Friends and colleagues in the industry also paid their respects during the last night of his wake, among them fellow Gigger Boys member Sam Concepcion, Kapuso stars Steven Silva and Sarah Lahbati, "Sabel" co-star Joseph Marco, entertainment columnist and talent manager Ogie Diaz, LSGH batchmate and "Mara Clara" star Albie Casino.Jessy Mendiola, AJ's onscreen partner in his last television show "Sabel," described the actor as sincere and genuine.
"Hindi sya natatakot magsabi kung ano yung gusto nyang sabihin. Ganun syang klaseng tao. Kaya pagkadine-describe namin si AJ, lagi naming unang sinasabi na napaka sincere nya, kasi wala kang maririnig na kahit na masama tungkol sa kanya. Wala ka ring maririnig na masama na sasabihin nya tungkol sa ibang tao. Palagi syang positive. Palagi lang syang genuine sa lahat ng sinasabi nya," she said in an interview with members of the entertainment press.
Jessy was at home, just after rehearsals for ASAP Rocks, when she found about AJ's accident through a friend.
For her, it was painful to hear people's description of AJ as diligent and hardworking in his studies—especially since the "Sabel" staff saw first hand how he tried to balance his showbiz career and his studies.
"Sinasabi pa nga nya sa akin, 'Paano pa pinalitan nila ako? Sino kaya ang kapalit ko?' Sabi ko, 'Di ka nila mapapalitan, kasi ikaw lang na nakikita namin na pwede mag Dindo.'," she said.
Sam Milby described AJ as "laging happy."
"He's someone you want to be around because of his good energy, good vibes, and napakabait talaga. Such a bright future rin," he said.
"I just know that he's in a better place and I'm sure he's happy and that's for eternity na. But lahat kami, he touched a lot of lives and we'll just keep all the memories that we have of him," Sam added.
Sam went to the Christ the King Parish with KC Concepcion as soon as they arrived from their Star Magic World Tour.
