“Quick but fun and fulfilling.”
This was how rising actor Johannes Rissler described his brief yet remarkable stint in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” as Pierre, the budding fashion model with whom antagonist Roberto Guerrero (Albert Martinez) had an illicit romantic affair.
From unraveling their relationship and Pierre’s background, which revealed that he’s actually the one and only son of Roberto and Olivia’s (Chanda Romero) old friends Henry (Lloyd Samartino) and Margaret (Cristina Gonzales), we got to witness the tragic and unforeseen death of Pierre on the September 8 episode.
It can be recalled that he was intentionally killed by Roberto out of fear that Pierre would expose their relationship to the public after the latter threatened to post the video of them together in bed if he would not agree to come with him to Paris, France, where they could start a brand-new life together.
Unfortunately for Pierre, the genuine love that he had offered him was not enough to persuade Roberto to choose him over his family and politics, as well as to join him in fulfilling that dream of Pierre for both of them.
With how highly popular the primetime series is, not to mention that he also delivered a remarkable and promising performance as Pierre, Johannes revealed in this “character exit interview” with CCM Film Productions that people are already able to recognize him whenever he’s in public places. He may have been known to many as the “jowa” or boyfriend of Roberto, yet he is grateful because it’s still publicity and it made him familiar among the viewers.
“Tito A, Albert Martinez, it’s a pleasure working with you,” Johannes said when asked for his message to the veteran actor. “Nagbigay siya sa akin ng kaunting guidelines noong first [time] naming magkasama. So, dadalhin ko ‘yon for a lifetime.”
With regard to his most unforgettable scene with him, Johannes divulged that it would be the one that they were about to film that day, which is the bloody murder of Pierre, since it’s the reason why he’s there. He expounded, “Hindi makakalimutan dahil si Pierre, ‘yong karakter ko, in love siya. Hindi lang talaga pera ‘yong habol niya [dahil] willing siyang i-sacrifice lahat at iwanan lahat para sa isang tao—si Roberto.”
If there’s one important lesson from the series that he would take with him, Johannes related that it would be to “vote wisely,” since whether we like it or not, we can all relate to politics.
“It’s a pleasure na mapasali dito sa ‘Batang Quiapo.’ Top 1! Knowing the story, maganda,” he enthused, then went on to express his support for the decisions and actions undertaken by the main character, Tanggol, portrayed by lead actor and director, Coco Martin.
“‘Yong desisyon ni Tanggol na huwag sundin ang kagustuhan ng kadugo niya dahil ‘yong ini-stick niya sa sarili niya is kung ano ‘yong ikaka-okay ng mga tao, which is dapat gano’n naman talaga lahat ng tumatakbong politicians. I think, ‘yon ang magandang dulot ng ‘Batang Quiapo’. [Kaya], vote wisely,” he stated.
In his message for the Primetime King Coco Martin, whom he considers his idol, he shared that he once had the opportunity to meet him at ABS-CBN. He expressed, “Idol kita hindi dahil ikaw si Coco Martin, pero the way mo i-handle ‘yong buhay mo, hanggang sa umabot ka sa point na nagkaroon ka ng sariling production—that's the dream. Thank you.”
He capped off the interview by inviting everyone to continue watching “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” He said, “Sa mga nanonood ng ‘Batang Quiapo,’ patuloy lang po kayo sa pagtutok dahil maraming-marami pa ang mangyayari. Kahit wala na si Pierre dito, [ang] importante ay masaya pa rin kayo.”
Aside from being an actor, Johannes is also a male pageant contestant who has represented the Philippines a couple of times already in international pageants. He was the first-ever daily winner of the “Bidaman” segment of “It’s Showtime” in 2019 and eventually finished as 2nd runner-up.
Will Pierre be found again and his death be given justice? Let’s all find out by watching “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 PM, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5 and iWant.