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McCoy de Leon talks about first lead movie role as martyr priest

McCoy de Leon talks about first lead movie role as martyr priest

Kapamilya actor McCoy de Leon stars in the movie “In Thy Name” - a film inspired by the true events in the life of Father Rhoel Gallardo who was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan.

🕒 3/4/2025, 5:28:25 PM319 wordsEN
MJ Felipe

MJ Felipe

MJ Felipe is a veteran multimedia journalist for ABS-CBN News with 20 years of experience in entertainment and lifestyle. Known for his interviews with top local and Hollywood stars, he’s also a seasoned producer, writer, and event host.

#McCoy De Leon#In Thy Name#movie#ABSNews

MANILA — Kapamilya actor McCoy de Leon stars in the movie “In Thy Name” - a film inspired by the true events in the life of Father Rhoel Gallardo who was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan.

McCoy and his co-stars graced the special advance screening of the movie - JC de Vera, Mon Confiado, Aya Fernandez, Gold Aceron, Yves Flores and more
“Sana makapagbigay siya ng inspirasyon sa lahat” says McCoy who admitted that playing this role was tough. Simply because he was juggling his shoot for the movie with his stint in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” where he plays the villain step-brother David.  

“Una kasi it is based on true events, kailangan ang mga detalye konektado sa mga totoong nangyari. Pangalawa, isa siyang priest. Malaking bagay para sa amin na maihatid ang pelikula nang maayos.”

JC plays the role of Khadaffy Janjalani, the brother of the leader of the ASG. De Vera said, this role was exceptionally challenging for him. “First time to portray a kontrabida, and it felt good. There’s so much commitment and focus throughout the shoot, right now I’m just excited to see the outcome.”

According to Ceasar Soriano, the film’s director, they meticulously studied the scenes and to give justice to the story of Father Rhoel. And Mccoy shared, “Meron parang pwersa na gusto naming ituloy ito at maging enggrande, hindi lang maliit na bagay, hindi lang simpleng pelikula. Nangangarap kami na magiging icon na film (ito) na tatatak sa mga Pilipino, kasi alam nating si Father Rhoel ay nilalakad para ma-beatify bilang santo.

He added, “Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na sinasabi nila na ako ang magiging mukha nun. Kaya ibinigay ko ang buong puso ko, kaluluwa ko sa pelikulang ito para maihatid lang ang tamang mensahe at hindi ko masabi na sana magustuhan niyo, sana tumatak sa inyo at kahit papaano ay matouch ang faith ninyo.”

“In Thy Name” hits cinemas nationwide starting March 5.

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