As many as his enemies, Tanggol (Coco Martin) is grateful to have much more believers who have his back, like his friends Enteng (Jojit Lorenzo), Dolfo (Ryan Matin), Tanos (Marc “Big Mac” Andaya), Bulldog (Sugar Ray “Mammoth” Estroso), and Oweng (Renz “Baby Giant” Benzon).

Their friendship is built on a strong sense of survival, defense, and attachment. Besides, we love watching them for comic relief. Kapamilya Toplist presents the squad’s best scenes that showcase their solid brotherhood via this video.

In terms of friendship, the old ones stay the best, they say. Tanggol’s “tropa” is proof, tracing the foundations of their brotherhood to their little shenanigans as kids. The video opens with young Tanggol taking a hair comb from a market vendor, with his friends backing him up. Barring the moral aspect of this scene, it displayed teamwork and connection, imprinting on their young minds that “one for all, all for one.”

They have witnessed Tanggol’s special feelings for Mokang (Lovi Poe) grew from when they were kids until the present time. The “asaran” moments with old friends, those who’ve known you to the core would hit different when you are adults. It would feel happy and nostalgic as if saying nothing has changed. That’s the vibe we get from Tanggol and his friends.

Growing up in the slums of Quiapo made for an interesting dynamic. They learned strategies for teamwork and survival, again looking past the moral aspect, by stealing as a group and dividing their “earnings” equally.

They’re teammates not only in violent street riots but also in times of trouble within themselves and their families. In Marites (Cherry Pie Picache)'s words, “Kayo ang laging kasama ni Tanggol sa ginhawa at katarantaduhan.” This was established when Tanggol needed a place to stay for himself and the two orphaned kids Tolits (Aaron “Yorme” Sunga) and Tala (Erin Espiritu). Enteng offered his place, however small, just so his friend and the people he cares for will have shelter. Enteng even said that Tanggol can bring Lola Tindeng (Charo Santos). When Tanggol gave him money as sort of his rental fee, Enteng insisted, “Huwag na. Parang magkakapatid na tayo dito.”

Tanggol’s family may have given up on him but his friends never did. They would even advise about his problems with Rigor (John Estrada) and David (McCoy de Leon), in a tone that echoes “real talk” and at the same time, comfort. Though Tanggol’s situation hurts them, too, they would understand why he still chooses to forgive. They would listen to his sentiments, making sure to weigh things first before they speak their minds.

In bad times, they stick by one another. They helped Tanggol ask for Mokang’s forgiveness after they toyed with her classmates. Well, the team that stays together, showers with pee together, as Mokang poured them the content of her chamber pot from her house’s balcony.

Tanggol knows he can count on his friends, who are essentially his family. And family means making each other happy, that’s why they did their best to give Tanggol his wish, which was to dance with Mokang on her birthday. The friends would protect the king’s princess, too, as proven when they attacked JP (Dino Imperial) after learning about his evil plans against Mokang. When he tried to take advantage of Mokang, there were Tanggol and his friends to the rescue.

If one of them is happy, all of them feel the same. If one fails, then they all fail.

Catch Tanggol and his solid “tropa” in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5 and A2Z.