Derrick Monasterio details why Sanya Lopez is his favorite leading lady

Of all the leading ladies that Derrick Monasterio has worked with, Sanya Lopez is his favorite.

In an online interview with the press on Thursday, the Kapuso hunk expressed how much he admires Sanya, saying she’s definitely one to be looked up to in the industry.

“Oh my God, I love Sanya so much,” he began. “Sobrang down to earth, galing na artista, at professional. Kahit natatapakan na ‘yan, ‘di ‘yan nagsasalita. Gano’n siya ka-professional,” he said.

“I respect and admire her for that. Working with Sanya is always a pleasure kasi nga nadadala rin ako. Magaling na artista ‘yan talaga. Alam ko alam niyo, pero ‘di niyo alam yung nakikita ko,” he continued.

Derrick added that he is also surprised by how Sanya remains grounded despite all of her achievements.

“Nakikita ko si Sanya ngayon and same na same na same. Mas humble pa nga siya ngayon eh kung titingnan mo. What’s surprising is hindi siya nagbago,” he said.

“Ninety percent of all the entertainers dito sa industry natin, ‘pag nakaranas ng konting success, lumalaki ulo, yumayabang. Iilan lang sila Sanya, Alden (Richards) sa mga hindi nagbago na tao,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sanya pointed to Derrick's dedication to stay true all these years.

“Siya yung tipo kasing kaibigan na alam mong ‘pag may nang-aapi sa’yo, ipaglalaban ka niya. Isa siya sa mga artistang nakilala ko na napaka totoong tao,” she said.

Having worked on “Half Sisters” in 2014 and 2018's “Wild and Free,” the two actors can say that they have grown closer together and have built a strong bond.

In fact, they can now openly talk about their sweet moments and the possibility of being a couple if only they weren’t just friends. While Sanya thinks they wouldn’t click because "masyado kaming match to the point na 'di kami bagay," Derrick said otherwise.

“Para sa 'kin, bagay kami. Ayaw lang niya,” Derrick said with a laugh and when asked why their friendship hasn't evolved into a romantic one, Derrick good-naturedly pointed to Sanya, saying was too focused on work.

“Si Sanya, masyadong focus sa trabaho,” he said. “Workaholic na tao ‘yan.”

Sanya and Derrick are set to star in the upcoming entry of “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” titled “Oh My Oppa” starting November 14 with Gil Cuerva, Jon Lucas, and Ashley Ortega. — LA, GMA News