Franco Laurel honors Tito Cocoy’s lasting legacy of love and song

Franco Laurel honored the memory of his beloved uncle, veteran stage and screen actor Victor “Cocoy” Laurel, who passed away at 72. More than just a family member, Cocoy was a mentor, an inspiration, and a beacon of warmth and generosity whose legacy transcended the stage.

“You have touched so many lives,” Franco wrote in a heartfelt message. “Not just with your incredible artistry, but with your kindness, your generosity, and your beautiful spirit.”

Cocoy Laurel was known for his unforgettable performances in classic musicals such as The King & I, Pippin, West Side Story, and Camelot. For Franco, those performances were not just theatrical milestones. They were deeply personal, formative experiences. Watching his Tito Cocoy command the stage was a glimpse into the magic of theater, a spark that helped ignite his own artistic journey.

Franco recalled cherished memories from his childhood, especially those intimate moments spent in their family home in Shaw Boulevard. “You would ask me to sing,” he remembered. “And you once told me: When you sing, think of it like the waves in the ocean — make it flow.” Those words, simple yet profound, became a guiding principle not only in Franco’s singing but in his life as an artist.

Beyond the stage, Cocoy Laurel was beloved for his genuine warmth. “You had a gift for making everyone feel special, seen, and heard,” Franco wrote. “Your presence lit up every room, and your smile had the power to lift even the heaviest hearts.”

As he bids farewell, Franco finds comfort in imagining his Tito Cocoy “singing and dancing his heart out in Heaven.” His message ends not with sorrow, but with gratitude and enduring love: “Your love and light will always live in my heart. I love you forever, Tito Cocoy.”