CHRISTOPHER DE LEON doesn’t usually play gay roles but he agreed to play the role of an effeminate fashion designer in the special 19th anniversary presentation of Vicky Morales’ “Wish Ko Lang”.
"Okay naman sa'kin to do gay roles, basta walang same sex love scenes," he says. "Itong sa 'Wish Ko Lang', maganda yung story and your role, so ginawa ko. Something I haven't really done before."
Titled “Mr. Right”, the story somewhat echoes the story of the 1978 Dolphy classic, “Ang Tatay Kong Nanay”, directed by National Artist Lino Brocka.
In “Mr. Right”, the multi-awarded Boyet de Leon plays Jake, who lives a simple but peaceful life with his assistant, Thou Reyes as Georgie. But then, in a male pageant, he meets Shido Roxas as Romeo, a handsome contestant and he’s immediately attracted to Romeo.
They get into a relationship but after a few years, Shido says goodbye to Jake as he wants to get married to a real woman and start his own family. They remain friends and Shido is married to Patricia Tumulak as Sarah, who gives birth to a baby boy they name Kristof.
Tragedy strikes when Shido suddenly dies and Patricia cannot take care of their child by herself. She gives away Kristof to Jake and gets married again.
Kristof grows up (played by Vince Crisostomo) recognizing Jake as his father figure, but then Sarah returns and wants to get Kristof back for herself.
Will Kristof choose the man who raised him, Jake, or his biological mother, Sarah? Directed by Rommel Penesa, this endearing episode will surely break your hearts.
All of Boyet’s co-stars are in awe of him. Shido Roxas as his lover is thankful to be given the chance to work with him.
“He’s an acting icon so it’s a great opportunity to work with him,” he says. “I shot a memorable scene with him in the rain.
"It was a cold night but the scene required na kunan ito sa ulanan. It’s an important scene kasi it's where I tell him to stay away from me and my family as he is causing a lot of conflict between me and my wife.
"I still have feelings for him but I have to choose what is best for my family, as I could not have the best of both worlds. It’s a scene full of conflicting emotions so I will never forget doing it.”
Is it his most challenging role so far?
“Lahat naman ng roles and assigments given to me, they are all challenging. Ako kasi, kahit anong role pa ang ibigay sa akin, I try to give it justice by totally internalizing my character.
"I don’t just play a role, I have to be my character.”
Vince Crisostomo admits he got nervous when told he’d be acting with Boyet de Leon.
“He is a highly respected actor so siempre, kakabahan ang sinumang baguhang gaya ko,” he says.
“But I’m also excited kasi first time for me to do drama and with Mr. Christopher de Leon, so sobrang laking honor for me to be given the chance to work with him, si I really tried to do my very best.”
Thou Reyes just came from playing Gabby Concepcion’s Chief of Staff in “First Yaya” and now he plays Boyet’s cross-dressing best friend in “Wish Ko Lang”.
“I’m grateful to be given the chance to work with Sir Christopher at mahirap ang role ko as a bading in drag, but our director gave me enough notes para maitawid ko yung role ko. I hope I gave justice to it.”
Don’t miss this unforgettable dramatic episode, “Mr. Right”, in “Wish Ko Lang” this Saturday at 4PM on GMA-7.
