One of the characters in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” that we probably find it hard to hate is Ramon Montenegro, not only because of the genuine love and care he has always given to his family and women he loved, but also because he carries the undeniable charm of actor Christopher de Leon, who has retained his heartthrob status ever since he was young.
He has been a constant figure in the long-running primetime drama series ever since it started in 2023, with him being the root cause of the fallout between Rigor (John Estrada) and Marites (Cherry Pie Picache) and the reason why Tanggol (Coco Martin) exists and even suffer.
As “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” enters its new chapter and marks its third year, CCM Film Productions caught up with the veteran actor via this interview.
Even though he’s already in his late 60s, which really doesn’t manifest since he appears way younger than his age, the veteran actor admits that he still enjoys doing action scenes. While he has been doing it for a long time already—usually in films and seldom in teleseryes—he said that “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” and “FPJ’s Ang Probisyano” both have inexplicable “magic” that encouraged him to do stunts. And that “magic” he was referring to is Coco’s unbelievable ability to make action teleseryes truthful and compelling.
Since portraying Ramon can be really challenging and unpredictable, Christopher shared that he really needed to be prepared, especially in the physical aspect. He related, “I have to be physically fit for the role kasi anytime, once an action scene, ready ka lagi. Dito lang ako nakakapag-actor's prepare for action scenes na kailangan para doon sa istorya.”
Aside from the action scenes, he also must get ready for the romantic scenes, wherein he was sometimes required to go topless. And speaking of romantic scenes, he also talked about Ramon’s affair with Cherry Pie Picache’s character Marites, fondly called by viewers “MaMon,” which has already attracted shippers from different ages.
“I’ve been hearing about that. It’s fun. We’re entertaining people. That’s our job,” he remarked. Then he added, “Ang dami ko nang nagagawang romantic scenes with other actors also, and Cherry Pie Picache is a good actor. She reciprocates well, so walang problema.”
With regard to his experience being part of a production led by Coco, who also serves as a director, writer, and producer of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” Christopher imparted that it’s actually one of the many things he’s grateful for. According to him, they have been treating him well by providing him with his own room and everything that he needs. He’s also thankful for the kindness and respect that everybody has shown him.
He capped off the interview by expressing his gratitude to the avid viewers for their continuous support, as well as to Coco for the opportunities he has been giving him via this series.
“Maraming salamat sa mga sumusubaybay sa ‘Batang Quiapo.’ Maraming salamat sa mga naniniwala pa rin sa mga kakayahan namin, especially kay Ramon,” he conveyed. “Nagpapasalamat din ako kay Coco Martin for giving me the opportunity na magawa ‘yong dreams ko na hindi ko pa nagagawa sa mga pelikula—’yong action scenes na mga ginagawa namin na pinagaganda niya at lalong gumaganda.”
Christopher also conveyed how grateful he is to be used by God in bringing entertainment to people, as well as to find out that they are able to fulfill their duties as actors of entertaining actors since many have been enjoying “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”
He then assured viewers that everything is going to be well in their story because the good will still certainly prevail in the end, as well as conveyed how much he’s been enjoying his role as one of the supposed villains—since he’s the leader of a top drug syndicate who happened to be the father of the lead character.
Continue following the journey of Ramon by not missing an episode of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5 and iWant.