Leon miguel

Leon Miguel is the screen name of Filipino actor and engineer, Noel I. Aparilla (born December 17, 1968). He gained world-wide attention and notoriety for his role as the leading villain, “Visel”, in a Tribeca film crime-thriller entry, Graceland: A Life for Every Lie (2012) directed by Ron Morales. GRACELAND’s premiere in Tribeca Film Festival mesmerized audiences in the 2012 festival and was awarded Second Place in Audience Choice Award. Graceland also had its Canadian premiere in Fantasia International Film Festival last July 2012 in Montreal, Canada.
Having successfully participated in previous international film festivals, Leon Miguel is currently getting plenty of invites from various international film organisations for his latest work in Mang Abe's Ube, a modern-day folktale about a Filipino ube farmer trying to protect his magical source of success from corporate crooks, directed by Paolo Bitanga.

Leon Miguel is currently featured in the latest issue of Manila Bulletin titled "International filmfest veteran is proudly from Masbate".
Early Professional Career
In a span of a little over a decade, Leon Miguel's career in the entertainment world was more than the typical story of an artist struggling to survive. He was into Films, Theatre, Television Shows and Television Commercial Ads, practically accepting every possible role that he can get his hands into concentrating rather intently in sharpening his skills as an actor and learning the ropes and nuances of the industry.
He broke into international scenes through movies and television presentations appearing in American, Japanese and Italian movies shot in the Philippines. Such American movies were: IN THE NAME OF THE QUEEN (1996) of NCRV/TEWES Production and directed by Bram Van Erkel, portraying the “Djahat Warrior” (Indonesian); BEHIND ENEMY LINES (1998) of Philippine Film Studio, Inc. (PFSI) and directed by Mark Griffiths, playing as the “Vietnamese Gangster Leader;” LEGACY (1998) of STAR PACIFIC International Productions and directed by T.J. Scott, doing the role of a “Cambodian Rebel Leader,” together with David Hasselhoff and Rod Steiger; and GOING BACK (2000) respectively, of GFT Films, Inc. and directed by Sydney Furie, portraying as the “Vietnamese Thief, ” together with the lead actor, Casper Van Dien.
He was also cast for the role of “Tomagan” in DISARMED/SPECIAL OPS (2008), the Best Action Picture in 2009 Pasadena Film Festival, which was a film under In Motion Pictures and directed by Tom Shell, together with the lead actors Finola Hughes, Michael Bauer, and AJ Draven. He also played as “Abu Sayaff” in SUBJECT I LOVE YOU (2008), an international presentation of MXN Production and directed by Francis de la Torre, together with Jericho Rosales and Dante Basco as lead actors; and another Abu Sayaff role as “The Sniper” in a documentary film about the abduction of Gracia and Martin Burnham, entitled KIDNAPPED ABROAD (2008) under Raw London Production and directed by James Bryce, together with Madeliene Bowyer and Jay Worthy as the kidnap victims respectively. Further he portrayed as “The White-eyed Man,” in METRO MANILA (2011) of Chocolate Frogs Production, directed by Sean Ellis, a British Oscar Nominee Director; and another “Abu Sayaff” role in CAPTIVE (2011) under the direction of Brillante Mendoza.
In Japanese Films, he played as an “Outlaw,” along with Hiroyuki Sanada, the lead actor, in EMERGENCY CALL (2010), a Tanaka Yusi film under Megavision Films; and as a “Tribesman,” with lead actor, Keisaku Kimura in MIDNIGHT FESTIVAL (2001) of Orokasawa Productions, directed by Oyawa Kimura. Also, in 2002 he portrayed “Tribesman” again in Philippine Film Studio film entitled LORD OF CREATION alongside was Genta Ogami as the lead actor and directed by Toto Natividad; and as “The Islander Guy” with Satoshi Tsumabuki in INFECTED ISLAND - KANSEN RETTO (2008), a Zeze Tushi film under Twin Japan Pictures.
In Italian films, he became part of SHATTERED DREAMS (2002) as the “Thai Drug Pusher,” directed by Antonino Valerie under Metropolis Film International and in two films of the critically acclaimed horror director, late Bruno Matte, entitled LAND OF DEATH (2003) as the “Native Tribesman Leader” and in THE PASSION OF LOVE (2004) as “Warrior Prince,” both of La Perla Nera Productions.
Exotic Asian Roles
Leon Miguel was remarked by many, to have an exotic Asian face and notable acting fitted for various Asian and native roles, which made him be greatly preferred by international directors and producers. He was involved in various notable Filipino films. Among the local films were, MULANAY SA PUSOD NG PARAISO (1996) directed by Gil Portes, KAMADA (1997) directed by Raymond Red, and MY GUARDIAN DEBIL (1998). He appeared in Ara Mina’s NAG-AAPOY NA LAMAN (2000) as “Chupon,” directed by Don Escudero, as well as in BALA KO ANG BAHALA SA IYO (2001), ROSARIO 18 (2001), UTANG NI TATANG (2002), BATAS NG LANSANGAN (2002), BAKAT (2002), LAPU-LAPU (2002), OPERATION BALIKATAN (2003) and PARAISO (2005), where he did distinctive roles such as: kanto boy (Street Toughie), siga (Toughie) , syndicate member, school worker, youngter’s hoodlum, snatcher, hitman, rapist, bangkero (boatman), and rebel roles (Katipunero, Hukbalahap).
rightHe was the guerilla named “Juan” in CONCERTO (2008), a Cinemalaya finalist directed by Paul Alexander Morales; as well as portrayed “Lobo” in PANAHON NA (2009) and “Farmer” in PENDONG (2010), both directed by Sean Lim and under Oxin Films. Further, he was a “Gangster,” in THIRD WORLD HAPPY (2010) with Sam Milby as the lead actor, of CinemaOne/Brass Knuckers Inc., under the direction of Edward James Salcedo; the “Rebel” in CinemaOne Originals, TSARDYER (2010) directed by Sigfried Barros-Sanchez; and depicted the role of “Baloy” in ISDA (Fable of the Fish) 2011 Cinemalaya entry, directed by Adolf Alix, Jr. And this July 2012, he will be portraying as Guerilla (Filipino soldier) in DEATH MARCH, another film that will be directed by Adolf Alix, Jr.
In short film categories, Leon Miguel’s participation were recognized for his lead role as “Pedro,” in the film PEDRO (2008), an entry to Seattle International Film Festival. Also he was one of the main antagonists as “carjacker” in the film qualified to different Film Festival like in the 34th Hongkong Internatonal, 2010 Chicago Filipino American and 2010 Cinemalaya, HARANG/THE BARRIER (2009), directed by the youngest independent filmmaker, Mikhail Red. Additionally, he was the “Tamaw” together with Baron Geisler, in IDLIP (2010) directed by Blake Sarion; a supporting role in TULAK (2010), as the child trafficker named, “Ron” in REGALO (2010) of Confidential Films directed by Carlo Alvarez, together with co-actor Mon Confiado and a stunning role in MAMI (2011) as the “beggar” directed by Gregg Rodriguez III. And this 2012, he was the leading role in the first directorial job of the award-winning Production Designer, Fritz Silorio, entitled THE LAST VICE. Also, he did a Cameo Role in the film PANTALAN (2012), directed by Hannah Laya Resurreccion of the University of Philippines Film Institute, where he was also the Assistant Director, Script Director and Crowd Director.
In theatre, he was seen in the stage play EL FILIBUSTERISMO in the role of “Kabesang Tales,” a Bulwagang Gantimpala Production that was stage from October to November 1999 at the Music Museum. Aside from that, his stage plays includes SENAKULO, TAO (2001), NOLI ME TANGERE (2002-2004), INDIO ANAKBANUA (2003), NO EXIT (2005), LAPU-LAPU (2006), and SAKAY (2009). He had roles ranging from Jesus Christ, Indio, Lapu-Lapu, and Elias. And recently (2012) as Katipunero in a tableau during the Ayala Land Independence Day Celebration under the Lunar Saints Production.
Aside from the film and theater career, Leon was introduced in television shows, such as in BISPERAS NG KASAYSAYAN (1999) of Channel 9 and directed by Lupita Kashiwara where he was a “Katipunero.” He was always chosen also to portray roles with nationalistic fervor and character because his looks and built embodied he typical image of a Filipino male. He was in the cast of TV programs and documentaries like,” RELIKARYO (2006), MGA GUNITA NG ANAK NG BAYAN (2006), FREEDOM FIGHTER (2006), BAYANI/HERO (2007), and JOSE RIZAL ANG BUHAY NG ISANG BAYANI (Jose Rizal, The Life Of A Hero, 2007); where he was a Katipunero, Hukbalahap, Guerilla, Young Bernardo Carpio and Hermano Puli.
After that, he did embark his up-and-coming career in television shows. He was casted as trusted bodyguard, named after himself (Leon) in DELTIERRO (2000), one of the longest running television soap in GMA 7 under Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) and Rowell Icamen, as the director, followed by another TV show project, KIRARA (2001), of the same production and director. He also appeared in TWIN HEARTS (2000), MOTHER STUDIO PRESENTS (2000), HABANG KAPILING KA (2001), GMA TRUE STORIES (2002), FOREVER IN MY HEART (2003), TE AMO (2004), ENCANTADIA (2005), BABANGON AKO’T DUDURUGIN KITA, (2006), and KAMANDAG (2007), FANTASTIC KIDS (2007), FANTASTIC MAN (2007) and BATANG X (2008). He was also casted in DAISY SIETE - ULINGLING (2008) , and PRINCE CHARMING (2008) . Afterwards, he did ANG BABAENG HINUGOT SA AKING TADYANG (2009) and in ZORRO (2009) wherein he played the role of “Tadik,” the snake warrior and “Tigre,” the pirate respectively, under the direction of Mark Reyes. Then, he became regular cast of DAISY SIETE BEBE & ME (2010), and TINDERELLA (2009) of Focus Incorporated of GMA7. Further, he was also in MAHARLIKA (2010) and PANDAY KIDS (2010) where he played as “Shaman.” Plus, he was in the biggest TV series of the said TV channel, entitled AMAYA (2011) wherein he played as “Balong,” a warrior of Rajah Mangubat, which was directed by Mac Alejandre. And this 2012, he was a syndicate leader named “Artemio” in BROKEN VOW, one of much-awaited TV series.
Leon Miguel had also been part of some ABS-CBN shows, such as HIRAYA MANAWARI (2000), DIWA (2000), KABALIKAT (2003), MAALAALA MO KAYA (2007) and NAG SIMULA SA PUSO (2010). He also did TV shows in Channel 4 such as, PHILIPPINES MOST WANTED (2004) and NBI FILES (2005); and in TV5, the MIDNIGHT DJ, wherein he did various roles, as well as in MULTO SA PABRIKA (2009), NUNO SA PUNSO (2009), HOY!HOY!SYOKOY (2010), HALIMAW SA TUOD (2010), BARANGAY ASWANG (2010), PIDOLS WONDERLAND (2010) and PUEBLO SOMBRA (2011).
Television Commercials
Leon Miguel also did several television commercial advertising as a Katipunero in KKK (Andres Bonifacio) (1998), and ISANG BANDILA (Emilio Aguinaldo) (1998) for the Philippine Centennial Celebration. He was also the lead actor Katipunero in the DUTY FREE Centennial Presentation (2010) directed by Raymond Red. He also appeared in SAN MIGUEL BEER (2004), SMB Vietnam Setting commercial, METRO BANK (2004), BLEND 45 (2005), SMB WALNG KUPAS (2005), ORACLE (2006) and TOUCH MOBILE (2008). He as well, portrayed as a Chavacano Fisherman, in an intrusion project of GMA Channel 7 and Globe Company, in the music video BELIEVE used as a Station ID for the Peace and Unity information-dissemination drive.
He was also featured in a TALK & TEXT (Hati) (2010) commercial, SNITCH CHOCO BAR (Rockers Dream) (2010), HEAD & SHOULDERS (2010), PROJECT BUILDING MEDICINE TVC (2010), AYOS DITO ROCKER TVC.
Facebook Fan Page
Fans of Leon Miguel can checkout his page at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/leon.miguel1

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