‘First Yaya’ director lauds Cassy Legaspi for her willingness to learn on first teleserye

It wasn't just the viewers Cassy Legaspi impressed as she played Nina Acosta in GMA's hit teleserye "First Yaya." It was also her director.

Speaking at an online acting workshop organized by GMA Artist Center on Thursday, Kapuso director LA Madridejos lauded the 20-year-old actress for showing promise on her first soap.

Direk LA recalled a time during filming when he decided to cut a very long line that Cassy had memorized, but she trusted his guidance and ended up nailing it.

"Sinabi ko, 'Wala ka nang line sa sequence na 'to after ng rehearsal. Sa take, wala na.' Sorry, yaya. 'Yun lang,' So, 'nung ginawa niya, ang galing-galing ni Cassy," he said.

Cassy is one of many GMA talents who were trained by internationally renowned acting coach Anthony Bova and award-winning actor, opera singer and acting facilitator Ana Feleo, who were also present at the workshop.

Direk LA said he was happy to know that Cassy's first big TV role in "First Yaya" was well received.

The director also hoped she would serve as an inspiration for young actors entering showbiz.

"Masaya kasi ako sa mga naging reception [kay Cassy] sa 'First Yaya' and big props kay Sir Anthony at Miss Ana. Kasi bago siya pumunta sa 'First Yaya,' tinuturuan niyo siya nang maayos. Nauturuan niyo siya nang maganda, so hindi actually mahirap sa amin sa set," said Direk LA.

"And sa lahat ng mga bagong papasok, isa 'yun sa mga pinakahinahanap ko, personally, sa mga bagong artista - 'yung willingness makinig," he added.

Cassy, on the other hand, told her fellow young actors how important it was to "really work" with your director and always listen to what they have to say.

"It works both ways," the actress said.

"Hindi naman pwedeng, 'Oh, direk, kayo na pong bahala sakin,' 'Saan? Dito lang ako, direk' -- Its not like that. You have to work for yourself, too."

Cassy Legaspi is the daughter of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi.

Despite her celebrity background, she worked hard to make a name for herself in showbiz — from her days as a commercial model, to playing the President's protective and emotionally-guarded daughter in GMA's "First Yaya."

"In fairness kay Cassy, she doesn't just -- what do they call it? -- rest on her laurels. Like, 'Oh anak ako ng artista, so I don't have to work that hard. I got this.' Hindi. Baliktad si Cassy. Papatunayan niya talaga," Feleo said. — LA, GMA News