MANILA -- Kapamilya actor McCoy de Leon expressed his gratitude to the ABS-CBN series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" and its lead actor-director Coco Martin for helping him overcome mental health challenges during the pandemic.
Now playing the role of David in the hit teleserye for two years, de Leon shared how the show became a turning point in his life.
In an exclusive interview, de Leon revealed that he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety during the pandemic, a period he described as one of the hardest in his life.
“Siguro sa hirap din ng life natin nung pandemic, diagnosed ako ng depression [at] anxiety. Thankful ako kay Lord kasi isa sa pinakanakatulong sa akin ang 'Batang Quiapo.' Aside sa trabaho, siya ang nagbigay sa akin na may ma-discover pa sa life — which is acting din,” he said.
De Leon admitted that he initially thought "Batang Quiapo" would be his last project.
“Sa totoo lang, itong 'Batang Quiapo' akala ko last na project ko na. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na sige na, bigay ko na lahat dito,” the actor said.
“Nung dumaan ang pandemic, alam naman natin lahat dumaan sa mental [health struggles], parang may something na nagsabi sa akin na baka hindi para sa akin 'yung acting. Parang mag-work na lang ako somewhere, out of the country. Kaya sa akin, binigay ko na lang lahat dito. Awa ng Diyos, hindi pa pala. Ito pa pala ang makakapagbigay sa akin ng opportunity,” he added.
Aside from his work, de Leon credited his family, particularly actress Elisse Joson and their daughter Feliz, for helping him overcome his struggles.
“Siguro naturo ng mga magulang ko na kung ano nakita ko sa kanila, 'yun din ang gusto kong iparanas sa anak ko,” de Leon said.
“Elisse and Feliz, sila talaga ang and'yan for me. Aside sa family ko na hindi ko na kasama, sila talaga 'yung and'yan para sa akin,” he added.
De Leon shared that being a hands-on dad has given him purpose and joy, adding that his experiences with Joson and Feliz continue to inspire him every day.
As "Batang Quiapo" continues to captivate audiences, de Leon teased an exciting arc for his character David in the coming year.
“Ang pinaplano namin, may-i-peak pa 'yung mga storya, lalo kay David, and exciting talaga,” he hinted.