his love month of February, one of the finest actors in Philippine cinema graces the airwaves with the enchanting theme songs of his greatest films. We're referring of course, to Christopher de Leon, who in a decidedly bold move shifted gear from acting to an equally challenging craft of singing.
After thirtythree years of luminous acting career, Christopher decided to charter the untried ground of music recording. This Feb. 8, his debut album, Awit-Pelikula by Christopher de Leon, will be launched at The Podium by Viva Records. The CD is a compilation of twelve theme songs of his best films - from the blockbuster Bituing Walang Ningning to the epic "Aguila."
"I feel that I've already paid my dues to the acting profession, and it's about time," he said "that I focus on my other interest, and that is singing. I believe that God gives us many gifts for a reason, and I certainly don't want to waste mine", referring to his delightful singing, which has been proven, time and again, in musical movies like "Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising" and the farcical "Kakaba- kaba Ka Ba?", among others.
In 1973, Christopher immediately made waves as a stellar actor in his very first movie, "Tinimbang Ka, Ngunit Kulang," which also won for him the Best Actor plum in various award organizations. For a short while, he sidelined as the singing partner of sister Pinky de Leon in the teevee musical "Pinky and Boyet." However, his singing had to take a pause as his demand as an actor intensified.
All the cuts in the album are performed solo by De Leon, except for two: the carrier single "Bituing Walang Ningning" which he sang with Sharon Cuneta; and "You Are My Song," the love theme of "Wanted: Perfect Mother", which is a duet with Regine Velasquez.
The other featured songs are: Iduyan Mo from "Aguila," Sisikat Din Ako from Kakaba-kaba Ka Ba?", "Hanggang" from the film "Dekada 60", Sinasamba Kita, Beloved, Sana'y Mahagkan ang Walang Hanggan and Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga from the films of the same titles, and Umaga Na Naman and Tuwing Umaga from "Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising".
Boyet, as he is called by friends, started to mull about this project five years ago, after doing "Dekada 60" with Vilma Santos. "I fell so in love with its theme song, "Hanggang". It reminded me of the many beautiful theme songs in my other movies. So, I thought of putting them together in one album as a fitting memorabilia to my three decades of making great movies with truly classic love songs."
Through the album, Christopher hopes that his fans and all the cinema buffs of his generation, will have a stirring ride down the memory lane.
Immediately after the album launch, Christopher pairs with Sharon Cuneta in her "My Mega Valentine" concert at the Araneta Coliseum on February 13.
And before the month ends, his movie "Nasaan Si Francis," with Eppie Quizon in the title role, will be shown.
"Now, this is another labor of love, " said Boyet. "Nasaan si Francis" is based on a play that was discovered by Tony Gloria in Bacolod ."
Boyet fell instantly in love with the script, enough to motivate him to gamble as a film producer. "I wish that it gets appreciated by the young audience because I did this for them", said the actor cum singer cum film producer.
Boyet describes the movie as a light comedy thriller, laced by a bonanza of upbeat melodies of today's bands, like the Rivermaya, and many more.
The film which also stars Ricky Davao, Paolo Conti and Rico Blanco is directed by Gabby Fernandez. It opens in theaters at the end of February under Unitel Pictures.
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