Actor Christopher de Leon does not know how to react to comparisons to Hollywood actor Bad Pitt.
Some netizens note the similarities between local showbiz’ “Drama King” to the Hollywood heartthrob. Both are fine actors, good-looking, award-winning, have flourishing careers that would make any young actor envious and get paired with younger leading ladies.
At the press con of “When I Met You in Tokyo” last month at the Seda ballroom, the actor gave a shy laugh when asked if he was aware of the comparison.
“Asawa ko sa ‘Batang Quiapo’ si Lovi Poe. My gulay!” he reacted. “That’s entertainment for you. Don’t know how to react. I am just being me – taking good care of my skills and myself and thanking God for everything I have.”
Like fine wine, De Leon seems to only get better with age. A best actor winner many times over, he has played a gamut of roles from baddie to good guy all with aplomb, plus he looks very good that many would find it hard to believe that he has several grandkids already. But it is not only Christopher that enjoys evergreen looks, it is also his “When I Met You in Tokyo” co-star and perennial leading lady, the award-winning actress Vilma Santos. The pair, popularly known as Boyet and Vi, are reunited on the big screen after almost two decades in the romantic drama about OFWs in “When I Met You in Tokyo.”
The two actors, who are best friends in real life, are very excited for their fans to return to the theaters and enjoy the film. Christopher, who also helped direct the film, said once he read the script, there was no one on his mind but his perennial love team. It was Redgie Magno, who oversaw the whole production, recalled she got an instant yes from Ate Vi when the role was offered.
Said Ate Vi: “Sabi ko kagad, yes! Kasi na miss ko rin ang team up namin ni Yetbo. Matagal na rin – 15 years. Yung last movie yata [namin together] ‘Dekada’ then ‘Mano Po.’ Alam ko andyan pa rin ang crowd namin ni Yetbo. Ang ganda kasi ng istorya at tung story kasi tatakbo sa edad namin. It’s a love story na nasa edad namin. Hindi kami magbabata-bataan dito. And at the same time, what’s important is it’s a story of OFWs na nasa Japan…
“It’s a very very good comeback for me after seven years na hindi visible sa show business, ” the Star for All Season added.
Producers Rowena Jamaji and Rajan Gidwani of JG Productions spared no expense for the reunion of the showbiz luminaries.
“When I Met You” in Tokyo also stars Tirso Cruz III, Lyn Cruz, Kakai Bautista, Cassy Legaspi, Darren Espanto, Gabby Eigenmann and Lotto de Leon. It is directed by Rommel Penesa, Radu Peru and actor Christopher de Leon with a screenplay by Suzette Doctolero.
