Kim De Leon grateful to be part of ‘Asawa Ng Asawa Ko’ extended run

Sparkle GMA artist Kim De Leon is described by the talent agency’s website as “a triple threat.” That’s why he has been gracing or making the rounds of comedy, drama, talent and variety shows.

In the GMA Prime series “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko,” he lends his talent to its ensemble cast as Kuwago, the agile and fighter spotter of the armed group Kalasag.

His character has decided to leave the small community life and consider urban existence. The latter promises him a change of environment away from days of action and violence.

“I think we can all relate when it comes to change. I believe change is inevitable,” Kim gave his two cents’ worth on the character’s chosen path in a recent group interview for “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko.”

“Si Kuwago hindi na niya nararanasan ngayon ang ma-aksyon na buhay (he is no longer experiencing an action-filled life), konti-konti na lang.”

The character lives with the family of former Kalasag leader Leon, played by Joem Bascon.

“Maganda nga yung change, para sa akin (for me, change is good),” shared he, adding that there’s a purpose behind it, such as “to improve oneself, you need to change (to better one’s standing in life).”

Kim can relate, in a way, to this milestone in his character. His life as an artist now is different from what it was years ago. He was just a kid then and never had any inkling of joining show business. Life had other plans for him and the door of opportunity just opened for him.

“Maraming changes actually… hindi naman lahat masama,” said he.

His role makes him be around seasoned actors like Joem Bascon.

“Kasama ko lagi sa standby area, sa set si Joem Bascon (I’m always with him in the standby area and on set),” said Kim. “Sobrang naging close na kami (we’ve bonded and grown closer as co-actors). At first, of course, in the first few days of taping, di pa masyadong mag-ka-close (we were not that close yet). We were just quiet in the tent… tapos nung nagtagal na, eh, kami din lang naman ang magkakasama, naging sobrang close na kami. Nagkukulitan na lang kami (We’re joking and goofing around).”

What pieces of acting advice Kim would ask his Kuya Joem, the young star said, “Di masyadong nagbibigay ng advice yan kasi sasabihin niya ‘Magaling ka naman. Alam mo na yan.’ (He doesn’t give much advice, but tells me, ‘You’re good at it. You know (what to do).”

However, watching Joem work and portray his role is a form of advice and learning for Kim.

“Para sa akin, sa pamamagitan ng ‘pag nakikita ko siyang umaarte, yung performance niya, dun ako nakakakuha ng pinaka-advice niya sa akin,” said he. “As a brother (in this profession), he’s very sweet, sobrang kulit.”

So, it’s safe to say that Kim’s work experience with Joem is fun and light. The actor can also guide artists like Kim, who work for the first time under the tutelage of director Laurice Guillen, because Joem has collaborated with her before.

“When we feel a bit nervous on set, he just encourages us. He tells us, ‘This is how it goes. You just do this, and that is what she (the director) wants,’” said he.

Given the viewers’ engagement with the show, the “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” run has recently been extended. Thus, new stories have been explored and Hannah, the former lover of Leon and used-to-be member of Kalasag, has joined the TV series.

Kim is thankful for it, and his character remains part of the story.

“Lahat kami nagulat na sobrang minamahal ng tao yung storya at kahit ako rin, na hook na rin ako (We’re all surprised that a lot of people are loving the story, and even I, myself, have also gotten hooked on it),” concluded he.

(Please watch ‘Asawa Ng Asawa Ko’ Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime.)