Aljon Mendoza dedicates college degree to his parents

Young actor Aljon Mendoza is still in high spirits these days after finally achieving his dream of finishing his college studies, a promise he made to himself several years ago. Aljon recently graduated from the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Marketing.

His family attended the graduation ceremonies to share this significant milestone in Aljon’s life. He said, “Although ang nanay ko lang ang nakasama ko sa loob ng theater, nandoon iyong family ko sa labas. Nasa Mass pa lang bago ang ceremony, umiyak na ako kasi ang tagal kong trinabaho ito. Grabe ang pinagdaanan ko. May ups and downs. Hindi naman lahat ng experience sa college ay masaya. May mga times na iniisip ko kung mag-ga-graduate pa ba ako. Very fulfilling. I said thank you to the Lord. I praised Him. Inaalay ko talaga ang graduation ko sa mga magulang ko.”

Aljon is pictured with his mom during graduation.

Aljon shared that he was only 17 when he started living away from his family in Pampanga. “Sa mga panahong hindi ko nakakasama ang mga magulang ko, doon ko mas na-realize kung gaano ko sila kamahal. They give me purpose. They inspire me. I’m so blessed to have a strong support system na kahit anuman ang pagdaanan ko, I’ll be fine with my family beside me.”

Aljon can now focus on his passion for acting. He wants to portray roles that will challenge his acting skills. “Of course, gusto ko pa rin gumawa ng mga rom-coms, pero gusto ko mas mag-explore sa mga characters. Gusto kong maging character actor.”

He talked about his childhood dreams and what made him aspire to become an actor. “Noong Grade 1, sinabi ko na gusto kong maging pulis. Tapos naging curious ako sa mga artista. Nasa elementary pa ako noon. Kapag nanonood ang parents ko tuwing gabi ng mga teleserye, iniisip ko: paano kaya sila umaarte? Iyong mga artista, gatas ba ang pinanliligo nila? Those kinds of curiosities. In high school, I wanted to become a pilot, but I didn’t pursue it dahil mahal at malabo ang mata ko. I also wanted to become a news anchor. Noong high school, sumasali ako sa TV broadcasting competitions. Kaya favorite ko si Atom Araullo as a journalist.”

Aljon is currently busy with acting projects. He topbills the film “#Uploading together” with Dylan Yturralde, Eliza Borromeo, Dawn Chang, Zeus Collins, Irma Adlawan, Dennis Padilla, Arlene Muhlach, Bernie Batin and Dwayne Garcia. The movie is directed by Joven Tan and produced by Red Concept Events Management Services. Literacy edushow screenings and live events will kick off this month.

His other film is “Unchanging Glass,” featured in the “Wish Date” concert series and also starring Zaijian Jaranilla, Yukii Takahashi, Monina Lawrence, Sharmaine Suarez and Chikki Magbitang. The film will be shown during the 12th Wish anniversary special celebration, which will be held on Aug. 23, 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Pops Fernandez, Renz Verano, The Juans, and dwta will perform songs that go perfectly with the movie’s story during the event. Tickets are available on Ticketnet Online.

Aljon is always interested in making documentaries that delve into diverse issues such as the severe flood problem in his beloved hometown of Macabebe, Pampanga. As a concerned citizen, he is using his star power to help his kababayan express their suffering through his platform. “Gusto kong gumawa ng footage para i-document ulit ang baha sa amin. Naaawa talaga ako sa mga taong nakatira doon, lalong-lalo na sa pamilya ko. Kapag nag-vi-video call kami ng pamilya ko, ipinapakita nila ang baha na hanggang dibdib. Patuloy pa ring tumataas ang tubig.”

He considers embracing his core as the best advice he has received. “Huwag mong kalimutan kung sino ka at saan ka nagmula. May times noon na nahihiya akong magkuwento about my life in Pampanga. When I decided to embrace my core, I became prouder of myself. Hindi ko pala kailangang makibagay sa lifestyle ng iba. I have my own story to share. Ngayon, ipinapakita ko sa mga followers ko ang buhay ko bilang probinsyano, estudyante at anak. Nagagawa ko lahat ng iyon nang hindi nagpapanggap.”