The slow burn that is Will Ashley de Leon
Some say he was just a shadow lurking behind other people—silent, lacking personality, and just another quiet presence in the room. But as the saying goes, slow and steady wins the race.
In his first days on “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB): Celebrity Collab Edition”—a collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA—Will Ashley de Leon, 22, was rarely seen interacting with his housemates, and casual viewers sensed he was an introvert.
The stars later aligned for De Leon, proving one can have a serene story arc complete with growth, compassion, and love. Initially perceived as just another side character, he has earned the moniker “The Nation’s Son,” now shining on his own.
During the first nomination, some housemates claimed De Leon wasn’t helping in their chores and tasks, with little to no interactions with other housemates.
In the confession room session with Big Brother, an emotional De Leon admitted to having a hard time opening up to others.
“I don’t want to be a burden on other people,” he told Big Brother. “There were times that I was so open, too comfortable. I said all of my problems until it was used against me, behind my back.”
Kip Oebanda, his director in the 2024 Cinemalaya film “Balota,” vouched for the former child actor, saying De Leon is actually a companion to be with once people got to know him better.
Deflecting the limelight
“His fear going in was that people would not like or understand him because he is not loud and doesn’t want to draw attention to himself,” Oebanda told Lifestyle. “He prefers to let others shine.”
It wasn’t a far impression from De Leon’s fellow “Balota” star, Felix Petate, more popularly known as “Sassa Gurl,” who considers him a dear friend.
Months working with De Leon showed that one has to earn his trust before opening himself up.
“I can’t blame him for that,” Sassa said. “I think he also saw how authentic I am and that’s why he also trusts me.”
After being safe from the first eviction, De Leon got the chance to lead some tasks, bagging multiple endorsement tasks from the show’s sponsors and being some of the houseguests’ go-to person.
Among his notable tasks were directing a short skit with houseguest South Korean actor Kim Ji-soo and keeping the housemates silent as part of their weekly task.
In the eyes of casual viewers, De Leon was given more exposure on the show, slowly introducing himself and the rest of his talents—singing and dancing.
This became evident in the “Big Carnival Concert” that showcased the housemates’ talents in singing, dancing, and circus tricks.
De Leon and ABS-CBN’s Klarisse de Guzman stood out for the audience when they delivered powerful vocals in the concert.
Sassa wasn’t that surprised, saying: “It’s hard to find someone who’s a full package. Will can sing, dance, and, most especially, he is a great actor, like he can capture the audience with just his eyes.”
Some supporters discovered another of De Leon’s talents, including his voice acting stint as Ash Ketchum in “Pokemon XYZ” for its Filipino-dubbed version that aired on GMA in 2019.
Improved interaction
De Leon’s comedic and friendly side also tickled viewers and earned him more supporters along the way.
He also became a friend and a family to his fellow housemates, providing comfort and sharing his emotional quotient in times of need.
This led to his stronger relations with all housemates and a surprisingly solid bond with Kapamilya housemate Ralph de Leon, who later chose him as his “final duo” in the series.
De Leon’s humble beginnings also touched the viewers’ hearts, seeing him as the family breadwinner who started to work as an actor at a young age.
His chemistry with Kapamilya housemate Bianca de Vera also gained traction among viewers. This gave birth to the fanbase “WillCa” love team flourishing online.
In “Balota,” De Leon played Enzo, son of Emmy (Marian Rivera), a teacher who was assigned as a board of election inspector.
Oebanda said he told De Leon and Raheel Bhyria on their first day of taping to immerse themselves in the community where they were shooting.
By afternoon, the two were able to connect with the community. “They never acted like celebrities,” Oebanda said.
De Leon’s grandfather died before the shoot and was buried the night before the cast and crew’s story conference.
“But as a true professional, he did the role anyway,” said the director. “It was a tough shoot, and held [during] the hottest days recorded, but he always kept a happy disposition, joked around, and never complained.”
Journey
Will was safe from all succeeding evictions until the fifth round when 10 housemates were up for nomination.
His supporters and family were astounded with the voting results of the May 31 eviction night, after garnering the highest votes of 33.09 percent among the nominated Kapuso housemates.
Oebanda advised De Leon to “use the fame well.”
“Pick roles and jobs where your talents can shine. Chart the career you want. Maximize the exposure for your own future and your family’s future,” he told the actor.
De Leon’s uncle, Karl Pacheco, recalled what he told the young star before entering the show.
“When you are faced with a situation [where you have to choose between] being right and being kind, choose to be kind, because your kindness will always be remembered, instead of you always being right,” he said, recalling his one-on-one talk with his nephew.
“Seeing his journey,” added Pacheco, “not only did he do what he was told, but he actually did more than that, which I am very proud of. I am hoping he will carry on.”
