Bittersweet end for 'Gameboys' star Kokoy De Santos

Twitterverse exploded once again on Sunday as the much-awaited 12th episode of the widely-followed Pinoy BL series "Gameboys" trended anew. Directed by Ivan Payawal and starring the now popular tandem of Kokoy de Santos and Elijah Canlas, the series is down to its final episode on Sunday.

The recent episode ended with Gav (Kokoy) dropping the call on Cai (Elijah). It was their first major fight since becoming an item. The scene was well-written and those watching can feel the tension building. The scene reminded us of the confrontation between Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon in Ishmael Bernal’s classic movie “Broken Marriage.”

Kokoy and Elijah proved they are very good actors. They were very truthful to their roles and you can feel how well they understood their parts. The pain was just too real. Watching Episode 12 felt like watching two of your friends fighting, with no budging. Although they have their points, they are also flawed. You wouldn’t want to take sides while Cai and Gav are fighting because they both have mistakes. But their acting and objectives are on point. The escalation of emotions and the execution were terrific.

We had a chance to interview Kokoy thru Facebook messenger last week (thanks to director Perci Intalan who forwarded our questions to Kokoy and we received the response on Friday, two days before the airing of Episode 12). We also sent the same set of questions to Elijah and we will run it here on Star Circuit.

What can you say about the success of 'Gameboys' and that you and Elijah are the main reasons why the series has a huge following?

“I am very happy. Yes, I believe we are part of the reason why it has a huge following because we give it a different kind of love. I also would like to give a big credit to our production staff aside from my co-actors. Iba din po yung effort na nilalaan nila dito sa proyekto na ito. Blood and tears. I would like to thank IdeaFirst for taking their chance on me. Gavreel is like second skin to me. Most people tell me they saw in me the character. I believe that Gavreel and Kokoy are similar in many ways. Mas marami yung pagkakapareho namin kaysa pagkakaiba.”

How did the role of Gav change your life as an actor and as a person?

“Siguro ‘yung pananaw ko sa bagay-bagay, na kapag may gusto ka, ilaban mo yan. Wag mong sukuan.”

Why do you think 'Gameboys' is receiving so much love and support, not only in the Phillippines, but from international audiences as well?

“I guess it’s because it has a very good story. Yung tipong paglalaruan pati ang feelings, may ganoong level. It is happening now and it’s real.”

How do you feel now that "Gameboys" is down to its last episode?

"Nakakalungkot po, pero syempre happy kasi sobrang successful ng show and proud that I am part of it."

What makes "Gameboys" unforgettable?

“Aside from my baby (Elijah), I will remember everyone that became part of this series. I will miss everything, including the entire process of making it. Also, the community it created among the fans and all those who supported the show.”