We’ve been seeing Kokoy de Santos in the Kapuso sitcom “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento” since last year but it was only last March 4 when he became an official Kapuso when he signed a talent management contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

Kokoy de Santos catapulted to fame when he starred in the award-winning online BL (boys love) series GAMEBOYS which was produced by The Idea First Company when the pandemic was on its early stage. He was paired with the equally talented young actor Elijah Canlas and through the series, they became popular in Brazil, Thailand, Argentina, Portugal, and other countries where there are legions of BL genre fans. GAMEBOYS eventually aired on GMA Network’s Heart of Asia channel.

Kokoy also starred in another BL series produced by ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC titled “Oh, Mando.” He starred alongside Alex Diaz and Barbie Imperial in the critically acclaimed series helmed by the late Eduardo Roy Jr.

After finishing two BL series and the film version of GAMEBOYS (which is currently getting various recognitions here and abroad), Kokoy had a recurring role in the Kapuso sitcom “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento” since it premiered July of last year. Then two days ago (March 4), Sparkle GMA Artist Center announced that Kokoy will become one of their talents making him an official Kapuso star!

In an interview with GMA News, Kokoy expressed his feeling of success and relief because according to him, he’s been trying to become a part of Sparkle GMA Artist Center for the longest time.

“Sobrang iba! Iba ‘yung pakiramdam ng puso ko at dahil nga matagal, matagal ko na rin tina-try sa GMA Artist Center. Kumbaga, hindi pa siya Sparkle, at ngayon hindi ko inexpect talaga na ganitong kalaking tiwala ‘yung ibinibigay sa akin. Sobrang grateful [and] happy,” he said.

Sparkle head Gigi Santiago-Lara expressed her gratitude to Perci Intalan of The Idea First Company for handing over Kokoy to GMA. She also revealed the qualities they love about the young actor:

“He’s very talented. He’s very charming. He knows how to make use of his assets, which is his smile, ‘yung personality,” she said.

As part of his launch as a Kapuso star, Kokoy starred on his first starring role in the drama anthology “Magpakailanman” where he portrayed the role of Aga Casidsid, the blind runner.

Kokoy is now also part of the country’s longest-running gag show “Bubble Gang.”

When asked on what his fans can expect from him now that he is on the new chapter of his career:

“Siyempre, in general, siguro ‘yung pag-arte. Lagi akong gutom sa mga bagong aral na makukuha ko sa mga katrabaho ko rin, direktor, aktor, sa lahat,” the new Sparkle talent said.

Follow Kokoy de Santos on Instagram and TikTok: @kkydsnts.