Actor and former “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso” housemate Aljon Mendoza is officially entering a new chapter after graduating from college in July. He plans to pursue more acting projects and explore documentary filmmaking while using his platform to shed light on the worsening floods affecting his hometown of Macabebe, Pampanga.
Mendoza earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Marketing, from Philippine Women’s University, completing a degree he had promised his parents he would finish.
The milestone was meaningful for Mendoza, who returned to school in March 2023 after taking a five-year break from his studies. He balanced being an irregular student with his acting career, including projects and lock-in tapings.
“It’s a memorable feeling to be able to juggle your career and your studies at the same time, with so many things happening in between,” Mendoza said during an intimate interview with the press.
“I’m so blessed, actually. There are so many things happening in my life. I had been looking forward to finishing my studies for so long. It feels like a weight has finally been lifted,” he said.
Mendoza dedicated the achievement to his parents, noting that he is the last among his siblings to graduate.
His college journey was made possible in part by a scholarship from TV host Boy Abunda, who began supporting his education in 2023. Mendoza also completed his on-the-job training with the Abunda’s talent agency.
He shares the scholarship with fellow former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Kaori Oinuma, who also graduated this year.
Mendoza said Abunda’s advice after graduation was to remain patient and focus on building a career that can last.
“He told me not to be impatient. Just keep accepting opportunities, stay steady. Whatever happens will happen, as long as we keep working,” he said.
Busy scheduleWith his studies now behind him, Mendoza plans to devote more time to acting. He already has several projects in the pipeline, including films intended for school audiences. He is also part of “#Uploading,” a project that will tackle issues about online safety and the “I Love You” trilogy, which features stories centered on teachers, fathers and mothers.
Mendoza said he is drawn to projects that carry a purpose, particularly those that can leave a positive message with young audiences.
“The films and projects have a purpose for the greater good. They are meant to spread a good message to the people watching, especially young people,” he said.
Beyond acting, Mendoza wants to explore documentary filmmaking, a longtime interest that has become more relevant as he watches events unfold in his hometown.
“I still want to make documentaries. I’m looking for something where I can study writing because when I release my documentary, I want it to be polished,” he said.
Macabebe continues to grapple with severe flooding.
“I want to go to Pampanga. I want to shoot footage again and document what happened with the flooding because I really feel for the people living there, especially my family. On video calls, they show me the floodwaters, and sometimes it’s already up to their chests. I want to document what’s happening there and show what people in our community are going through,” he said.
The flooding has affected more than homes. Residents have struggled to move around and make a living, while children have also had their schooling disrupted.
Mendoza said some families have been unable to evacuate because they have nowhere else to go. His own family has remained at home, partly because they do not want to leave their pets behind.
Dire situation“I remember that around 2020 or 2021, the flooding in our area would go down after about two weeks. But every year, it lasts longer and the water gets higher. During the pandemic, it was almost never gone. So you really see how the situation has become worse over time,” he said.
For Mendoza, the recurring floods should not simply be accepted as part of life in the province.
“It’s OK to be positive, but we shouldn’t be content with simply being resilient when there are actions that can actually be taken,” he said.
Mendoza believes the government has a responsibility to ensure communities have the resources they need to deal with recurring disasters.
“There are funds for flood-control projects, but they don’t seem to be completed. Then the following year, there’s funding again for the same thing. So where does the money go if it isn’t completed? For me, there really is funding. But it gets pocketed.” he pointed out.
“We have the power to vote. We are the ones who put the people who serve us in office. Moving forward, if we see officials who are not doing anything, we shouldn’t vote for them again or give them another opportunity,” he added.
Mendoza has previously used his social media platforms to document life in Pampanga, including the flooding three years ago that affected his family and neighbors. He was encouraged by viewers who thanked him for becoming a voice for people in his hometown.
“I’ll do whatever I can, and I hope by documenting it and asking for the government’s accountability helps,” he said. “As long as you don’t think you’re putting yourself or your family’s safety at risk, you shouldn’t be afraid to fight for what you believe you deserve.”