Ronnabelle Lora

McCoy de Leon plays a priest in new movie In Thy Name

Article (news)

Rhea Manila Santos

<p>Seen in the country’s top primetime series <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><em><strong>FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo</strong></em></a><em><strong></strong>,</em> actor McCoy de Leon is known by many for his role as David, the vengeful half-brother-turned-enemy of lead character Tanggol (played by Coco Martin), which he has been playing for the past two years.</p><p>This year, McCoy takes on a different kind of role, as he stars in a Viva Films project <em>In Thy Name.</em> The film is inspired by the story of the martyrdom of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, a Claretian missionary who served in Basilan, Mindanao and was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in 2000. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFPZypBSQH7/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A1661647.2000000477%2C%22ls%22%3A611682.2000000477%2C%22le%22%3A612187.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-17" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_-5MrfSSlR/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A17%2C%22os%22%3A1661675%2C%22ls%22%3A611682.2000000477%2C%22le%22%3A612187.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="880" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-17" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/7/17/mccoy-de-leon-mon-confiado-team-up-for-upcoming-project-2022"><strong>READ: McCoy De Leon, Mon Confiado team up for upcoming project<br/></strong></a></div><p>In an Instagram post, McCoy shared more about his latest role of a real-life priest who is abducted by the rebels. He wrote, “Si Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, ay isang Claretian priest na naglingkod sa Basilan. Masiyahin na pari si father palaging nakangiti at [soft]-spoken. Noong 2000, dinukot siya ng Abu Sayyaf sa kabila ng hirap at torture sa pagkakabihag, nanatili siyang matatag sa kanyang pananampalataya. Itinuturing siyang martir ng simbahan dahil sa kanyang sakripisyo at tapang para sa kanyang misyon.”</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfDRaIvYeu/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A1661689.5%2C%22ls%22%3A611682.2000000477%2C%22le%22%3A612187.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-19" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFNKX2fy4dv/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A19%2C%22os%22%3A1662949.5%2C%22ls%22%3A611682.2000000477%2C%22le%22%3A612187.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="465" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-19" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/1/29/mccoy-de-leon-on-staying-in-batang-quiapo-hindi-ko-in-expect-1134"><strong>READ: McCoy de Leon on staying in &#x27;Batang Quiapo:&#x27; Hindi ko in-expect&#x27;</strong></a></div><p>In his post last February 3, McCoy shared more clips from what went on behind-the-scenes on the film and revealed his approach towards embodying the role. He wrote, “Characterization is one of the most crucial aspects of this movie (<em>In Thy Name</em>), especially when portraying a real person, getting into character—every detail counts. Totoong tao ang gagampanan ko kaya kailangan maibagay ko ang bawat detalye sa lahat ng ginagawa niya sa buhay, ultimo kung paano siya magsulat at magbasa ng Bibliya.</p><p>&quot;Hindi lang kilos, pagsasalita, at ugali ang kailangang pag-aralan, kundi pati ang kanyang pinagmulan, kinalakihan, at mga paniniwala. Ang kanyang nakaraan ay mahalaga para mas maunawaan ko kung paano siya nag-isip at kumilos sa bawat sitwasyon. Ang bawat karanasan niya ay isang detalye ng kanyang pagkatao, at ito ang gusto kong maipakita nang tapat sa pelikula.”</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-20" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFjpUhqSKj8/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A20%2C%22os%22%3A1663066.899999857%2C%22ls%22%3A611682.2000000477%2C%22le%22%3A612187.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-20" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>The 29-year-old actor also revealed his latest discovery from the role, which was learning how to properly deliver a mass like a real priest. “Isa sa pinaka masaya ako na natutunan ko dito, ang tamang pag sagawa ng Misa—mula sa bawat kilos at pananalita na isinasagawa ng isang pari. Dahil bata pa lang ako lumaki ako na laging nanunuod ng misa Linggo Linggo. Kaya sana oh mabigyan niyo ng pagkakataon mapanuod itong pelikula ito. ☺️” he wrote.</p><p><em>In Thy Name</em> stars McCoy De Leon, JC de Vera, Mon Confiado, Jerome Ponce, Yves Flores, and Aya Fernandez. It is directed by Ceasar Soriano and Rommel Galapia Ruiz under Viva Films. It opens in cinemas nationwide starting March 5, 2025. </p>

<p>'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' actor McCoy de Leon is set to play the role of a priest who is abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.</p>

'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' actor McCoy de Leon is set to play the role of a priest who is abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

McCoy de Leon plays a priest in new movie ‘In Thy Name’

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Movies & Series

McCoy de Leon plays a priest in new movie ‘In Thy Name’

Rhea Manila Santos

Published February 04, 2025 09:17 AM PHT

Read More:

McCoy de Leon

In Thy Name

Viva Films

Rhoel Gallardo

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.