He’s got

CEBU, Philippines -  Hard work does really pay off. Just ask Rocco Nacino who has gone from being an artista hopeful to one of the top leading men of the Kapuso Network—in just a span of almost five years.

Rocco made his mark as a serious drama actor in the afternoon soap, “Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.” He also took part in GMA News TV’s “Pluma: Rizal, Ang Dakilang Manunulat,” a multi-awarded docu-drama produced to commemorate Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary where he portrayed the character of Jose Rizal, depicting scenes from historical events in our national hero’s life.

It wasn’t long before Rocco’s acting performance was noticed. His stint in the drama series “Koreana” earned him his first acting nomination from the Golden TV Awards for his outstanding portrayal.

Rocco also portrayed leading man characters in GMA’s drama programs. His acting prowess excelled role after role—from being a native pretending to be a prince of an island in “Mistaken Identity” to a rebellious but endearing guy in “The Good Daughter” and a sheltered heir in “Yesterday’s Bride” right down to being a con-artist in “Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas.”

His outstanding performance in the mini-series, “Bayan Ko” – GMA News TV’s groundbreaking drama series which pushed for good governance, further boosted Rocco’s stature as one of the serious drama actors of GMA-7. Rocco was at the heart of the internationally-acclaimed show, portraying the role of Mayor Joseph Santiago, a young idealistic politician aiming to make a difference in a town governed by wayward and dishonest officials. His portrayal earned him the Natatanging Likha para sa Dulang Pantelebisyon – Hiblang Huwaran award in the Gawad Duyan Awards.

Rocco also made an impact on the big screen, starring in both mainstream and indie films such as “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” (a Cinemalaya entry), “Biag ni Lam-Ang,” “Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi,” “I Luv U, Pare Ko,” “My Lady Boss,” and “Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir.” His performance in “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” earned him the New Movie Actor of the Year award at the 28th PMPC Star Awards for Movies, as well as the Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actor award at the 9th Golden Screen Awards (by the Entertainment Press Society).

This year, Rocco had the privilege of working alongside Superstar Nora Aunor and award-winning director Joel Lamangan in “Hustisya,” his second Cinemalaya film as an actor. Rocco also bagged the lead role in the latest film remake of  “Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure” which will open in theaters nationwide next month.

In GMA’s new primetime drama “Hiram na Alaala,” Rocco will breathe life into the character of Joseph Corpuz, an ideal soldier and a dedicated boyfriend, whose life is forever altered upon his captivity.

There is no doubt that the GMA Artist Center star’s career took flight after joining “Starstruck V” with his string of teleseryes, films, and endorsements as major testaments to this. (PR)