Due to his displeasing personality and irrational decisions in life, we’ve witnessed how the important and beloved people of Rigor Dimaguiba (John Estrada) have abandoned him one by one.
However, there’s one person who have unbelievably remained constant in his life all throughout his journey in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” and he’s none other than his best friend and fellow policeman Mando Mendoza, played by veteran character actor Allan Paule.
As the well-loved action-drama series enters a new chapter and its third year, CCM Film Productions finally had the chance to catch up with him via this interview, in which he talked about his experience being part of the series, as well as working with John and actor-director Coco Martin.
He began by conveying how glad he is that people notice his character, Mando, who has been a loyal friend to Rigor and a thoughtful godfather to Tanggol (Coco Martin).
While not all people are willing to meddle with their friends’ personal and family affairs, Mando has always been willing to help the Dimaguiba household fix their misunderstandings and quarrels. He is the mediator whenever there are altercations, as well as the adviser whenever he sees that someone in the family needs some enlightenment and counseling, which he usually does with Tanggol and Rigor.
Knowing how an innovative and unpredictable director Coco is, who seems to never run out of new and fresh ideas for the twists and turns of the stories and characters of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” Allan assumes that he might give an unexpected twist on Mando when asked what the viewers should watch out for Mando in the new chapter.
“Grabeng-grabe sa trabaho si Direk Coco, talagang pinagtutuunan niya talaga ng dugo’t pawis ang bawat eksena na ginagawa niya,” Allan related as he talked about his experience working with Coco. “Noong nag-uumpisa pa lang si Coco, talagang ganoon na siya magtrabaho. Tutok siya doon sa karakter na ginagawa niya.”
He continued, “Noon kasi magkasama kami parati, hindi bilang artista kundi bilang magkaibigan. ‘Yong pagiging dedicated niya sa trabaho, sana pamarisan ng marami at saka ‘yong hindi namimili sa role. Alam mo naman ‘yan si Coco dati, lahat ng role sinusubukan niya para mag-grow kumbaga bilang artista.”
With regard to the contribution of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” in his personal and professional facet, he implied how it has played a significant role in his life. Aside from his character, which Allan confessed he tends to bring with him even off the set, he also has takeaways that he’s able to apply in his personal life—such as being a trustworthy friend and helping others without expecting anything in return.
Meanwhile, when quizzed about the contribution of his character in the life of Tanggol, the veteran character actor pointed out that it could be Mando’s good temperament or being calm almost all the time.
He explained, “Kasi sa tuwing magkikita kami sa eksena, parati ko siyang pinaparangalan na maging mabuting tao, maging mahinahon, pag-isipang mabuti kung ano ‘yong mga bagay na papasukin niya.”
When asked for his reaction regarding the dedication that their directors, Allan described how all of them exert almost the same level of intensity towards work. He's also pleased by their generosity in sharing their ideas with artists and the audience.
Throughout the almost three years of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” we have witnessed him carry out both drama and action scenes. And when asked which between action and drama is tougher to do, he replied, “Actually, halos parehas lang kasi bilang artista dapat subukan mo talaga lahat at itrato mo siya hindi bilang isang action scene [o] isang drama scene. Dapat pare-parehas lang nang sa gayon ay maging lumabas na natural sa audience at sa camera.”
With everything that Rigor has done to his family, as well as with how he nastily treats him sometimes, many of us probably wonder why Mando still chooses to stick with him and remain his friend. Thus, Allan was asked if he would continue to support Rigor if he’s given the power or chance to change his character.
Surprisingly, being the dependable, genuine, and caring friend that he is on-cam and off-cam, he said that it’s going to be a “yes.” He stated, “Bilang si Mando, patuloy ko pa ring susuportahan kasi kapag hindi mo siya sinuportahan, lalo siyang maliligaw e. Hindi niya malalaman kung ano ‘yong tama at ano ‘yong mali. Patuloy kong susuportahan si Rigor, si Tanggol, si Tess, at ang pamilya nila.”
Allan concluded the exclusive interview by teasing the viewers on what they should watch out for in the new chapter of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” mentioning that there are going to be more chases, gunfights, face-offs, and rumbles, especially now that the police is more actively involved in the battles of Tropang Tanggol with their nemeses.
Watch out for more moments of Allan Paule as Mando Mendoza in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 PM, on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL). Viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.