How Enrique supports Liza’s Hollywood dream, plus his goals as actor-producer this 2024

After establishing a successful career for over a decade, Enrique Gil saw his hiatus of three years as a much-needed reset. He came to understand that one can strive for success, wealth, and fame, but in the end, you will give up everything for the invaluable opportunity to enjoy quiet moments with your family.

Yet, despite enjoying slow living close to nature and at home, nothing can stop him from walking on the path that was made for him, which is showbiz.

In this edition of “Metro Talks,” the King of the Gil shares his experiences while away from the limelight, his reasons for coming back to showbiz, and his upcoming venture as both an actor and producer, plus his thoughts about Liza Soberano’s journey in Hollywood.

“It feels good to be back,” he says. At home, he discovered simple joys in life with the family such as eating at the same table altogether, adding that his three-year break was a blessing in disguise that happened just before his siblings started to move out.

But, obviously, he feels a different burst of energy in front of the cameras. He misses the people he used to be with on- and off-cam, although he doesn’t miss sleeping in his tent or not having any sleep at all.

Enrique is passionately in love with the industry, so much so he sees himself remaining a part of it until he’s old, whether through acting or working behind the scenes. The reason why he put up his production outfit, which is responsible for his comeback project “I Am Not Big Bird,” and an events ticketing company is because he wishes to leave a lasting legacy.

“Sabi ko, kahit matanda na ako, I can still provide some entertainment to people. Kahit hindi na ako nasa stage, I still get to provide events and entertainment for them,” he shares.

Above all, he aims to create a platform for fellow artists to showcase their talent and elevate Filipino cinema on the global stage. He mentions that “I Am Not Big Bird” was initially intended only for international release at film festivals, but ABS-CBN requested a local release as well.

“Never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined that a film like this would be coming out to the viewers here. But we took a chance. We did it and I’m super happy and proud that we did,” he opens up. I Am Not Big Bird” is his first foray into movie production. And by this time, he’s already creating the blueprint for his production company’s next two projects.

He departs from his usual rom-com and drama-heavy offerings, this time, serving up a raunchy, riotous comedy in “I Am Not Big Bird” where he plays Luis, a hard-working guy in his 30s mistaken for a Thai porn star. He is insecure about his ‘size’ and sexual intimacy, and is so committed to work obligations that his love life and friendships got hazy. While these topics are explored in a comedic trope, Enrique believes that they resonate with moviegoers in real life. Even he was able to relate to Luis’ struggle with balancing his time with work and friends.

“I Am Not Big Bird” introduces Enrique, or Quen as he’s fondly called, to new co-actors who are mostly comedians. Put them in the fun streets of Bangkok, Thailand, where they shot most of the scenes, and you’ll get a riotous camaraderie on- and off-cam.

“We didn’t even have to try. Also, the trip going to Thailand and then, spending time on our times off, going out to get a massage, eat together, bigla na lang kami nag-gel. We didn’t know. It just happened, which is good,” he remarks about his ‘barkada’ chemistry with Pepe Herrera, Red Ollero, and Nikko Natividad.

Comedy isn’t much of a new territory to him. Growing up, he loved watching comedy shows. His organic comedic timing used to come out in his past rom-com projects as well, with the likes of Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana taking notice.

In fact, he and Liza Soberano love to bond over watching comedy shows. He proudly shares that when Liza was asked in one of her interviews in Hollywood about her favorite film, she mentioned “Movie 43,” a comedy-thriller that Enrique introduced her to.

Speaking of Liza, Enrique is pleased with their mutual support for one another’s individual careers, and proud that they get to expand their creative horizons. According to Enrique, he visited Liza’s movie set for “Lisa Frankenstein” in New Orleans and he got to bond with her Hollywood co-stars as well.

Enrique, who is more than ready to turn his dream roles and dream projects into reality via his own production company, wishes to explore genres he’s never done before like a full-blown horror flick, embracing the mantras, “Try something new” and “Take charge,” this 2024.