in his capabilities and potential.
WATCH: Tanggol, itinuring na tunay na kapamilya ang kanyang tropa | FPJ's Batang Quiapo
He conveyed, “Kaya kahit saan ako mapunta, tayo-tayo pa rin ang magkakasama. Walang iwanan hanggang kamatayan. Pinangako ko sa inyo ‘yan.”
Over the years that we’ve followed their story, Tropang Tanggol has been a perfect example of what every friendship should be. In a world full of chaos, danger, and shifting loyalties, and challenges, true wealth is not measured in money or power—but friends who are willing to catch you when you fall, stand beside you, and fight with you.
Through laughter, tears, and danger, it’s truly amazing that they had never left each other behind, even as people who once stood within their circle tragically lost their lives in previous battles. Indeed, the journey of Tropang Tanggol is a powerful testament that when friendship is genuine, it can endure every storm and stand the test of time.
Join Tanggol for his final battle in the action-packed last three weeks of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” airing weeknights on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).