Throwback to ‘Christopher de Leon’s’ iconic win as the first “Ultimate Kalokalike”

Liezel dela Cruz

<p>Let’s face it—Filipinos have always had a thing for celebrities. There’s something captivating about them. But since stars can sometimes feel out of reach, spotting someone who looks just like them in real life brings a certain thrill. It’s entertaining and totally unexpected!</p><p>That’s why the “Kalokalike” segment on “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime"><strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong></a>” remains a hit even today. After nearly a decade off the air, this fan-favorite segment is back for its fourth edition!</p><p>In the contest, everyday people take the stage dressed as their favorite stars or the celebrities they’ve been told they resemble. The recent batch of participants has been impressing both the live audience and netizens, sparking renewed interest in some past look-alikes.</p><p>With all this buzz, it’s the perfect time to revisit the man who made history as the first-ever &quot;Ultimate Kalokalike&quot; or grand winner. That title goes to none other than Jonathan Garcia, who wowed everyone with his spot-on impersonation of Christopher de Leon in 2013.</p><figure><center><img alt="Throwback Ultimate KalokaLike" src="https://asset-ent.abs-cbn.com/updates/itsshowtime/2024/09/12/Throwback-KalokaLike-1.jpg"/></center></figure><p>The moment Jonathan stepped onto the stage, his mere presence left the crowd in awe. Even the hosts couldn’t help but agree that his facial features were a perfect match for the veteran actor, who is currently appearing as Ramon Montenegro in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo"><strong><u>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</u></strong>.</a>”</p><p>Vhong Navarro shared that he had worked with Jonathan on the sitcom “Toda Max,” and even his co-star Ruffa Gutierrez was convinced she was seeing the real Christopher, or ‘Boyet’ to his friends in showbiz.</p><p>And, it was as if the soul of the ‘King of Philippine Drama’ had taken over Jonathan when he showcased his acting chops during the talent portion. He delivered a powerful performance of a drama-heavy scene from the iconic 1991 film “Ipagpatawad Mo,” which starred Christopher alongside Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="703" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JBQJlGclil0" title="It" s="" Showtime="" Kalokalike="" Level="" Up:="" Christopher="" De="" width="937"></iframe></div><p>After winning the daily round, his life changed almost overnight. He experienced newfound fame, with more people recognizing and approaching him. Naturally, his confidence soared, and he brought that energy into the next round of the competition.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="703" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dtOKgC8T7TI" title="It" s="" Showtime="" Ultimate="" Kalokalike="" :="" Christopher="" De="" Leon="" width="937"></iframe></div><p>At the Grand Finals, the crowd’s reaction was clear—Jonathan received nothing but ‘big stars’ from the madlang people, meaning the live audience was thoroughly impressed with his performance and convinced by his striking physical similarities with the actor he was portraying.</p><p>In the end, he was crowned the “Ultimate Kalokalike” and received the special Picture Frame Award, given to the contestant who most closely resembles the celebrity they’re mimicking. The panel of judges, including master impersonator Willie Nepomuceno, Jason “Tito Bhoy” Gainza, comedian Pooh, and host Jhong Hilario, awarded him this title.</p><p>He took home a cash prize of 300,000 pesos and a special celebrity package that included a limousine ride, spa and facial services, and a star-worthy staycation in a hotel.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="1385095"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>Jonathan also won the BFF Award, voted on by his fellow finalists, which is essentially the Mr. Congeniality recognition. This shows that he’s not just a look-alike of Christopher in terms of appearance and talent but also embodies the actor’s friendly nature and big heart. He truly deserved the title of “Ultimate Kalokalike.”</p><p>Stay tuned for more celebrity ‘doubles’ who are sure to bring entertainment and laughter in <a href="http://https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime/articles-news/its-showtime-kalokalike-face-4-kicks-off-with-hilarious-trending-impersonations-23241">“<strong><u>Kalokalike Face 4</u></strong>” </a>on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime">“<strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong>.”</a></p>

Throwback to ‘Christopher de Leon’s’ iconic win as the first “Ultimate Kalokalike” | ABS-CBN

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Throwback to ‘Christopher de Leon’s’ iconic win as the first “Ultimate Kalokalike”

Throwback to ‘Christopher de Leon’s’ iconic win as the first “Ultimate Kalokalike”

Liezel dela Cruz

Published Sep 12, 2024 09:07 AM PHT

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Updated Sep 12, 2024 09:54 AM PHT

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Kalokalike

Kalokalike Face 4

Christopher De Leon

Jonathan Garcia

Kalokalike Grand Winner

Celebrity Look Alike

Ultimate Kalokalike

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