Keempee de Leon

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

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).

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 in 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.

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 other actors and young men at the time. Named after him, the 'Keempee' is parted in the middle of the head and, with bangs reach as far as the ears; the hairstyle became strongly associated with him and his fellow actors who sported the hairstyle during the 1990s.

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 Title Album detailsKeempee de LeonReleased: 1991 Label: OctoArts Records Better Believe ItReleased: 1996 Label: OctoArts Records Formats: CD, Digital Download

Also featured on Title Album detailsOctoArts All Stars – Pasko Para Sa LahatReleased: 1990 Label: OctoArts Records VoicesReleased: 1995 Label: PolyEast Records HomegroanReleased: 1999 Label: PolyEast Records Awit Mula sa PusoReleased: 2000 Label: PolyEast Records

Filmography Film 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 Jamie Salvador 2023 Here Comes the Groom Rodrigo Sr. Main role, 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival Entry

Television Year Title Role 2026Hello, Doc!Jed 2025 Prinsesa ng City Jail Dado Pascual 2022 2 Good 2 Be True Jay/Joey Fajardo Dear Uge 2021 It's Showtime Himself/Hide and Sing Mystery Celebrity Singer 2020 Bagong Umaga Joselito "Jose" Magbanua 2019 Magandang Buhay Himself/Guest 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 Inday Will Always Love You Joaquin Wagas: Matandang Dalaga No More Lani Tonight with Arnold Clavio Himself/Guest MARS 2017 All Star Videoke Meant to Be Wilton "Pawie" Bendiola Dear Uge: Aso't Pusa Henry2016 Lip Sync Battle Philippines Pepito Manaloto: Stepmom Raymond2015 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 Rodrigo2014 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 2012 Video Incredible 2011 Iskul Bukol: Kuwelang Kwela 'To Wacky Roque Lucky Numbers Himself/Host2010 My Driver Sweet Lover Von Lady Dada Macario/Kylie Comedy Bar Himself/Guest 2009 Full House Mr. H Are You the Next Big Star? Himself/Co-host All About Eve Paul2008 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 Performer2007 Kung Ako Ikaw Himself/Host/Harold Bubble Gang Himself/Various Sa Iyong Paglaya: Eat Bulaga Lenten Special Monchit Ful Haus Sabi Ni Nanay Various Nuts Entertainment Occasional Cast Member Fantastic Man Budol 2006 Ay, Robot! Tintoy Extra Challenge Himself 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 Kakabakaba Adventures Various 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 2003 MMK: The Rene Requestas Story Recuerdo de Amor Ricardo "Carding" Castillo 2002 Klasmeyts Host/Himself 2001 Hayop Na Hayop Various Maalaala Mo Kaya: Birth Certificate Raymond 2000 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Apples, Oranges and Bananas Raffy Relaks Lang Various Kagat ng Dilim 1999–2002 Ang Munting Paraiso 1999 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tula 1998 Wow! Himself/Host Back To Iskul Bukol Various Que Horror Lihim Ng Gabi Walang Kukurap Campus Romance 1997 Goin' Bayabas Gag Performer 1995–1997 Villa Quintana Isagani Samonte 1996 GMA Supershow Himself/Co-Host GMA Telesine Specials (Sugat ng Inakay) JB Tropang Trumpo Palibhasa Lalake Various Mana Nida Blanca's son The Sharon Cuneta Show Himself/Guest 1896 1995 Love Notes The Series GMA Telesine Specials (Nasaan si Mr. Perfect?) Karlo 1994 17 Bernard Club 1993 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Christmas Card Roldan 1992 Purungtong Buddy En Sol Mana-Mana 1991 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol Cebu 1990 Ang Tabi Kong Mamaw Pandakekoks Pilo 1989 The Sharon Cuneta Show Himself/Guest That's Entertainment Himself/Co-Host, Thursday Group Lovingly Yours Lucky Jake Young Love, Sweet Love Various 1989–19972004–2016 Eat Bulaga! Himself/Host 1988 Agila Bobet

Television specials That's Entertainment Anniversary Special Kapamilya: ABS-CBN at 50 TV Special Eat Bulaga Silver Special 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

Awards and nominations