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MANILA, Philippines — Essaying the role of a priest in VIVA Films “In Thy Name” has emboldened McCoy de Leon’s faith and relationship with God.
McCoy portrays the role of a Claretian priest, Father Rhoel Gallardo, who was abducted in the town of Sumisip, along with a number of students and faculty members, for 45 days.
The film by Ceasar Soriano, co-directed by Rommel Galapia Ruiz, details what transpired on March 20, 2000 during the Abu Sayyaf’s hostage-taking in Basilan.
“In Thy Name” is produced by GreatCzar Media Productions and tells “an inspiring story of unwavering faith, love for peace, and unwavering heroism.”
Born Nov. 29, 1965, Father Rhoel was ordained a priest in 1994. He volunteered to be assigned to a parish in Basilan despite knowing the dangers.
McCoy is joined by co-star Jerome Ponce and director Ceasar Soriano at the mediacon for the film that details what transpired on March 20, 2000 during the Abu Sayyaf’s hostage-taking in Basilan. — Photo from Viva Films Facebook page
During a presscon at Claret School of Quezon City, McCoy shared that his faith has changed since filming “In Thy Name.” A Mass was held prior to the presscon at the venue.
“My faith has increased,” declared the actor. “I said in my previous interview that my faith now is yung dating ako na hindi pa ako nag-a-artista.”
He recalled attending Mass when he was younger and praying to pass the exams at school. “Also, na magkaroon ng simpleng gusto ko lang sa laruan. Those were the things that were genuine to me and now, I felt it again but in a different way because I’m portraying someone.”
He thought he was already a “very faithful” person but when he came to learn about what Father Rhoel went through, he reflected on his faith. “Meron pa palang tao who’s willing to sacrifice himself, not only himself, but sacrifice for other people, for God as well. Mas tumibay, mas lumawak (religious belief). At mas natutunan kong paanong maging isang Katoliko para sa akin.”
From portraying a bad guy in ABS-CBN action drama series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” to playing a martyr in “In Thy Name,” McCoy felt that he was able to balance out the characters that he took on.
“To be honest, totoo naman talaga na pambawi din ‘to sa mga hindi nakakakilala sa akin personally,” he asserted. “I’ve been in ‘Batang Quiapo’ for two years, and naiiba po talaga ang character. When ‘In Thy Name’ came, it balanced out how I view life.
“Of course, when you’re creating a character, sometimes, ididiin mo talaga sa pinaka-low mo, ika-character mo talaga sa buhay mo. So the movie helped me to balance what I feel. In ‘Batang Quiapo,’ I’m playing a heavy role. This one, ibang bigay, it’s about faith, God,” he shared and added that he felt good that he has this kind of project in his showbiz career.
Meanwhile, direk Ceasar (“Ang Misyon: A Marawi Siege Story,” “The Last Interview: The Mayor Antonio Halili Story”) stated that he is inspired to helm true-to-life films because he is a journalist.
“I was once a reporter of ABS-CBN, who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in the mountains of Jolo, during the times of Charles Walton, an American linguist,” recounted direk Ceasar of the 1993 incident. He was freed from captivity along with Charles later on.
“Having been assigned in different coverages during my stint as an ABS-CBN reporter, desk manager, as Mindanao news bureau chief, I see the beauty of life, the challenges that all the kidnapped victims went through, military and Abu Sayyaf encounters, and how they lived and survived through the help of whoever wanted to help just to be able to live.”
Being a Mindanaoan himself who witnessed the “atrocities in Mindanao,” direk Ceasar maintained that his stories are based on those situations. “Nakikita ko kasi dun yung (paano ang) isang nabigyan ng mission ng Panginoon. And in this life, we all have our missions.”
For “In Thy Name,” he felt that “somebody” was pushing him to finish his recent film. “It’s a mission for me and I’m happy to be part of soon maging saint na si Father Rhoel.”
He hoped to spark inspiration among the Filipino people through “In Thy Name.” “To all those who have lost hope, since we are celebrating the Jubilee year for the Catholics, with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ missionaries of faith, this is the film that, in the midst of everything we are experiencing and going through — uncertainties, politics, the economy, and everything else we’re trying to hold on to — will inspire us all.
“In Thy Name” opens in cinemas nationwide this Ash Wednesday, March 5.
The cast of “In Thy Name” also includes John Estrada, Jerome Ponce, Mon Confiado, JC de Vera, Arron Villaflor, Gold Aceron, Martin Escudero, Pen Medina, Yves Flores, Alex Medina, Ynez Veneracion, Aya Fernandez, Soliman Cruz, Elora Españo, Kat Galang, Ana Abad Santos, Richard Quan, Kenken Nuyad, Cassy Lavarias and JM Soriano.
