Julia Christine Botin

From David to martyred priest: McCoy de Leon admits transition was challenging

Article (news)

Anna Cerezo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738900089716New Project (4).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">McCoy de Leon at the press conference for &#x27;In The Name.&#x27; <em>ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA -- From triggering the frustration and ire of audiences with his portrayal of David in &quot;FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo,&quot; McCoy de Leon now hopes to strengthen and deepen the faith of moviegoers as he takes on the lead role of the martyred priest, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, in the film “In Thy Name.”</p><p>&quot;Totoo namang pambawi rin sa mga hindi nakakakilala sa akin personally. Pero masasabi ko rin na pambawi sa mismong life ko ngayon, kasi two years na ako sa &#x27;Batang Quiapo,&#x27;” he said during the media conference held in Quezon City, Thursday.  </p><p>“Talagang ma-imbibe mo &#x27;yung karakter. Kaya nung dumating ito, na-balance rin kung paano ako tumanaw sa buhay ulit,” he added.</p><p>The actor said the project played a pivotal role in reinforcing his personal faith further.</p><p>“Ito, ibang bigat. Abouth faith, about God naman, kaya ang sarap sa feeling na merong ganitong project for me,” de Leon explained. “Mas lumawak pa.”</p><p>De Leon admitted that transitioning between the two contrasting roles was challenging.</p><p> “Yes po, nahirapan. Mentally, physically, kahit na spiritually po. Sa totoo lang, ang hirap kasi ibang tao. At the same time, totoong tao si Fr. Rhoel at napakaimportante na hindi magkamali sa mga bagay-bagay, hindi lamang sa eksena sa paano gumalaw,” he explained, &quot;Kaya mabuting inaral talaga namin.&quot;</p><p>According to the actor, his preparations were thorough, and he was grateful for the research conducted by GreatCzar Media Productions to ensure the account closely mirrored the arduous and heartbreaking journey that Fr. Rhoel endured.</p><p>“Tinuruan ako kung paano magmisa, kung paano maging isang missionary, kung paano maging isang Fr. Rhoel,” he recalled.</p><p>“In Thy Name,” directed by Ceasar Soriano and Rommel Ruiz, will open in cinemas nationwide beginning March 5.</p><p>Joining de Leon are Mon Confiado, JC De Vera, and Aya Fernandez.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/2/6/mccoy-de-leon-gaganap-na-paring-martir-sa-in-thy-name-2115" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">McCoy de Leon gaganap na paring martir sa &#x27;In Thy Name&#x27;</a></div><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" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">McCoy de Leon on staying in &#x27;Batang Quiapo:&#x27; Hindi ko in-expect&#x27;</a></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/89jwsexvPUw?&amp;pp=ygUNTWNDb3kgZGUgTGVvbg%3D%3D&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p68ZQwGwVEk?&amp;pp=ygUNTWNDb3kgZGUgTGVvbg%3D%3D&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>From triggering the frustration and ire of audiences with his portrayal of David in 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo,' McCoy de Leon now hopes to strengthen and deepen the faith of moviegoers as he takes on the lead role of the martyred priest, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, in the film 'In Thy Name.'</p>

From triggering the frustration and ire of audiences with his portrayal of David in 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo,' McCoy de Leon now hopes to strengthen and deepen the faith of moviegoers as he takes on the lead role of the martyred priest, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, in the film 'In Thy Name.'