"He’s my all-time favorite (local) actor," said Christopher, "my favorite hero, my idol. Besides being a good actor, he knew what the public wanted; kuhang-kuha nya ang pulso ng masa. It’s a pity that I did only one movie with him, Aguila (directed by Eddie Romero)."
Now you know why in Christopher’s acting style, there may be some traces of FPJ – or of Robert De Niro, his favorite foreign actor.
Watch Christopher closely in his latest movie, Unitel Pictures’ comedy-thriller Nasaan si Francis? where he plays a big-time drug dealer, and you’ll see how. Described as "an indie film with a mainstream budget and exposure," Francis is based on the Ilonggo play Diin na si Francis? which has been improvised by the 2003 Being Batch of the Negros Summer Workshops and scripted by Gabriel Fernandez who’s also making his directorial debut. Shot in Bacolod and Manila, Francis also stars, among others, Jeffrey Quizon, Paolo Contis, musician Karl Roy and Rivermaya vocalist Rico Blanco.
Pushing 49, Christopher has survived all kinds of trials especially in his personal life, including drug addiction which he overcame by turning to God, helped along by his ever-devoted and ever-patient wife Sandy Andolong (with whom he has five children).
And having won all the awards there are to win and played all the roles in the movie book, what else does Christopher aim for as an actor?
"I want to play a shell-shocked soldier, something similar to the characters in Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypse Now and Platoon," said Christopher who’s co-producing (along with Jeffrey Quizon) Francis. "It’s my dream role."
Incidentally, Christopher has just recently released his first solo album (from Viva Records), composed of movie theme songs, which reveals yet another talent of his.
Meanwhile, here are Christopher’s other favorites:
• Actresses – Sandy Andolong (his wife), Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta. "Among foreign actresses, I used to admire Meryll Streep. But now, Charlize Theron. Ang ganda!"
• Movies (of other Actors) – Panday (the original, starring FPJ). "I’m fond of ‘hero’ characters." And Taxi Driver. "Siempre, DeNiro ‘yan, eh! Travis, the character DeNiro plays, is close to my heart. You know, ‘yung may angst, may galit sa puso."
• Movies (His own) – Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (by Lino Brocka); Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (by Eddie Romero); and Pangarap Ko’y Ibigin Ka (with Regine Velasquez).
• Singer(s) – Sharon Cuneta and Sting.
• Song – Sisikat Din Ako (an old song of his, included in his album). "But the song in the album that really touches me is Iduyan Mo because it reminds me of my mom (Lilia Dizon) and my late dad (Gil de Leon). I always dedicate that song to my mom. It also reminds me of FPJ."
• Author –Jordan Rubin, author of The Maker’s Diet (which he’s now reading).
• Book(s) – The Bible and Man of Steel and Velvet (by Aubrey Andelin)
• Flower – Chrysanthemum.
• City – New York. "It has everything!"
• Food – Chicken and beef.
• Perfume – Reaction (by Kenneth Cole). "The fragrance is light and refreshing."
• Hero – FPJ. "The one and only."
• Part of the house – The bathroom. "We have one in our bedroom. The bathroom is where I can really be alone. That’s where I can vocalize...read my script and memorize my lines."
• Time of day – Nighttime. "I’ve never been a morning person. I’m more productive at night. If they schedule my shoot in the morning, I feel sluggish. I’m more alive at night."
• Day of the week – Sunday. "Actually, every day is important to me. But Sunday is more relaxed."
• Komiks Character – Green Lantern (from D.C. Comics). "He carries a lantern and he says, ‘In the darkest day, in the brightest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power, Green Lantern’s light’."
• Possession – "My family, definitely!"
• Color – Dark blue. "I look at the sky often, reaching for God. I also look inside myself to be reassured of God’s presence."
• Part of his body – His feet. "They say my feet look good."
• Drink – Water.
• TV Show – "If I have the time, I watch the newscast, Jay Leno’s show and American Idol."
• Section of the newspaper – "I first read the gospel (in The STAR) and then I turn to the entertainment section and the world news before I check out the front page."
• Expression(s) – Anak ng pating! Anak ng putik! Anak ng tinapa! "Ever since I was touched by God, I have stopped cursing. So I replace the ‘bad’ words with pating, putik or tinapa."