Actor and singer Derrick Monasterio understands his character more than he expected in Slay, the crime drama produced by GMA Network in collaboration with streaming platform Viu.
In the series, which stars Julie Anne San Jose, Gabbi Garcia, Mikee Quintos, and Ysabel Ortega, the 29-year-old actor plays Coach Zach, a fitness influencer whose death becomes the center of the story. Zach dies in a fire while filming a workout video, setting off a murder investigation that unravels the secrets and motives from four women—Sugar (Mikee), Liv (Julie Anne), Amelie (Gabbi), and Yana (Ysabel).
“My longest exposure is in the first episode, but the whole story revolves around my character’s death. That’s why you’ll still see me in every succeeding episode,” Derrick said in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment.
Coach Zach is manipulative and controlling, traits that made him a challenging role. He shares intense scenes with Liv, his girlfriend, in the series. Some even turn physical, Derrick admitted.
“The key here is consent. It’s easy to get carried away when emotions run high in intense scenes. But Julie and I made sure to discuss everything before shooting. She’s a professional and brilliant actress, so we didn’t have any problems,” he said.
Derrick knows viewers will hate Zach, but he finds the character relatable.
“I know he’s bad, but as an actor, you need to understand where he’s coming from. His actions are rooted in his passion for love. At one point, I saw myself in him because I was a bit controlling in a relationship,” he shared.
Derrick credits his real-life girlfriend, Elle Villanueva, for helping him grow.
“Thanks to Elle, I’ve learned to be more gentle and compromising. She taught me to meet halfway in a relationship. I guess I’m a changed man because of her,” he added.
Derrick said Slay promises twists in every episode, with tension rising between the women and investigator Juro, played by Royce Cabrera.
“It’s set in a world where trust is fragile, and no one is safe from suspicion,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of GMA Network’s top executives, Annette Gozon-Valdes, described Derrick’s performance as a revelation. In turn, Derrick said it was an easy decision to accept the role.
“It’s one of those characters people will love to hate. That made him exciting to play,” he said.
The series also features Bernard Palanca, James Blanco, Phoemela Baranda, Chuckie Dreyfus, Simon Ibarra, Tina Paner, and Matet de Leon. Sparkle artists Nikki Co, Gil Cuerva, and Jay Ortega join the cast.
The series, directed by Rod Marmol and Jules Katanyag, premieres tonight on GMA-7 and airs from Monday to Thursday at 9:25 p.m. It is also available on GMA Pinoy TV and Viu Philippines.