On April 17, 2011, Kapamilya actor AJ Perez tragically passed away in a vehicular accident. At the time, AJ was on his way back to Manila from a show in Pangasinan when the incident happened, leaving the industry in shock.
Despite being gone for many years now, AJ’s legacy lives through the roles he portrayed on television and in films, as well as the heartfelt stories shared by his loved ones.
Five years after his death in 2016, his family released a tribute book titled A Smile of Hope: The Legacy of AJ Perez, written by his mother Ma. Victoria Sarte Perez, alongside author Zenaida Roy-Almario under ABS-CBN Publishing.
Photo credit: Cherry Pineda
Marking the 15th year since his passing, here are some of AJ’s memorable roles that continue to resonate with viewers:
Otap in Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo
AJ made his film debut as Otap, the younger brother of Judy Ann Santos’s character in the hit movie franchise also starring Ryan Agoncillo. His natural screen presence quickly made him a recognizable face among young Kapamilya stars.
Daniel in Bahay Kubo
AJ played the role of Daniel in Maricel Soriano and Eugene Domingo’s film Bahay Kubo. In this movie, AJ was the best friend of the character Cholo played by Rayver Cruz, who would always tease Shaina Magdayao's character. The film was an entry to the 33rd Metro Manila Film Festival.
Miguel in BFF: Best Friends Forever
AJ took on the role of a campus heartthrob in this Star Cinema anniversary film led by Sharon Cuneta and Ai-Ai delas Alas. His character caught the attention of a young girl played by Miles Ocampo.
Drew in Cinco
Venturing into horror, AJ appeared in the 2010 Filipino horror anthology film along with his fellow ASAP's Dynamite Dance Crew and Gigger Boys members Robi Domingo and Sam Concepcion. In their segment “Braso,” the three neophytes are brought to a morgue while dressed in lingerie for the final part of their initiation to join a fraternity.
Dingdong in Mamarazzi
In what would become his final film appearance, AJ played Dingdong, a young man hopelessly in love with Mimi, portrayed by Carla Abellana in the comedy film Mamarazzi. The film was headlined by Eugene Domingo, alongside John Lapus, Diether Ocampo, and Andi Eigenmann.
Dido in Sabel
AJ took on his first leading role in this ABS-CBN teleserye opposite Jessy Mendiola and Joseph Marco. As Dido, he portrayed a kind-hearted and devoted son to Margaret (played by Rita Avila) who initially planned to be a priest but later fell in love with Sabel (Jessy).
Edgar in Tsinelas (Maalaala Mo Kaya)
AJ’s final television appearance was in a popular episode of the drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya. The episode, titled Tsinelas, had the young actor playing Edgar, the older of the two orphaned boys who walked from Manila to Samar in search of their relatives. The episode also starred Bugoy Cariño (as Dagul).
The episode aired posthumously on April 30, almost two weeks since his untimely death. The episode earned him a nomination at the Golden Screen TV Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Single Drama/Telemovie Program.
Despite his short life, the memory of AJ still lives in the characters that he portrayed. Even fifteen years later, his performances continue to live in the hearts of those who grew up watching him and those who miss him dearly.