Kapuso actor Derrick Monasterio couldn’t hold back his emotions during the grand media conference of his latest murder mystery series ‘SLAY’, held Wednesday, March 19.
The actor, who leads the ensemble cast, became teary-eyed upon receiving commendations for his performance from GMA Network senior vice president Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
“Napakagaling niya sa SLAY, and I’m sure magmamarka siya sa mga manonood,” said Gozon-Valdes, expressing how proud the network is of Derrick’s growth as an actor.
For Derrick, who has been in showbiz for 15 years, this moment was a long time coming.
“Ang sarap sa feeling… first time kong makarinig ng ganu’n na papuri sa acting,” he said, tearing up. “Kasi dati, sa singing, sa rampa-rampa, okay, pero sa acting—ang sarap sa feeling.”
The actor admitted that for a long time, negative comments calling him a “bano” or “ham actor” had affected him deeply.
“Mas napipikon ako. Parang, ‘Bakit na naman? Ano na namang ginawa ko?’” he shared. “Pero narealize ko rin na may pagkukulang ako. Hindi ko talaga siya isinapuso noon.”
He revealed that a major factor in his renewed focus on acting came from his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, actress Elle Villanueva.
“Yes, because of her,” he said. “Tinuruan niya ako ng tamang values sa relationship, at nag-reflect iyon sa trabaho. Natuto akong makinig. Kapag may pagbabago sa boses o sa mata niya, nakikita ko. So, nagiging mas sensitive ako. Nag-reflect siya—parang natural lang nangyari. Hindi na workshop.”
Asked if Elle is “the one,” Derrick answered without hesitation: “One hundred percent. One million percent. Sure na, sure na, sure na.”
He also clarified that while they’ve been together for three years, they are not living together. “Minsan sleepovers lang at legal naman. Pinuprove ko rin sa family niya na worthy ako.”
In ‘SLAY’, Derrick plays Zach, a self-absorbed fitness influencer whose mysterious death becomes the center of the story’s whodunnit. The series promises drama, suspense, and a darker, more mature Derrick onscreen.
“Si Zach is very self-centered. Gusto niya siya lagi ‘yung alpha,” Derrick explained. “Nakaka-relate ako siguro noong 2022, 23 years old ako, dumaan ako sa point na feeling ko ako ‘yung king. Buti na lang nagbago ‘yon.”
The actor studied his role extensively and credits his co-stars and directors Rod Marmol and Jules Katanyag for helping him bring Zach to life.
Joining him in ‘SLAY’ are Gabbi Garcia, Mikee Quintos, Ysabel Ortega, and Julie Anne San Jose. The ensemble also includes Bernard Palanca, James Blanco, Phoemela Baranda, Matet de Leon, Tina Paner, Chuckie Dreyfus, Royce Cabrera, Nikki Co, Gil Cuerva, and Jay Ortega.
‘SLAY’ premieres tonight, March 24, at 9:25 p.m. on GMA Prime and will also be available for streaming via Kapuso Stream on YouTube and Viu.
