CEBU CITY — It’s not easy traveling with veteran actor Christopher De Leon. Everybody seems to be starstruck with him, calling him “Ramon Montenegro,” his character in Batang Quiapo. I had the privilege of performing in the Oasis of Love Cebu Concert as they celebrated their 30th Anniversary at the IC3 Convention Center. The night was filled with worship, testimonies, and music — but what made the evening unforgettable was the presence of our servant leader in Oasis of Love Manila, Christopher de Leon, who was accompanied by his wife, actress Sandy Andolong.

Flying back to Manila, I joined the couple in the van on the way to the airport, which gave me a chance to interview them. I realized that their story of faith and resilience was not just inspiring — it was miraculous.

Christopher and Sandy spoke to me openly about their son Miguel’s journey with cancer a decade ago. In 2014, Miguel was diagnosed with testicular germ cell cancer that had already metastasized to his lungs. “I called it not the ‘big C’ for cancer, but the ‘big C’ for Christ,” Christopher recalled, his voice steady yet emotional. “We knew the battle was tough, but we also knew who was fighting it with us.”

Sandy nodded, adding, “Every day, we held on to prayer. We had so many people interceding for us. God heard us.”Today, Miguel is cancer-free, working, and raising his son, Primo. For the de Leon-Andolong family, his healing was not just medical—it was a miracle of faith.

The conversation then turned to Sandy’s own health battle. In 2015, she underwent a successful kidney transplant after years of struggling with renal disease. “It was the hardest period of my life,” Sandy admitted, “but God blessed me with a second chance. I wake up every morning grateful just to be alive.”

Her eyes welled up as she shared how her marriage was strengthened through that ordeal. “Christopher never left my side. When you are that close to death, you realize life is not about fame or possessions — it’s about faith and family.”

In 2020, Christopher himself was hospitalized with COVID-19. It was a terrifying time, especially with Sandy’s delicate condition post-transplant. Yet he recovered fully and even donated plasma to help other patients. “God gave me back my life, and I had to give back to others,” he said.

Today, Christopher is back in the limelight as part of “Batang Quiapo,” playing Ramon Montenegro, a formidable character in the hit teleserye. “It’s a blessing to be still working, to be still part of projects that connect with Filipinos. But more than that, I use my platform now to share faith and gratitude.”