In the past five decades that he’s been in the entertainment industry, Christopher de Leon has gone to become one of the most prolific, multi-awarded, and revered actors in the country. Ever since his acting career kicked off in the early 70’s, he has already starred in innumerable movies and television shows, through which he’s able to showcase his flair and versatility as an actor.

And we’re going to see his award-winning acting prowess anew this 2023 as he stars in the much-awaited action-drama series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, which is set to premiere on February 13. But before we meet his newest character and find out if we’re going to hate him as an enemy or love him as an ally, let’s look back first on some of his remarkable appearances in ABS-CBN programs through this Kapamilya Spotlight feature.

Christopher’s first TV stint was in the 80’s sketch comedy and variety show Goin’ Bananas, which was succeeded by the 90’s weekly anthology Star Drama Presents. After years of working in other networks, he returned to ABS-CBN in 2006 to take on the role of Don Fidel Madrigal in Maging Sino Ka Man and in its second book Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik.

He was then cast in Pangarap Na Bituin (2007) as the doting father Carlo Gomez, in Kahit Isang Saglit (2008) as the lead antagonist Dir. Gen. Anthony Mondragon, in May Bukas Pa (2009) as the loving husband Lito Azarcon, and in Lovers In Paris (2009) as the wicked father George Aranaz.

In 2010, the veteran actor had his first-ever Maalaala Mo Kaya appearance via the “Gitara” episode as a choir leader named Buloy. It was succeeded by his guest appearance in 100 Days To Heaven in 2011 as Ronaldo, who yearns to win his son back with the help of Anna (Xyriel Manabat) and Sophia (Jodi Sta. Maria).

The following year, Christopher had special participations in Dahil Sa Pag-ibig as Leo Valderama and in Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo as Manny Raymundo. He also had a brief stint in the 2013 series Muling Buksan Ang Puso as the kontrabida Anton Silvestre.

He went on to astound us with the roles he played in the 2014 teleseryes The Legal Wife and Ikaw Lamang.He portrayed Javier, the loving father of Angel Locsin, in the former, while Franco Hidalgo, the doting dad of KC Concepcion, in the Book 2 of the latter.

The veteran actor also became part of the long-running action drama series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano as he had a brief stint in its inaugural season in 2016 as Michael Alonzo, the leader of a gun-smuggling syndicate who Cardo (Coco Martin) was able to kill during the intense encounter between his group and the authorities.

Avid viewers of the 2018 daytime drama Sana Dalawa Ang Puso surely detested his character Juancho Laureano as he meddled in the romance of his daughter Lisa (Jodi Sta. Maria) with her beau Leo (Robin Padilla). It was also that year when he appeared for the second time in MMK as he depicted the life story of former Senator Edgardo Angara in the “Family Portrait” episode.

In Love Thy Woman, he portrayed Adam Wong, the patriarch who found himself among his three warring families. The following year, he made a special appearance in the inspirational series Huwag Kang Mangamba, wherein he played an undercover agent named Elias who saved Mira (Andrea Brillantes) from the human trafficking syndicate that abducted her.

And this year, we’re going to see Christopher back in primetime as he gets cast in the highly anticipated series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo! Let’s all find out what will be the connection of his character with Coco Martin’s Tanggol by not missing an episode once it begins on February 13.