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Keempee de Leon

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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
Agents
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.

Career

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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

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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

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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

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

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1985 Mama Said, Papa Said I Love You Himself
1988 I Love You 3x a Day Tomas Cruz
1989 Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na ang Langit Kenneth
SuperMouse and the Robo-Rats cameo
Aso't Pusa Edong
Romeo Loves Juliet (But Their Families Hate Each Other) Romeo
1990 Tootsie-Wootsie: Ang Bandang Walang Atrasan Dick
Titser's Enemi No. 1 Junjun
Tangga and Chos: Beauty Secret Agents
Petrang Kabayo 2: Anong Ganda Mo! Mukha Kang Kabayo Sylverster
Love at First Sight
1991 Humanap Ka ng Panget Elvin
Angelito San Miguel: Ang Batang City Jail Banjo
Alyas Batman en Robin Kevin / Robin
1992 Miss Na Miss Kita (Utol Kong hoodlum II) cameo
Jesus dela Cruz at ang Mga Batang Riles Jess
Blue Jeans Gang Brian
1993 Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga Gary
Gagay ang Prinsesa ng Brownout Jesus Dela Cruz cameo
1994 Pintsik Benjie
Cuadro de Jack Jericho
1995 Barkada Walang Atrasan Jojo
Okey si Maam Jess
Love Notes the Movie Norman
1997 The Sarah Balabagan Story
Nag-iisang Ikaw Aaron Buenaventura
Ten Little Indians
2001 Bahay ni Lola Bob
2003 Message Sent Delfin
2005 Happily Ever After Pampee
Lovestruck Oscar
Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo Ghost cameo
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 JOhn Nite cameo
2022 Mahal Kita, Beksman Popshie
2023 Here Comes the Groom Rodrigo Sr.

Television

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Year Title Role Network
2025 Prinsesa ng City Jail Dado Pascual GMA Network
2022 2 Good 2 Be True Jay/Joey Fajardo Kapamilya Channel, TV5 & A2Z
Dear Uge GMA Network
2021 It's Showtime Himself/Hide and Sing Mystery Celebrity Singer Kapamilya Channel & A2Z
2020 Bagong Umaga Joselito "Jose" Magbanua
2019 Magandang Buhay Himself/Guest ABS-CBN
Tonight with Boy Abunda
It's Showtime Himself/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 More Lani 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 Pusa Henry
2016 Lip Sync Battle Philippines
Pepito Manaloto: Stepmom Raymond
2015 Little Nanay Edgar San Pedro
Pepito Manaloto: Rainbow Raymond
Sabado Badoo
Sunday All Stars Himself/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
2012 Video Incredible TV5
2011 Iskul Bukol: Kuwelang Kwela 'To Wacky Roque
Lucky Numbers Himself/Host
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? Himself/Co-host
All About Eve Paul
2008 LaLola Josano "Gary" Therico Jose/Grace/Narrator
Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition 2 Himself/Joey Marquez Duet Partner
GoBingo Himself/Guest Player
Whammy! Push Your Luck Himself/Contestant
SOP Rules Himself/Guest Performer
2007 Kung Ako Ikaw Himself/Host/Harold
Bubble Gang Himself/Various
Sa Iyong Paglaya: Eat Bulaga Lenten Special Monchit
Ful Haus
Sabi Ni Nanay Various RPN-9
Nuts Entertainment Occasional Cast Member GMA Network
Fantastic Man Budol
2006 Ay, Robot! Various QTV
Extra Challenge Himself GMA Network
SiS Himself/Guest
Magpakailanman: Joey de Leon Story Young Joey de Leon
Kakabaka-Boo Various
Mama: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special Julio
Ang sarap ng Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special Harold
2005 Tahanan: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special Jack
Bongga Ka Star Host/Harold QTV
Kakabakaba Adventures Various 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
2002 Klasmeyts Host/Himself
2001 Hayop Na Hayop Various ABC-5
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Birth Certificate Raymond ABS-CBN
2000 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Apples, Oranges and Bananas Raffy
Relaks Lang Various PTV
Kagat ng Dilim IBC
1999–2002 Ang Munting Paraiso ABS-CBN
1999 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tula
1998 Wow! Himself/Host IBC
Back To Iskul Bukol Various
Que Horror ABC-5
Lihim Ng Gabi GMA Network
Walang Kukurap
Campus Romance
1997 Goin' Bayabas Gag Performer IBC
1995–1997 Villa Quintana Isagani Samonte GMA Network
1996 GMA Supershow Himself/Co-Host
GMA Telesine Specials (Sugat ng Inakay) JB
Tropang Trumpo ABC-5
Palibhasa Lalake Various ABS-CBN
Mana Nida Blanca's son
The Sharon Cuneta Show Himself/Guest
1896 ABC-5
1995 Love Notes The Series
GMA Telesine Specials (Nasaan si Mr. Perfect?) Karlo GMA Network
1994 17 Bernard Club ABC-5
1993 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Christmas Card Roldan ABS-CBN
1992 Purungtong RPN
Buddy En Sol
Mana-Mana ABS-CBN
1991 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol
Cebu RPN
1990 Ang Tabi Kong Mamaw IBC
Pandakekoks Pilo GMA Network
1989 The Sharon Cuneta Show Himself/Guest ABS-CBN
That's Entertainment Himself/Co-Host, Thursday Group GMA Network
Lovingly Yours
Lucky Jake IBC
Young Love, Sweet Love Various RPN
1989–1997
2004–2016
Eat Bulaga! Himself/Host ABS-CBN and GMA Network
1988 Agila Bobet RPN

Television specials

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  • That's Entertainment Anniversary Special (GMA Network)
  • Kapamilya: ABS-CBN at 50 TV Special
  • Eat Bulaga Silver Special (GMA Network)
  • GMA at 55: The GMA Anniversary Special
  • Dolphy Alay Tawa: A Musical Tribute to the King of Philippine Comedy
  • Tribute to the Master Showman Kuya Germs (GMA Network)

Awards and nominations

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Year Critics Category TV Show / Program Status
1991 5th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actor Agila Nominated
1995 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actor Villa Quintana Won
1996 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actor Villa Quintana Won
2005 19th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actor Bahay Mo Ba 'To Won
2nd Golden Screen Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Won
2006 20th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actor Nominated
Asian TV Awards Best Comedy Performance by an Actor Highly Commended
2007 21st PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Comedy Actor Nominated
2008 22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Reality Competition Program Host Kung Ako Ikaw Nominated
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
2023 First Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 Best Supporting Actor "Here Comes the Groom" Won

References

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  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. Archived from the original on August 31, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
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