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Keempee de Leon spent much of his formative years away from the Philippines. At thirteen he moved back to the Philippines, and into his father’s home.
Keempee, Mana Kay Daddy? Keempee De Leon spent much of his formative years away from the Philippines in the care of his mother, actress Daria Ramirez. They lived in the United States with his siblings. At thirteen he moved back to the Philippines, and into his father’s home. Text by Kage G. Gozun It was only then that the former teen idol became close to his popular daddy -- famed comedian and respected actor Joey De Leon. The two have more than made up for the lost time. “Doon lang kami nagkaroon ng chance na maging close. Kasi lumaki ako sa mommy ko pero until now nandoon na ako sa dad ko. So mas-stronger na (relationship namin). We were able to have a chance to talk, and to bond, and to be closer.” His portrayal of a gay character Harold on the comedy series Bahay Mo Ba 'To has given many people cause to compare him with his father, who has also played homosexual characters in the past and dons a wig once a week for the gag show Nuts Entertainment. The comparison, he feels, was expected. “Okay lang sa akin ‘yan. Dad ko naman siya e. Mas mabuti na anak ang gumaya kaysa sa iba pang tao di ba? Lahat naman kaming magkakapatid may nakuhang mannerisms sa parents namin. It runs in the family. Hindi mo maiiwasan ‘yan.” And anyone who has watched Keempee will concur that he brings his own stamp of comedy to his roles. The lack of a fatherly figure when he was growing up didn’t affect Keempee’s relationship with Joey in the long run. Many years have passed since then, after all. Joey has made up for those first few years when he wasn’t in Keempee’s immediate life. When asked if there was anything about Joey that most people are not aware of, Keempee didn’t hesitate to say “Tahimik dad ko. May mga ugali siya minsan na nagpapatawa. Pero usually quiet lang. He’s very lovable din. Hindi lang ‘yan puro patawa.” Off-screen, Keempee and Joey have more in common than just comedic flair. Both enjoy painting and the arts. He goes on to say that they are very much alike and that he looks to his dad for advice not only as an actor but also as a person. “Dad taught me to be a professional sa work ko. And then in general to be true to myself at maging mapagkumbaba at humble sa lahat. Kung paano ka nag-start, ganoon ka din dapat ngayon. Huwag makalimot sa mga taong tumulong sa iyo. Huwag lalaki ulo mo. Bihira ang tao na nabibigyan ng chance na tumagal ng ganito sa showbiz.” Sound advice indeed. And if Joey’s success is any indication, Keempee’s future in showbiz is sure to burn brightly for many years to come.