COVID-19 survivor Christopher de Leon still cautious even after getting vaccinated

Christopher de Leon

Although he has already been vaccinated, Christopher de Leon, who contracted COVID-19 in March last year, still isn’t taking any chances and continues to strictly observe safety practices.

“You have to be careful even after getting vaccinated. You can still get infected they say, but it wouldn’t be as severe. Regardless, stay cautious, because you can get other people sick. You have to be wary and mindful of the people around you,” he stressed in a recent virtual conference for “The Lookout,” the latest installment of the GMA 7 drama anthology “I Can See You.”

That’s why the 64-year-old artist is grateful for the production protocols in place in taping bubbles, which give him some peace of mind at work. He also feels blessed to be doing what he loves most, despite his health scare and all other challenges that came with the pandemic.

“I thank God for all these opportunities, that I get to be part of this team. I had already experienced a locked-in taping. But I’m more prepared this time around. I know what to bring, I know what to do. And when I arrive on the set, I already know what the process is. I really enjoy it,” he told the Inquirer.

Inspiration

Curiously, Christopher, who’s fondly called Boyet in show biz circles, played a doctor in the said suspense-drama series, which can also be seen on GMA 7’s official YouTube page. Asked if he drew inspiration from the medical front-liners he encountered in his battle with COVID-19, the acclaimed actor said:

“I was given the opportunity to thank all the doctors and nurses who have been taking good care of us. We really have to thank them. Through our prayers and God’s protection, I hope we survive all these trials.”

“The Lookout” marks the start of GMA 7’s string of coming projects for Christopher, who was last seen in the ABS-CBN drama series “Love Thy Woman.”

Passion for the craft

“I’m preparing for a teleserye and I was actually just reading the script. I’m very excited. Thank God,” Christopher said. “We’re also preparing for an important project, also to be shown on GMA 7. It’s a story about Job, from the Bible. I’m excited about that, too.”

While he has been in the entertainment industry for 47 years now, the passion for his craft still burns, Christopher said, thanks in part to the younger generation of actors, directors and creatives he collaborates with.

“I get my energy from them. They’re very inspiring. They’re all professionals who can easily switch into their characters during takes, and then go back to their fun selves after. I love their enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s always so exciting to work when you have new material and work with new people in a new environment. Enjoy!”

Another thing he loves about the current taping setup is the more streamlined working schedule, which allows him to dedicate more time to research and character study. And all the meetings that used to be done in person can now be done through chat.

“The good thing is that we get the material early. We get to study it carefully … We’re able to give suggestions that could enhance characterization. You have to know your lines the moment they call you because time is of the essence now,” he related. “Back then, there were times when you would get the material the day before the shoot. That’s crazy! You don’t have time to digest.”

And this has always been Christopher’s mind-set and approach to acting since he started. “I always say that I’m not good—I’m only good when I’m prepared,” he said. INQ