Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Enrique Gil shares life updates and recent journey of rediscovering himself

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1734793277245Enrique-Gil.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>As he sits down to reflect on a career that has spanned over a decade, Enrique Gil talks about stepping back, rediscovering himself, and the profound realizations that came with lying low during the pandemic.</p><p>Enrique has always been family-oriented, and that’s exactly why he decided to take a step back from showbiz, especially during the pandemic. “Na-miss nako ang time with my family, akong mga igsoon,” he shared, slipping effortlessly into Bisaya as he talked about how much he missed spending time with his siblings. “Na-realize ko na, ‘Wow. They’re all growing up.’ Si Andie, nag-graduate na, nag-migrate na sa Spain,” he said, referring to his younger sister.</p><div><iframe width="1250" height="703" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sHnV8AoOs94" title="ENRIQUE GIL: ”Dako jud, Dako!” | KUAN ON ONE S2 Ep 6 with English &amp; Filipino Subtitles" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>That time away gave him a fresh perspective on life. “Na-realize ko na life is more than just fame, acting, showbiz, and money,” he said. “All of this means a lot to me, but it’s not everything. Showbiz is a part of my life, but it’s not my whole life.”</p><p>For Enrique, stepping back is necessary to focus on what truly matters. The pandemic made him take a hard look at how he had been so consumed by work that it felt like his entire world revolved around it. As he described it, pre-pandemic life as a lead actor meant working almost seven days a week, with no clear end to taping schedules—sometimes starting early in the morning and stretching into the next day. It was a grind he embraced but also one that left little room for anything else.</p><p>This isn&#x27;t to say he doesn’t appreciate his career or the fans who have supported him. He does—immensely. But now, he’s found a healthier balance, one where he can still explore his craft as an actor and filmmaker while making time for himself and his family.</p><div><iframe width="1250" height="703" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jnIAMFjn-3o" title="How Enrique Gil discovered his talent in acting | Kuan On One Episode 21 Highlights" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>After all, he owes so much to his family for where he is today. He says it was his father who first discovered his talent in acting when his dad noticed how good he was at mimicking movie or TV show characters. And this knack for imitation was what he used in dance and acting workshops. &quot;Mahirap lang gayahin &#x27;pag boses,&quot; he said with a laugh, admitting that singing might not be his strongest suit.</p><p>When it comes to finding motivation for his characters, Enrique draws from a deeply personal place. While every role he plays comes with a unique journey, he considers himself lucky that most of his characters share a common thread: a deep love for family. This is something he relates to effortlessly, given how much affection he has for his own family in real life.</p><p>As viewers, we see clearly that Enrique&#x27;s performances are grounded in undeniable skill. Yet, if you ask him, you’d never hear him boast about his abilities. That’s just not his style. He just lets his work speak for itself, quietly earning respect without needing to call attention to himself.</p><p>But even with all the praise, Enrique doesn’t take credit. Instead, he attributes it to the way his parents raised him. He describes his Bisaya mom as a disciplinarian, with his mom even resorting to old-school ‘palo ng sinturon’ or hitting with the belt whenever he misbehaved as a kid.</p><p>And the discipline instilled in him at a young age has always shaped his work ethic as an adult. On set, he’s known for being incredibly obedient and dedicated. But over time, he’s also learned to follow his heart and make decisions that align with his personal desires.</p><p>It&#x27;s clear that he&#x27;s now prioritizing what excites him and makes him happy, especially as he ventures into film producing and continues exploring his artistry. </p><p>He explained that being overworked or doing a lot of projects without rest in between can start to feel exhausting. “Para kang robot na paulit-ulit,,. nawawala ‘yung magic, ‘yung inspiration mo sa mga projects,&quot; he admitted. &quot;So, that’s me right now, I’m trying to look for something that makes me happy.&quot;</p><p>&quot;The most important is balance in life. If there&#x27;s too much of one thing, it&#x27;s not also good for your mental health, physical health, and sa heart mo.&quot;</p><p>Right now, that balance seems to be found in his passion for producing films. Enrique’s first foray into film production came with “I Am Not Big Bird,” a comedy with a tasteful yet raunchy vibe reminiscent of American TV humor. He’s also open to exploring other genres, like horror and action. In fact, he recently pitched a project to ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes, who loved the concept and immediately gave the green light for shooting next year.</p><div><iframe width="1250" height="703" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n0F5N4L12WY" title="Enrique Gil teases an upcoming project! | Kuan On One Episode 21 Highlights" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>It&#x27;s a promising new chapter for Enrique, as he continues to redefine his career while staying true to what truly makes him happy.</p><p>The Kapamilya heartthrob has earned the title &quot;King of the Gil&quot; for his ability to command success in his career as a performer and actor. And, much like the shape of a hill, his journey has had its share of ups and downs.</p><p>What sets him apart, however, is his ability to dance through life&#x27;s challenges with optimism. He’s learned to always look for the brighter side. “Sa lahat ng ginagawa ko, I make sure that I’m always happy. ‘Pag hindi ka happy, think twice bakit mo ginagawa ‘yun,” he shared. Enrique speaks from experience, reflecting on one of the darkest periods in his life—the loss of his father in 2008. It was a time of grief, but he slowly began to heal by focusing on the things that brought him smiles and hope.</p><p>When asked if he ever feared losing his place in showbiz, Enrique candidly admitted, “No,” and even confessed that he entertained the thought of fading naturally from the public’s memory during the pandemic.</p><p>“Gusto ko kasi ng tahimik at simpleng buhay. Gusto ko nang lumipat sa Tagaytay, sa property ko na nasa tapat ng bundok. Gusto ko ng tahimik lang, magsasaka na lang ako,” he revealed. He even had a heart-to-heart talk with his mom during that time, and told her he was ready to leave the industry.</p><p>However, leaving showbiz wasn’t as simple as it sounded. The idea of parting from the industry he loved—and considering how it might affect his supporters—changed his mind. “Siyempre, malulungkot ang fans,” he said.</p><p>“Sabi ko, parang may kulang kung iiwan ko lang ang entertainment industry,” he confessed. This realization led him to return—not just as an actor but as a producer. And now, Enrique has found that missing piece by putting up his own production company, as he aims to create quality content for his audience.</p><p>For Enrique, happiness is about finding where you truly feel at peace. He admits, however, that there are moments, especially in work, where it’s easy to feel unsatisfied or unfulfilled. But for him, the key lies in how you find something positive or joyful in what you already have.</p><p>&quot;I mean, feeling ko maikli lang &#x27;yung oras natin dito sa mundo, so at least, make the most out of your time here. Make sure that you&#x27;re always happy sa lahat ng ginagawa mo,&quot; he shared, responding to questions sent in by KUANiezens.</p><p>He further encouraged, &quot;Kung hindi ka happy, maghanap ka ng magpapasaya sa&#x27;yo at &#x27;yun ang gagawin mo. Find your happiness in everything you do. ‘Pag wala doon, lumipat ka.&quot; </p><p>For Enrique, life’s too short not to prioritize your own joy.</p>

<p>Enrique Gil talks about his new ‘role,’ slowing down and finding true happiness</p>

Enrique Gil talks about his new ‘role,’ slowing down and finding true happiness