Longest-running teleserye FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano ended the main heroes, Cardo Dalisay (Coco Martin) and Task Force Agilas’ years-long mission with an epic combat that made us feel huge, mixed emotions.
Agilas were tortured in a series of gory scenes that’s quite not for the faint of heart – but you brave through each strike just the same because you don’t want to miss a thing. Cardo unleashed his 'gigil' as he decapitates an enemy. Tragic deaths of Team Alpha troopers ripped our hearts over and over again. Team Bravo engaged in an emotionally-charged gun battle as they prepare for their own fate in the forest. Flamboyant explosions. Intense action. Stirring score matched by visually striking cinematography. The breathtaking climax that kept us guessing, and praying. Then, the tempo naturally flowed into quiet sentimentality.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s “Ang Pambansang Pagtatapos” was unrelentingly intense – and more. If you can’t get enough of the cast and production team’s amazing job, check out these behind-the-scenes photos from the show’s epic finale week – especially for those who got so emotionally invested.
We can all agree that Coco did a great job as one of the show’s directors. Here, he choreographs that bloody scene of Jay Gonzaga, playing Major James Cordero, tied to a tree as the enemies attack with their knives, then the Agilas worked hard to shoot the enemies as fast and accurate, so to save James from every attempted strike.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Here are more photos of Coco being a hands-on director, donning a combat uniform because, as we all know, he had to direct and act at the same time. Kudos!
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Some light moments as he gives out instructions.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Shaina Magdayao, as Major Roxanne Opeña, and Raymart Santiago, as Major Victor Basco, tore our hearts to pieces by their brilliant, believable acting in their death scenes. We got more emotional when Raymart paid tribute to their characters by sharing a photo of them, matched by a poetic caption, “Hindi man natin lubos na naisakatuparan an gating pag-ibig dito sa mundo, ang tanging maipapangako ko sayo ay ipagpapatuloy natin ito sa langit. Hanggang sa walang hanggan, Roxanne.” Raise your hand if you’ve become an instant shipper!
Credit to raymartsantiago IG
It really took a village to mount the historic teleserye.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
We also would like to give props to the creative people behind the scenes like the makeup artists, who made the Agilas’ bleeding look so realistic.
Credit to johnprats IG
Big scenes, big effort. The actors - Jay, John Prats, and John Medina in this photo – would steal quick rests in-between takes.
Credit to johnprats IG
Jay and Shaina take shade under a huge coconut tree. Shaina said, “Team Kapuy” in the comment section, which translates to “Team Pagod.”
Credit to jay_gonzaga IG
John Medina, who played one of Cardo’s most enduring OG squadmate Billy Guzman, rests on the grass while waiting for the next take.
Credit to johnnedina_official IG
Even though tired, the Agilas still had fun on set. Here are photos of their final happy moments as a team before the villains killed them off – one by one.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Credit to jay_gonzaga IG
Credit to jay_gonzaga IG
Cardo and President Oscar Hidalgo (Rowell Santiago) saved each other in the final moments of the week-long war.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
It seems the ‘kontrabidas’ enjoyed playing with our emotions, too. Check out the ‘bomba gang’ – the terrorists expert at bomb making – goofing around on the set.
Credit to raymonbagatsing IG
Renato Hipolito has finally faced his death. Great job, John Arcilla for breathing life to one most notorious kontrabidas in primetime! Here’s a “before” photo of John and Coco’s final face-off:
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
The after:
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
We let out a huge sigh of relief when Cardo was revealed to be alive but still recovering in the hospital. Then, we were thrilled to see again the kids!
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
It wasn’t much of a happy reunion, though as Cardo learns that his beloved Lola Flora (Susan Roces) has passed away.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
The last gap felt nostalgic, sentimental but hopeful just the same with Cardo’s new life in the province.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
And his reunion with Mara (Julia Montes), which served as the finale’s biggest plot twist and ‘pambawi’ from all the preceding heartbreaking scenes, and which also closed the whole series.
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
The cast and production team savoured their labor of love in a finale watch party last night, as seen on Coco’s Instagram page.
Coco turned emotional watching the finale episode aptly titled “Mission Accomplished.”
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Check out more snaps from the party:
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
Credit to cocomartin_ph IG
And, Coco’s ‘thank you’ message to his team!
Now we’re feeling the ‘sepanx’ even more! Snappy salute to Team Promdi!