The entertainment industry often shines with glamour, but behind the spotlight, its stars face the same emotional battles—sometimes intensified by public scrutiny. In a moving episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, actors Matt Lozano and Kokoy De Santos courageously opened up about their struggles with depression, shedding light on the importance of mental health.
The conversation began as a tribute to the late Emman Atienza, daughter of Kuya Kim Atienza, before shifting to a heartfelt discussion on the realities of emotional pain.
Kokoy shared that depression eventually caught up with him. “Hanggang sa umabot na sa akin mismo, ako mismo–‘yung parang umabot ako sa point, Tito Boy, na na-depress ako nang walang dahilan,” he said. “Talagang ang hirap, Tito Boy, parang nilamon ka ng kadiliman and all.”
Matt Lozano recalled his darkest moment in 2016: “Gusto ko nang ibangga ‘yung kotse ko sa sobrang lungkot,” he said, but faith steered him back. “Bigla nalang may nag-pop up sa utak ko na, ‘Uy, may church pala dito.’”
Both actors reflected on their coping mechanisms — Matt through faith, Kokoy through boundaries. Their message was clear: mental health struggles don’t discriminate, and choosing to seek light amid the darkness is an act of courage.