Leandro Muñoz in pursuit of bigger dreams

People dream and create their destiny. But Leandro Muñoz neither dreams nor drops a coin in a wishing well to become what he is today– a fine, young actor.

Lady Luck first knocked on the 24-year-old actor’s door when he accompanied his younger brother Carlo Muñoz (Billy in the PLDT commercial), to get a paycheck in an advertising agency.

"When Carlo’s agent saw me, he asked if I could a have VTR for their file. I first refused. I was too shy. But eventually I gave in after a lot of prodding," Leandro says. "A week later, the agent called and said that I was chosen to do a Close-Up commercial.

The toothpaste commercial was followed by another (Jack ’n Jill Chippy) until ABS-CBN Talent Center offered Leandro to be a member of Star Circle Batch 8 with, among others, Mico Palanca and Janette McBride.

Leandro junked his initial plan to limit himself to commercials.

"Opportunity knocks only once. When I became a Star Circler, I decided to take acting seriously," says Leandro, who is a nephew of Tita Muñoz (older sister of Leandro’s dad).

Lee, as he is fondly called by friends, made waves as one of Claudine Barretto’s leading men in the teleseries Saan Ka Man Naroroon. He also had a short stint on Tabing-Ilog and was a regular of Your Honor.

He has guested on other shows of ABS-CBN and GMA.

His first crack at the big screen was in the blockbuster movie Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko with no less than Fernando Poe Jr. and Judy Ann Santos as topbillers. It was followed by the box office hit Anak with Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto. Then Leandro was pitted with Piolo Pascual and Judy Ann Santos in the top-grosser Kahit Isang Saglit.

A Best New Male Personality award in the 1999 PMPC Star Awards proved that Leandro has got what it takes to be an actor in every sense of the word.

"I’m thankful that they recognized my acting ability. I am now more determined in harnessing my talent," states Leandro.

Leandro considers drama and he hopes to be like his idols Christopher de Leon and Albert Martinez.

"I want to try kontrabida roles," he says. "Bagay ba?"

Asked about the observations that he has been overshadowed by Carlo who portrayed the role of young Armando Goyena in the 2001 Metro Filmfest Best Picture Yamashita, The Tiger’s Treasure, Leandro answers, "Actually, there’s no competition between us. I’m happy with what’s happening to his career now. It’s just okay if he would be more successful than I am."

A Business Management (major in Entrepreneurship) graduate from San Beda College, Leandro plans to put to use what he has learned in school when his star loses its shine.

Leandro, together with Carlo and friends, have invested in Wherehouse, a bar located on Scout Torillo, Quezon City. Another business venture (a mushroom burger) is already in the planning stage.

When not busy with movies, he does out-of-town shows. Recently, he went to Japan for a singing engagement with Aiza Seguerra. Yes, he can sing!

During his spare time, Leandro just stays at home watching movies and listening to music.

"I’m fond of watching movies so I did my room in a way that it looks like a theater," he explains.

People mistake him for being suplado. "They think I’m suplado because during social events, I just stay in one area. I’m not the type kasi who would hop from one table to another. I’m the quiet type. But once you know me naman I’m kalog din."

Leandro will be seen again in Star Cinema’s Kung Ikaw ay Isang Panaginip (directed by Wenn Deramas) with Jolina Magdangal and Rafael Rosell IV. It is his first time to be paired with Jolina in the movie. What can he say about her?

"She’s a jolly person. Working with her was truly enjoyable. She knows how to deal with people and I really admire her for that."

Does he feel something for her while shooting the movie?

"Well, I felt that we’re compatible. She’s a sweet person, an ideal girl but I still prefer to be committed to a non-showbiz girl. That way, our schedules would not clash," he says, adding that Jolina is as busy as a bee.

Leandro considers his dance sequence in Panaginip a "milestone."

"The scene is some kind of a showdown between Rafael and me. It’s my first time to dance in a movie," he relates.

Asked what his greatest dream is, Leandro replies, "My dream is to have a big restaurant."