After 18 years in the industry, Enchong Dee reflected on his career with a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to the craft that has defined his journey. 

During a recent press conference, Enchong opened up about his enduring passion for acting and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Enchong realized his dedication to the craft around his tenth year in the industry, acknowledging the natural cycle of younger talents rising. “After the 10th year, which I was 26/27, dun ko kasi naramdaman na may bago nang younger batch na iniinvestan yung company. Which is a natural cycle, tatanda at tatanda ka sa industriya. I need to be able to create my own opportunities.” Enchong shared. 

This period saw him diversifying his career with ventures into music, highlighting his commitment to evolving as an artist.

His father's advice has been a guiding principle throughout his career.  “Ang advice sa'kin ni papa, ‘Kailangan maging team player. Kailangan mo maging maka-tao kasi yung mga taong nakasalubong mo paakyat, kapag bumagsak ka, yun ulit yung mag aakyat sa'yo.’ Hindi ka pwede maging mayabang, try not to be boastful about it because ang daming uncertainty.” Enchong recounted, emphasizing the importance of humility and teamwork in an industry fraught with uncertainties.

Enchong’s tenure in show business has taught him the value of self-improvement and openness to criticism. Reflecting on his growth, he said, “I always take criticisms as a grain of salt. If there’s a chance for me to improve myself so that I can be a better person in the future, I will grab it. I want to be able to inspire the younger star magic artists, or younger generations of artists na kung ano yung dapat na ugali kapag nandito sa trabaho.”

“Kasi, ako nung nagsimula ako, andyan yung Piolo Pascual, andyan yung Jericho Rosales, na kapagtinitingala mo, sana andun din ako. Gusto ko gampanan din yung role na okay, I may not be a role model but you can always approach me if there’s anything you want to improve on yourself.” He added

Winning acting awards serves as motivation, but Enchong remains focused on the daily grind. He admitted he draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant's philosophy: "Winning is great, but you have to wake up and start all over again. It's the same with losing." Enchong added: “So it’s the same thing, yung panalo kahapon, hindi ibig sabihin panalo ngayon, so I just have to keep working.”

Looking ahead to the new season of Pinoy Big Brother, Enchong said he is excited about the genuine camaraderie formed in the previous season. “Totoo yung naging pamilya ni Kuya and I’ve been wanting that.,” Enchong shared with enthusiasm.

— By Samantha Prats