Derrick Monasterio earns praise from GMA Network's Annette Gozon-Valdes for 'Slay' performance

Derrick Monasterio slayed his portrayal of Zach in GMA Network's first Viu Original "Slay."

In Lhar Santiago's report in "24 Oras" on Monday, the Sparkle actor said that he created a backstory for Zach's character to make his acting more convincing.

"Ang ginawa ko sa kaniya ay is mayroon siyang parang troubled past. Mayroon siyang dark past. Iyon ang binuo kong backstory ko para lumabas siya kapag medyo binubully ko na ang mga girls," he said.

And it seems that his effort has paid off as GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes lauded him for his performance.

"Hindi kami nagkamali sa pag-cast sa kaniya. Lahat sila they delivered so well," she said.

After hearing of the praise, Derrick said he feels happy with her kind words.

"First time niyang sinabi sa akin 'yon after 15 years So nakakatuwa, nakaka-emotional. Ang saya sa feeling na hindi naman talaga ako 'yung bida dito pero parang ako 'yung bida. Ganoon 'yung feeling," he said.

Aside from Derrick, "Slay" also stars Julie Anne San Jose, Mikee Quintos, Gabbi Garcia, and Ysabel Ortega.

The newest murder-mystery series follows the lives of Liv (Julie Anne), Sugar (Mikee), Amelie (Gabbi) and Yana (Ysabel), who get tagged as the suspects for the murder of Zach.

"Slay" began streaming March 3 on Viu Philippines and will premiere on March 24 on GMA Prime. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News