Sandy Andolong (left) and Christopher de Leon
Christopher de Leon, who has portrayed over a hundred different characters since he began making films in the early ’70s, said he was thrilled to take on the role of a Muslim for the first time in “Across the Crescent Moon.”
Christopher, a devout Christian, said he has learned so much about the Islamic culture from playing Karim Misani in the action film by director Baby Nebrida.
It was also this project that gave Boyet the opportunity to visit Tawi-Tawi, a province both known for its breathtaking beauty and, sadly, for negative reports linked to armed conflict and insurgency.
“After reading the script several times, I was impressed. I actually begged for the role,” Christopher said of the script, written also by Nebrida. “We spent our first shooting day at a mosque, where we were taught how Muslims pray.”
Christopher said he and costar Matteo Guidicelli, who plays his son in the film, got to hang out with members of the Muslim community in Taguig.
“I asked them a lot of questions. While I also have Muslim friends, it was inspiring to mingle with the people there,” he recalled. “I learned that before entering the mosque, you have to go through ritualistic cleansing. Together, Matteo and I washed our faces, legs and feet. We then prayed with our knees bent and feet together, while we faced the East. I learned that Muslims do this five to six times a day.”
The actor added: “This made me reflect. While I also pray unceasingly, I realized that Muslims pray more than some Christians and Catholics. There are a lot of good Muslims.”
Christopher then recalled his experience going to Tawi-Tawi to shoot the film. “I had a military escort battalion when I was there,” the actor said. “We went to the beautiful Simunul Island. We visited the oldest mosque in the Philippines. I was told that it was built even before (Spanish colonizer Ferdinand) Magellan arrived.”
He was referring to the Sheik Karimol Makdum Mosque, which was built by an Arab trader in the year 1380.
Christopher rode a speed boat going to the island. “When I told the boat operator that we were going really fast, he said there were other boats that run three times faster—those that were used by pirates. That comment did not make me feel better at all,” he said, laughing.
He explained that some scenes needed to be shot to show that human trafficking, the main theme of the film, was happening on the island: “The situation was scary, but I had a great time there. People in Tawi-Tawi are nice and accommodating. It’s a beautiful place. I just wish that the insurgency problem there will finally be solved, so we can promote it as a tourist destination.”
“Across the Crescent Moon,” which will be shown in theaters nationwide starting Jan. 25, also features Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion and Christopher’s real-life wife Sandy Andolong.
“Casting is one of my major considerations before accepting a role. When I learned I’d be working with them, I agreed right away,” he said.
The veteran actor was also all praise for Matteo. “I remember him showing up on the set despite being really sick. He was actually shivering. I saw his dedication to his work. I imagined that if that happened to me, I would have asked to be sent home,” the veteran actor said.
Christopher said Matteo also worked hard to master his lines in Tausug, “while I tried my best not to stammer. I saw that he was serious about this project. I get my inspiration from actors like him.”