Boyet stays strong for sick son

MANILA, Philippines - Christopher “Boyet” de Leon is not one to wallow in sadness despite the distressing health condition of his and wife Sandy Andolong’s son Miguel at the moment. Miguel was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The support of many people, through their fervent prayers, is enough to make him stronger in these tough times.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank ABS(-CBN), the Dreamscape staff and Deo (Endrinal) for allowing me to leave for the US because we were already taping when I learned that my son collapsed and he was in the ICU, “ Christopher told The STAR and other members of the press after the presscon for the Book 2 of ABS-CBN’s primetime soap Ikaw Lamang, where he portrays the older version of Franco Hidalgo, Jake Cuenca’s role in the series’ initial outing. “I asked them if they could give me at least a week to check on my son and then they told me to go right away. I am also thanking all the people who have prayed and continue to pray for my son’s fast recovery.”

According to the actor, Miguel is still in the ICU of the California Pacific Medical Hospital with tubes and respirator attached to him. But there is nothing to be alarmed about, he assured, “Definitely, he will get better because this is curable and the doctors are doing their job round the clock.” He even cited famous cyclist Lance Armstrong who had fully recovered from the same illness.

Christopher furthered that his son’s testicular germ cell tumor “was inborn.” Miguel already had an operation when he was five years old. “We saw in the X-ray result na napunta na sa lungs so that’s what they’re trying to eradicate now. Miguel already underwent chemotherapy for five days and then they had to stop. What he needs now is the Cat (Computerized axial tomography) Scan, to define accurately kung ano na. The next step would be radiation.”

It was only last Monday morning when Christopher flew back to the country. “It’s very difficult to leave but I have a commitment to do.”

His being professional reflected when he revealed that he headed straight to the set of Ikaw Lamang to tape his scenes that were also aired last Monday evening. “It’s an honor to be part of the show. I am playing Franco which was Jake’s role nung first chapter. I’ve seen Jake’s acting as Franco; he was so intense and true to the character because he would dress up like kung anong era yung una. I don’t know how am I going to continue the intensity of the character pati yung nuances ni Jake noon dapat meron din ako. I was impressed with his performance.”

Work, admitted Christopher, has also become a source of strength as it keeps his mind focused only on the positive side of life. “I know that in God’s time, everything will be okay. Nakakatuwa nga when Miguel looks for someone, he just writes initials like W for his wife (Julie), Na for Nanay because that’s how he calls Sandy and the nurses would ask, ‘What’s Nanay?’ They don’t know that it means mother.”

Asked if the family bond has become closer, Christopher answered, “No doubt about it. Sandy is still in the US monitoring Miguel and she reports to me whatever progress. My son, Rafael, who lives in New Zealand is also in the US to take care of his brother. Also, my sister Pinky (de Leon) who immediately headed to San Francisco from L.A. on the day when my son collapsed and until now andun s’ya.”

Christopher expressed hope to go back to the US as soon as they get to tape several episodes “to set up the house to make it easier for Miguel to completely recover after he leaves the hospital.”