Sandy Andolong and Christopher de Leon during their renewal of vows in Halong Bay, Vietnam, last February (Image: Instagram/@sandy_andolong_de_leon)
Veteran actor Christopher “Boyet” de Leon marked his 63rd birthday on Thursday, Oct. 31. De Leon has been around in the industry for decades and made his film debut as the young Junior in National Artist for Film Lino Brocka’s classic “Tinimbang Ka ngunit Kulang” in 1974.
His wife, actress Sandy Andolong, was first to greet her beloved via social media. She called him “ahava,” which means love in Hebrew. Andolong and De Leon have been together for 39 years and renewed their vows last February in the scenic Halong Bay in Vietnam.
“Happiest birthday Ahava @sgt.pepper8,” said Andolong via Instagram on Oct. 31. “We love you to the infinity & beyond.”
Actress Lotlot de Leon, the actor’s adoptive daughter with Nora Aunor, also greeted him on his special day. Lotlot shared a heartwarming photo of her and De Leon doing their father-daughter dance in her wedding to longtime partner Fadi El Soury in December 2018.
“You have blessed me with your understanding, your laughter, your support, your faith, and your love! Thank you Dad, for always being available for us your children and your grandchildren!” said Lotlot. “I love you, we love you with all our hearts, Dad! Happy happy happyyyyyy birthday!!!!!”
Meanwhile, Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot’s daughter, shared a throwback photo of her and De Leon from her younger years. According to Gutierrez, De Leon told her not to call him “lolo” or grandfather, so she has resorted to calling him “oppa,” Korean for older brother.
“Happy birthday to _____ (I can’t call him the L word anymore because he made bilin so now it’s) — to the oppa of our family!!!!” Gutierrez said via Instagram Stories. “Wish you all the happiness in the world and we are all so lucky to have you and Nanay in our lives.”
Christopher de Leon and Janine Gutierrez (Image: Screengrab from Instagram Stories/@janinegutierrez)
Miss International Philippines 2017 Mariel de Leon, De Leon’s daughter with Andolong, also greeted him via Instagram Stories. Mariel joined modeling agency True Model Management in New York City last May and is currently in Brooklyn.
“Happy birthday Tatay! I love you sooo much!” she said. “I’ll see you soon!”
A throwback photo of Christopher de Leon (Image: Screengrab from Instagram Stories/@mariadeleonofficial)
Happy birthday, Christopher de Leon! /ra
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