Born in Manila 10 May 1960, de Leon took up BFA Painting, U.P. Diliman and graduated in 1987.

He was a Recipient of the Cultural Center of the Philippines ’ Thirteen Artists Awards, and in 1988 received a studio grant, with three other colleagues, at the Italian-Swedish Cultural Foundation in Venice , Italy , in 1999, which was awarded best show of the year by the state council.

He is now a full-time exhibiting artist.