CITIZEN MIKE

After the social media dustup between award-winning filmmaker Mike de Leon and journalist-turned-actor Atom Araullo, a moviegoer witnessed a somewhat vulnerable, even endearing side to the director—a far cry from his recent internet persona.

Journalist and media executive Apa Ongpin wrote Monday on Facebook about watching De Leon’s critically acclaimed film, “Citizen Jake.”

“The audience applauded when it ended,” Ongpin wrote. “We sat through the credits, chatting with friends. We got up, still talking about the film, and walked out.

“As we went through the swinging doors, I saw a man, fidgeting, nervous, waiting for the last people to come out, so he could enter, early for the next showing.”

Ongpin recognized the man—Mike de Leon.