"In the old days, wherever I would be people would just gaze and stare without saying a word," says the actor who was introduced in the now classic film Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang. "It would be a somewhat uncomfortable situation. Today, they smile and usually greet me with ‘Mr. Millionaire, Good Morning’ or even perhaps, ‘Hoy, final answer.’ They have really loosened up and that’s all because of television. And I have Who Wants to be a Millionarie to thank for."
He is the host of the original game show on television – a new entertainment medium he has successfully mastered after 27 years in the movie industry where he starred in over a hundred films and won 23 major awards.
He has likewise done a number of theater plays in the country and gone on concert tours and personal appearances before the members of the Filipino community in the various capital cities around the world.
"Did you know that together with my barkada we participate in basketball exhibition games and do small lounge acts abroad," says the entertainer.
Married to Sandy Andolong with whom he has five children (he and former wife Nora Aunor have two more), Christopher admits he is a homebody, adores his time with the family and confesses he takes them whenever he can, wherever he goes.
The entire family is looking forward to a holiday in California come summer to attend the high school graduation of their eldest son Rafael with a series of side trips to the amusement parks on the American west coast.
"Other travel plans for the year 2002 include an elephant ride in Thailand and scuba diving in Palau," claims Christopher, a workout freak who regularly plays tennis and basketball.
Last weekend I spent a leisurely afternoon with Mr. Millionaire himself and here are his final answers:
Philippine STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?
Christopher De Leon: It was 1975 and my then wife Nora Aunor was busy filming Lollipops and Roses with Cocoy Laurel in San Francisco. I followed because I really wanted to surprise her. And I did!
What won’t you leave home without?
A wooden rosary which I got during a visit to Medjugore and a Bible which was a gift from a friend who resides in New Jersey. These are my ammunition. They have never failed me.
How do you pass time at airports?
I need to loosen up before a flight. I usually have something to eat and enjoy a couple of beers. For the last few years, I have learned to appreciate wine. So glasses of wine have replaced bottles and cans of beer.
Name your favorite city abroad.
San Francisco. The weather, the lifestyle, the people – I like everything about the city. But I must admit I am beginning to like New York more and more with each visit.
What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel?
I leave my bags and without wasting any time, I start my journey of discovery on what the place has to offer. I go on and on till I get myself really tired and ready for the night’s rest. And I will be more than just all right for the rest of the trip.
What would you consider a must-do-activity in every foreign city that you visit?
Shop! I know it is a simple activity and yet it is not so easy to do back home for obvious reasons. I am not complaining for I understand it comes with the territory, as the saying goes. I also visit as many sights and attractions as I possibly can.
What is your favorite spot in the Philippines?
I like the south side of Metro Manila – the area from Parañaque to Alabang. This is where my sister and brother reside and this is also where my good friends live. Everything that has to do with my day-to-day life – from playing tennis to watching films – I do it here. In short, this is my world. Should I have to go out of my sphere, then my choice would be Cebu. I just love the island.
What do you miss most when you’re away from home?
Our kids. In order not to miss them too much, we usually bring along one of them – on a rotation basis, that is – to accompany us whenever we leave the country. Believe or not, it works wonders for all.
What is the best travel advice you were given?
Pack your bags yourself and whenever possible keep an eye on your luggage to avoid any surprises that can ruin a holiday. Check, double check, triple check all your travel documents and don’t get rid of any piece of paper. You may just need it one day during the vacation. Lastly, gather all documents, tickets and passports and put them together in a pouch exclusively just for this purpose.
Describe your most memorable trip.
Together with my wife, who was pregnant at the time and my mom, we went on a pilgrimage that took us to Rome, the Vatican, Lourdes, Medjugore and Israel where we crisscrossed the country north to south and east to west. I even renewed my baptismal vows on the River Jordan. It was a trip of a lifetime – I will never ever forget it. Never!
What is the strangest thing you have done in a trip?
Well, I must say during the days of my youth, my barkada, the Bad Bananas and I went on an extended holiday all over America and Canada. It was wild! We did some foolish and crazy stuff that would be better left unsaid. Censored! But you must remember we were young and foolish then.
Let’s talk favorites now. What’s your favorite meal and the drink you often order?
Any Japanese food and Chilean red wine.
Favorite restaurant?
The chain of Jojoen Restaurants in Japan that specializes in Yakiniku. I enjoy the different sauces and pickles.
Favorite hotel/resort?
The Hyatt Regency Hotel on the island of Maui and the Maribago Bluewater Resort on the island of Mactan. I look forward to staying in more of the small and old pensiones of Italy. I also have fond memories of my stay at a kibbutz in Israel.
Favorite building?
The malls in America (laughs).
Favorite musicale?
The Phantom of the Opera.
Favorite store?
The likes of Nordstrom Rack and Rose (Dress) For Less. It’s cheap na, may discount pa. All one needs is lots of patience for one has to search and search some more. Before long, be pleasantly surprised by what one can find – a jackpot. Several Filipinas work in such establishments and they make shopping a great pleasure.
Name a movie you could see over and over again.
Aliens and The Predator – both classic sci-fi films.
Name a book you would recommend others to read.
Without a doubt – the Bible. That’s the book to read. For more inspirational reading another book comes to mind, Men of Steel and Velvet.
What would I find on top of your working table?
My notes and my scripts. And a Bible. Strangely enough this is where you will find my vitamins.
What would I find on top of your nighttable?
Another Bible. Books – that I am currently reading – usually a biography or one on filmmaking.
What would I find under your bed?
Absolutely nothing.
What are you addicted to?
Right now, eating (laughs). I am constantly hungry and I find myself eating every two hours. Can you beat that? That is why I have to work out regularly and most seriously. Whenever I am on a trip, I look for a gym. And if unsuccessful, I do my exercises, which include push-ups and sit-ups. My workout is a must!
Let’s hear your top three choices. Three geniuses.
The young Ferdinand Marcos, the present Pope and Lino Brocka together with Ishmael Bernal.
Three sounds that distract you most.
Noisy, obnoxious people, fingers scratching the blackboard and loud sounds from motorcycles.
Name three things you would never do.
They say never say never but if I must, these are my choices. Never abandon my family. Never get involved with a married woman. Never go to Afghanistan.
If granted a chance, who among the actors and actresses would you like to work with?
Robert DeNiro of course. He is the best actor in the world. Meryl Streep – ang galing and her potrayals are pinong-pino. Watching her is an enriching experience.
Name some movie stars that you have met.
Harrison Ford on Fifth Avenue in New York. When I realized he was in front of me, I literally just froze. All I could say was "Good evening, Sir. I am a great fan of yours." Nothing else came out from my mouth. And that’s the truth. Another one is Robert Duvall whom I sat beside during the awards night of the Manila Film Festival. Here was a man who looks stern and has mastered playing the "serious role" in so many Hollywood films. And yet he was warm and friendly mimicking the cadets that paraded infront of us without getting up from his seat. He was so childlike contrary to earlier perceptions.
What do you most enjoy doing on a Sunday?
I hang around the house with my wife Sandy and all the kids. I am really a homebody and I adore my family. Sunday Mass is a priority. It is not to be missed. We usually catch a movie complete with our favorite flavored popcorn. Oh yes, I work out. As you see, I do it every day.
Who is your ideal travel companion?
My wife Sandy. I truly have a wonderful time – great fun – just being with her. We share the same interests. And as a bonus, she takes care of all the travel documents.
Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to be a part of.
To be nominated and naturally attend the night of the awarding of the Oscars. We can dream – can’t we?
Name three traits you look for in a friend.
Honesty, a good sense of humor and adventurous.
What are your pasalubongs – inbound and outbound?
Inbound – a balikbayan box of clothes and toys for the kids.
Outbound – gourmet tuyo and special cheese made by a suki.
What is the worst souvenir you have ever brought back from a trip?
We are always showered with souvenirs of all sorts from acquiantances abroad. Though we appreciate such gestures, we really don’t know what to do with such a collection. But somehow back home we manage to pass it on to others that have a need or liking for it. So there you are a complete cycle that makes everyone involved happy.
If you could enforce one law to the fullest, what would it be?
A law that has to do with the justice system of our country. A lot has to be done. It is one of the main reasons for the existence of our many problems today.
Let’s fill in the blanks. Where in the world...only in the Philippines.
Where in the world can anyone – absolutely anyone – accuse someone of a crime without all the necessary evidence and yet the public be easily swayed in accepting such accusations? Where in the world will you see pedestrians crossing the busy street on the very spot where a sign says "Bawal Tumawid"? Only in the Philippines.
"When I am happy, I..."
Work out.
"When I am sad, I..."
Stay in the bedroom, watch television and worry a lot.
"If I had more time I would..."
Master the Bible, learn Spanish and travel.
Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you would do upon returning home?
Together with the kids, Sandy and I open the balikbayan box which contains their pasalubongs. It gives me great joy in seeing their faces light up.
Name cities you have never visited but would like to someday.
Moscow and Beijing.
Name a country you wish to explore.
China and Alaska. I realize Alaska is a state but I wish to explore its territory.
What would you say is the best part of travel?
Being with family, seeing the sights, sharing an educational and learning experience and having a great time.
What would you say is the worst part of travel?
The tedious job of packing and unpacking and my role as the exclusive cargador of all the luggage that seems to multiply with each passing day.
If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines, where would it be?
San Francisco and maybe perhaps Vancouver.