Cocoy Laurel: Still singing after all these years

His journey of a thousand miles as an artist began for Victor "Cocoy" Laurel when he sang the theme song of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet on the late Elvira Manahan’s show Two For The Road. He realized that a bigger plan lay ahead of him, both personally and professionally.

"It has been an unforgettable journey," Cocoy muses about where he has since been led. "It’s enough to last a lifetime."

The middle child of former Vice President Salvador Laurel and theater actress Celia Diaz-Laurel, Cocoy was the typical shy boy during his younger days. As a student, he was a target for older bullies at La Salle Greenhills where he finished his elementary and secondary education.

With his shyness and reticence, people close to Cocoy were thus surprised to learn that he was joining the Romeo and Juliet of the Philippines search.

With his endearing handsome features and enchanting voice, Cocoy snagged the Romeo of the Philippines title. The nationwide search led Cocoy to what he describes as "the physically and emotionally challenging world of theater acting".

Cocoy first appeared in Repertory Philippines’ Plaza Suite, where his mom played the lead role. This was followed by the musicales Fiddler On the Roof and The Best of Broadway.

After several roles with Repertory Philippines, Cocoy went to Madrid to pursue his dream of becoming a portrait painter. He studied at the prestigious Academia Real de Bellas Artes where he learned to live independently and to deal with people of varied cultures and values.

"I was only 19 when I lived in one of the boarding houses in Madrid," Cocoy remembers. "Most of my friends there were all in their twenties. They treated me as their kid brother."

"I remember one of the school’s affairs," continues Cocoy. "I was literally dragged onstage and given a guitar to play. I was so nervous about not being able to give them a good performance. I sang Bridge Over Troubled Water. Fortunately, I was able to impress them."

When Cocoy returned to the Philippines for a vacation, producer Cirio Santiago spotted him and offered him a role opposite superstar Nora Aunor in the movie Lollipops and Roses. It also starred Hollywood actor Don Johnson who would later rise to fame in Miami Vice.

This movie became a box-office hit, and Cocoy became a household name. He followed that up with a concert, Cocoy Live at the Meralco Theater with Ryan Cayabyab as musical director; another movie, Once Upon A Time opposite Spanish star Maribel Martin, followed, then a repeat of Cocoy Live. He was on his way to showbiz success.

But education is a "must" for the Laurels, so Cocoy went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Julliard School of Music in 1972. He received his diploma from Helen Hayes, the noted queen of the American stage.

Back home, he did some more stage performances, playing the meaty roles of Che Guevarra in Evita and John Merrick in The Elephant Man.

In 1989, Cocoy left for London to play the assistant commissar in Miss Saigon, beginning what would be a long relationship with that hit musical. Later he played the lead role of the Engineer in Miss Saigon’s Australian version, reaping praises and good reviews from Australian theater critics.

"The training in Miss Saigon was rigorous," Cocoy says. "I had no social life both in London and in Australia. It was lonely living abroad. There were Christmases when I would perform and work. The only thing I could do to ease my loneliness was to call home."

If there is one thing Cocoy is grateful for about his Miss Saigon stints, it is that they made him, he says, a "sturdy person."

After 450 performances as the sleazy Engineer, Cocoy returned to Manila in 1996 and played Jose Rizal in the centennial celebration of Rizal’s martyrdom in Luneta.

Four years later, Cocoy focused on singing with renewed passion. "I consider my talent for singing as the greatest gift I ever received in my life," Cocoy says. "Music is my life. If I can’t sing, I’m very sad. I don’t see myself not singing or not playing an instrument. With music, I can never get bored."

He tried mainstream music via a Spanish album, Te Quiero. All the songs in the album reflect Cocoy’s life as a student in Madrid. A concert at the Music Museum capped the album’s success.

Cocoy, who prefers playing the piano because it gives a semblance of an orchestra, has developed a way of composing songs in his mind. Cocoy hears melodies even in silence and in crowded places.

"For me, creating songs takes time," Cocoy elaborates. "It also depends on the project I am working on. With my album (Te Quiero) it took me a little bit longer because the album was created for the international market. As a composer, I also wait for inspiration that comes from above. I believe that there are angels of music out there just like in Phantom of the Opera. But if the album is commissioned, that will take me days or weeks."

Given all that he has accomplished, what does Cocoy still yearn for?
"As an artist, I feel the need to reach out to others," Cocoy replies. "I have to express the love that I have now and share it with others."

He will try to satisfy that wish in a concert, Journey of the Heart, scheduled for April 26 at The Fort’s NBC Tent where Cocoy will render songs of the past.

"The concert consists of songs that describe the important stages and phases of my life and your life," Cocoy explains.

"It includes unforgettable songs of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and the present. Every song brings back the memories of the past– like the time when I fell in love and fell out of love.

"(The songs reflect) events in my life that start from my Lollipops and Roses days with Nora Aunor.

"The concert is a reflection of who I am as a person, as a music man and as an artist," Cocoy says. "It is everything about me emotionally, musically, and even chronologically."

Besides reliving memories, Cocoy believes the concert will allow him to express his gratitude to the people who have touched and influenced his life.

"The concert will bring to mind the Beatles who truly gave us wonderful, meaningful songs. Another is my personal friend, Rodel Naval (the late balladeer who popularized the song, Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin and who also played Thuy in Miss Saigon, Canada.) I also dedicate this to my parents who brought me to life, the life that I truly enjoy."

Alongside OPM and disco era songs, Cocoy will render songs for specific people, too.

"I have songs for my parents," he says. "I’ve Never Been In Love Before, an old song my mom and dad love to listen to. They would request UP Singers to sing this for them. So In Love–a ‘national anthem’ for lovers–talks about unconditional love. It’s like, no matter how the person hurts you, taunts you, you still love the person. The songs says, ‘I will love you until I die’."

"Close To You and I Can’t Smile Without You remind me of my first movie with Nora Aunor, which we shot in the US. I remember when Don (Johnson) asked me to play the guitar 15 times. My fingers were hurting and numb but I still played because I was afraid that I might offend Don if I didn’t give in.

"I also remember how Nora treated me. She was very supportive. She even guided and encouraged me so that I could do the scenes if I just relax and stay calm. She was more concerned about me than herself.

"La Nave del Olvido and all other Spanish songs bring back memories when my father would always take me with him in most of his travels. People would always ask me to sing for social gatherings and affairs. I practically sang in every country we visited."

This concert is meaningful to Cocoy, who says, "Having a good voice and the talent for music, I feel it is time to bring back to Him all the glories I have reaped through the years. At the same time, I want to share my journey through entertainment. The idea really hit me straight here in my heart."

Given the journey Cocoy has successfully trekked, he ends, "I believe that the true reward is not the destination but the journey I have undertaken. I would like to thank God for every moment I’ve had."