Keempee de Leon

Last updated

Keempee de Leon
Born
Joseph Joachim Tugas de Leon

(1973-01-08) January 8, 1973 (age 51)
NationalityFilipino
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, television host
Years active1988–present
Agent(s) Viva Artists Agency (1989, 1992–1997)
Regal Films (1990–1992)
APT Entertainment
Height1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Parent(s) Joey de Leon (father)
Daria Ramirez (mother)
RelativesIan De Leon (cousin)
Angelu De Leon (cousin)
Joseph De Leon (cousin)
Blue De Leon (cousin)
Katrina De Leon (cousin)

Joseph Joachim Tugas de Leon (born January 8, 1973), better known as Keempee de Leon, is a Filipino actor, [1] comedian, singer, songwriter and TV host. He is the son of Joey de Leon and Daria Ramirez.

Contents

Career

He started his career in the entertainment industry in 1988 via the Viva Films film I Love You 3x a Day , where he was paired with Gelli de Belen and worked with soon-to-be-co-host of Eat Bulaga! , Jimmy Santos. Soon after, he became a regular fixture in three TV shows: Eat Bulaga! , That's Entertainment and Agila .

In April 1989, he signed his first recording contract with OctoArts International (now PolyEast Records). [2]

In 1990, he was a subject of a tug-of-war between Regal Films and Viva Films when Regal got Keempee to appear as lead role in the romantic comedy movie Romeo Loves Juliet opposite Aiko Melendez. In the end, Keempee chose to remain with Viva Films and signed a contract. In 1992, he was launched as a junior action star via the movie Jesus dela Cruz at ang mga Batang Riles with Ana Roces as his leading lady. The action film was a mild success and it was followed up with Blue Jeans Gang with Dennis Padilla and Leah Orosa as co-stars. However, unlike Batang Riles, Blue Jeans Gang was a flop at the box-office.

De Leon openly admitted to the public in 1993 that he became a victim of drug abuse and as a result, he underwent rehabilitation at New Beginnings in Sucat, Parañaque. Despite this however, he managed to finish two big movies before he went on sabbatical. The two big movies were: Viva's Sana'y Ikaw na Nga with Christopher de Leon and Vina Morales, and Alyas Batman en Robin with dad Joey de Leon. After his rehabilitation, he became a member of Victory Christian Fellowship while resuming his stalled showbiz career in 1994.

He had his biggest break on TV by playing a leading role in GMA's Villa Quintana with Donna Cruz as his leading lady. He is a former VIVA contract star along with other members of That's Entertainment with Donna Cruz, Jessa Zaragosa, Vina Morales and others. He became Best Drama Actor for Villa Quintana in Star Awards for television. He was also a co-host in GMA Supershow from 1995 to 1997 and a gag performer in IBC 13's Goin' Bayabas, a remake of the '80s gag show Goin' Bananas in 1998.

In 2002, after he graduated and finished his studies at college, he returned to the small screen via ABS-CBN's Klasmeyts and Recuerdo de Amor , but in 2004, he returned to GMA Network where he was signed up to portray the gay Harold in Bahay Mo Ba 'To?. In the sitcom he was paired with Francine Prieto. Their tandem became a hit and he continued playing gay roles in the reality sitcom Kung Ako Ikaw and in films.

In 2008, De Leon returned to primetime via LaLola which stars Rhian Ramos and JC de Vera. He also returned to comedy film for his comeback movie, Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After, an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, together with Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and his father, Joey De Leon. After LaLola, he plays Paul in the Philippine remake of Korean drama All About Eve . The following year, he became part of another Korean remake drama Full House which stars Heart Evangelista and Richard Gutierrez. Keempee co-hosts a singing competition Are You The Next Big Star? where he works with famous singer, Regine Velasquez.

In 2013, he appeared in the TV series My Husband's Lover where he portrayed Zandro Soriano. Netizens laud Keempee for Zandro role in My Husband's Lover . In the series, Zandro is the cross dresser cousin of Vincent Tom Rodriguez, who is a closet bisexual at this point in the story. Zandro's and Vincent's dads are both "allergic" to having gay members in the family but Vincent's father, Gen. Armando Soriano, a retired general, is more vocal – and violent – with regard to the issue. [3]

In March 2016, he was expelled from Eat Bulaga! after 14 years of hosting. However, he stayed with GMA Network from 2015 to 2018 as he appeared on the network's different soap operas. His most notable latest works were Little Nanay , where he got to work for the first time with the Superstar Nora Aunor; and Meant to Be where he worked for the first time with former That's Entertainment cast members, most notably Manilyn Reynes and Janno Gibbs.

In 2018, he transferred back to ABS-CBN where he reunited with erstwhile girlfriend Cristine Reyes in the drama Nang Ngumiti ang Langit in 2019. In 2020, De Leon became part of the drama series, Bagong Umaga with co stars former PBB housemates Heaven Peralejo and Barbie Imperial.

Keempee's hairstyle

Keempee de Leon sported a curtain haircut back in the 90s that was imitated by young men at the time. Named after him, Keempee, is parted in the middle of the head and long bangs reach as far as the ears. Up until today, Keempee, the hairstyle, is considered a trademark of the era.[ citation needed ]

Personal life

De Leon has a child named Samantha with his former girlfriend. His past relationships were Manilyn Reynes, Carmina Villarroel, Vina Morales, Ara Mina, Jessa Zaragoza, Bernadette Allyson, Angelika Dela Cruz and Pauleen Luna. In an interview, De Leon reveals that Ina Raymundo and G. Toengi were his ex-girlfriends also.

De Leon is a part owner of two restaurants, Locavore and Kermit Manila. Locavore is located in Bonifacio Global City while Kermit Manila is in Poblacion, Makati.

Discography

TitleAlbum details
Keempee de Leon
  • Released: 1991
  • Label: OctoArts Records
Better Believe It
  • Released: 1996
  • Label: OctoArts Records
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download
TitleAlbum details
OctoArts All Stars – Pasko Para Sa Lahat
  • Released: 1990
  • Label: OctoArts Records
Voices
Homegroan
Awit Mula sa Puso

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1985Mama Said, Papa Said I Love YouHimself
1988 I Love You 3x a Day Tomas Cruz
1989Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na ang LangitKenneth
SuperMouse and the Robo-Rats cameo
Aso't PusaEdong
Romeo Loves Juliet (But Their Families Hate Each Other)Romeo
1990Tootsie-Wootsie: Ang Bandang Walang AtrasanDick
Titser's Enemi No. 1Junjun
Tangga and Chos: Beauty Secret Agents
Petrang Kabayo 2: Anong Ganda Mo! Mukha Kang KabayoSylverster
Love at First Sight
1991 Humanap Ka ng Panget Elvin
Angelito San Miguel: Ang Batang City JailBanjo
Alyas Batman en Robin Kevin / Robin
1992Miss Na Miss Kita (Utol Kong hoodlum II) cameo
Jesus dela Cruz at ang Mga Batang RilesJess
Blue Jeans GangBrian
1993Sana'y Ikaw Na NgaGary
Gagay ang Prinsesa ng BrownoutJesus Dela Cruz cameo
1994PintsikBenjie
Cuadro de JackJericho
1995Barkada Walang AtrasanJojo
Okey si MaamJess
Love Notes the MovieNorman
1997The Sarah Balabagan Story
Nag-iisang IkawAaron Buenaventura
Ten Little Indians
2001Bahay ni LolaBob
2003Message SentDelfin
2005Happily Ever AfterPampee
LovestruckOscar
Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo cameo
2007Babang Luksa
2006 Shake, Rattle and Roll 8 Cesar
2008 Iskul Bukol 20 Years After: The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure Wimpee
2021 Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story cameo
2022Mahal Kita, BeksmanPopshie
2023 Here Comes the Groom Rodrigo Sr.

Television

YearTitleRoleNetwork
2022 2 Good 2 Be True Jay/Joey Fajardo Kapamilya Channel, TV5 & A2Z
Dear Uge GMA Network
2021 It's Showtime Hide and Sing Mystery Celebrity Singer Kapamilya Channel & A2Z
2020 Bagong Umaga Joselito "Jose" Magbanua Kapamilya Channel & A2Z
2019 Magandang Buhay Himself/Guest ABS-CBN
Tonight with Boy Abunda Himself/Guest
It's Showtime Guest KapareWHO / Mr. Q & A Hurado
Nang Ngumiti ang Langit Benjie Dimagmaliw
Dok Ricky, Pedia
2018 Home Sweetie Home Steven ABS-CBN
Inday Will Always Love You Joaquin GMA Network
Wagas: Matandang Dalaga No MoreLani GMA News TV
Tonight with Arnold Clavio Himself/Guest
MARS
2017 All Star Videoke GMA Network
Meant to Be Wilton "Pawie" Bendiola
Dear Uge: Aso't PusaHenry
2016 Lip Sync Battle Philippines
Pepito Manaloto: StepmomRaymond
2015 Little Nanay Edgar San Pedro
Pepito Manaloto: RainbowRaymond
Sabado Badoo
Sunday All Stars Guest Performer
Biro Ng Kapalaran: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special Rocky
Once Upon a Kiss Jimmy Rodrigo
2014 The Ryzza Mae Show Himself/Guest
Kulungan Kanlungan: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special Ebber
2013 Magpakailanman: Ang Tatay Kong Beki Ruben Marasigan
My Husband's Lover Zandro Soriano
Toda Max Wella ABS-CBN
2012Video Incredible TV5
2011 Iskul Bukol: Kuwelang Kwela 'To Wacky Roque TV5
Lucky NumbersHost
2010 My Driver Sweet Lover Von
Lady Dada Macario/Kylie
Comedy Bar Himself/Guest GMA Network
2009 Full House Mr. H
Are You the Next Big Star? Co-host
All About Eve Paul
2008 LaLola Josano "Gary" Therico Jose / Grace / Narrator
Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition 2 Joey Marquez Duet Partner
GoBingo Guest Player
Whammy! Push Your Luck Contestant
SOP Rules Guest Performer
2007 Kung Ako Ikaw Host / Harold
Bubble Gang Various
Sa Iyong Paglaya: Eat Bulaga Lenten Special Monchit
Ful Haus
Sabi Ni NanayVarious RPN-9
Nuts Entertainment Occasional Cast Member GMA Network
Fantastic Man Budol
2006Ay, Robot!Various QTV
Extra Challenge Himself GMA Network
SiS Himself/Guest
Magpakailanman: Joey de Leon StoryYoung Joey de Leon
Kakabaka-BooVarious
Mama: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special Julio
Ang sarap ng Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas SpecialHarold
2005 Tahanan: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special Jack
Bongga Ka StarHost/Harold QTV
Kakabakaba AdventuresVarious GMA Network
Maynila
Love to Love Jason Patrick/Patricia
2004–2007 Bahay Mo Ba 'To? Harold Manguluntoy
2004 Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako Alfonse
Magpakailanman: Instant Millionaire
Daisy Siete
O-Ha!Various ABC-5
2003 MMK: The Rene Requestas Story ABS-CBN
Recuerdo de Amor Ricardo "Carding" Castillo
2002KlasmeytsHost/Himself ABS-CBN
2001Hayop Na HayopVarious ABC-5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Birth CertificateRaymond ABS-CBN
2000 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Apples, Oranges and BananasRaffy
Relaks LangVarious PTV
Kagat ng DilimVarious IBC
1999–2002 Ang Munting Paraiso ABS-CBN
1999 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tula
1998Wow!Host IBC
Back To Iskul BukolVarious
Que Horrorvarious ABC-5
Lihim Ng GabiVarious GMA Network
Walang KukurapVarious
Campus RomanceVarious
1997Goin' BayabasGag Performer IBC
1995–1997 Villa Quintana Isagani Samonte GMA Network
1996 GMA Supershow co-host GMA Network
GMA Telesine Specials (Sugat ng Inakay)JB
Tropang Trumpo ABC-5
Palibhasa Lalake Various ABS-CBN
ManaNida Blanca's son
The Sharon Cuneta Show Himself/Guest
1896 ABC-5
1995Love Notes The Series
GMA Telesine Specials (Nasaan si Mr. Perfect?)Karlo GMA Network
199417 Bernard Club ABC-5
1993 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Christmas CardRoldan ABS-CBN
1992Purungtong RPN
Buddy En Sol
Mana-Mana ABS-CBN
1991 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol
Cebu RPN
1990Ang Tabi Kong Mamaw IBC
PandakekoksPilo GMA Network
1989 The Sharon Cuneta Show Himself/Guest ABS-CBN
That's Entertainment co-host, Thursday Group GMA Network
Lovingly Yours
LuckyJake IBC
Young Love, Sweet LoveVarious RPN
1989–1997
2004–2016
Eat Bulaga! Host ABS-CBN and GMA Network
1988 Agila Bobet RPN

Television specials

Awards and nominations

YearCriticsCategoryTV Show / ProgramStatus
1991 5th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama ActorAgilaNominated
1995 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama ActorVilla QuintanaWon
1996 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama ActorVilla QuintanaWon
2005 19th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy ActorBahay Mo Ba 'ToWon
2nd Golden Screen Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy SeriesWon
2006 20th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy ActorNominated
Asian TV Awards Best Comedy Performance by an ActorHighly Commended
2007 21st PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy ActorNominated
2008 22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Reality Competition Program HostKung Ako IkawNominated
2013 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Single Performance by an Actor(Magpakailanman Presents "Ang Tatay Kong Beki: The Ruben Marasigan Story"; GMA-7)Nominated
2015 13th Gawad Tanglaw Awards Best Performance by an Actor by a Single Performance"Kulungan, Kanlungan" (The Eat Bulaga Lenten Special)Won
Dabarkads Awards Best Actor"Biro ng Kapalaran"Nominated
2023First Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023Best Supporting Actor"Here Comes the Groom"Won

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References

  1. Arache, Maurice (March 31, 2006). "Beauty and bravura in Iloilo". Philippine Daily Inquirer . p. C2. Retrieved November 17, 2014.
  2. "Keempee now a recording artist". Manila Standard . Manila Standard News, Inc. April 15, 1989. p. 25. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  3. "Netizens laud Keempee for Zandro role in 'My Husband's Lover'". gmanetwork.com.