PEP: Christopher de Leon to receive Gawad Lino Brocka Award

Christopher de Leon was only 17 years old when he was introduced by the late filmmaker Lino Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang in 1974, a story about a young man who befriends a deranged lady and a man afflicted with leprosy. For his performance in his debut film, he won the FAMAS Best Actor award. Now, after 34 years, Boyet (as he is fondly called in showbiz circles) continues to be active in both movies and television as one of the most respected actors in the country. Among his recent movies are Banal and When Love Begins. On TV, he did soaps like Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw, Hanggang Kailan, and Darna from GMA-7 and Maging Sino Ka Man 1 and 2 and the forthcoming A Time for Us with Jericho Rosales for ABS-CBN. Boyet attributes the continuous success of his career mainly to the Lord. "All of these are blessings," he said. "If God didn't will that I continue with this career, perhaps I've retired a long time ago." Since he started his career, he has won many Best Actor trophies from various award giving bodies for his performances in the movies: Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon, Ikaw ay Akin, Haplos, Ipagpatawad Mo, Dahil Mahal Kita, The Dolzura Cortez Story, Imortal, Gumapang Ka sa Lusak, Biktima, My Other Woman, Mano Po 3, and many others. To give thanks for his many blessings, he continues to serve as an active elder of the Oasis of Love Catholic Community. He also gives 10 percent of whatever he earns back to the church. Off-camera, Boyet is a devoted husband to Sandy Andolong and dedicated father to his six kids. Ian, his son with Nora Aunor, now 32, lives in the same compound with him, now separated from his wife, Izza Vicente. Boyet's eldest with Sandy, Rafael Sandino, is now in college. After him come Miguel, Gabriel, Maria Angelica, and Micaela. Boyet and Sandy lived together for 19 years before his 1976 wedding to Nora Aunor was annulled. He and Sandy were married in a beautiful chapel in Caleruega, Nasugbu, overlooking the scenic Taal Lake on March 27, 2001. When Boyet was asked to do the story of San Lorenzo Ruiz, he had to undergo a Life in the Spirit Seminar in Baguio. That changed his life. When he came back to Sandy and his family, he was a changed man—for the better, and so did their relationship. As his career continued to flourish, Boyet also directed his own movies, Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat and Bugso. Aside from being a good actor, he also had the chance to cut his own solo album under Viva Records, which carries 12 theme songs from his past hit movies, including "Bituing Walang Ningning," "Sana Ay Ikaw na Nga," "Beloved," "Iduyan Mo" from Agila, "Sinasamba Kita." Boyet will be honored with the Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award from the Golden Screen Awards of the Entertainment Press Society. The award will be conferred on June 24 at the 5th Golden Screen Awards night to be held at Zirkoh Greenhills, San Juan City. - Philippine Entertainment Portal