GMA's Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara has nothing but good words for rising actor Kokoy de Santos.
In an interview, she described the 23-year-old Kapuso star as "very talented" and "charming."
She noted Kokoy knows how to make use of his assets.
"Marunong lumandi sa camera," was how she put it.
Gigi was also thankful to hear good feedback on Kokoy's performance in an upcoming episode of "Magpakailanman."
According to her, she was actually looking for good material to highlight Kokoy's talent.
"Kumbaga because matagal na siya... nakikita natin siya. Marami na siyang nagawa in moves and in digital pero parang sa TV so far the things he has been doing are mostly on comedy ('Pepito Manaloto' and 'Bubble Gang') but we want to showcase him as an actor," she said.
And she's happy that Director Neal del Rosario was more than satisfied with Kokoy's performance.
Note that Kokoy is set to breathe life to the story of Mark Joseph "Aga" Casidsid on "The Blind Runner" episode of "Magpakailanman," tonight at 8 p.m.
Aga was born with Retinopathy of Prematurity, an eye disorder caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the light sensitive part of the eyes, which led to total blindness.
He suffered from severe depression, trying to take his own life at one point.
Aga was able to overcome difficulties as a marathon runner.
Kokoy hopes that through his episode, he'll be able to inspire viewers.
"Hindi hadlang yung pagkakaroon ng kapansanan para ipagpatuloy yung mga pangarap sa buhay," he said. "Walang rason para sumuko."
In terms of him doing his first ever "Magpakailanman" episode, Kokoy admitted to feeling the pressure.
Kokoy revealed it was actually a huge struggle to play the role of a blind man.
Born Ronald Marquez de Santos Jr, the actor, singer, dancer, and commercial model got his break via the movie "Fuccbois," as an official entry to the 15th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in 2019.
The following year, he was cast as one of the main actors in the series, "Gameboys."