ENCHONG DEE'S DYNAMIC DECADE: FROM LOCAL TV TO GLOBAL FILM FESTIVALS

BY A.C. DE QUINA

Nearly two decades ago, a young swimmer from Team Philippines, who had clinched numerous medals in international competitions, caught the eye of a talent scout, not only for his athletic prowess but also for his charming boy-next-door appeal.This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for 17-year-old Enchong Dee.

Shortly after being discovered, Enchong landed his first commercial, showcasing his infectious smile as the newest face of Close-Up toothpaste. This break led to his first acting role in a TV series, which quickly propelled him into a whirlwind of opportunities including more projects in both the small and big screens, commercials, billboards, magazine covers, hosting gigs, and international shows. He even released his own music album.

From an early age, the young actor understood the value of hard work. His athlete’s discipline and determination fueled his transition into show business, enabling him to wisely invest his earnings. By his early 30s, he had already diversified into owning commercial real estate, a shrimp farm, restaurants, and a music school, making his first investment at the age of twenty-one.

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, PRODUCER: A.C. DE QUINA, GROOMING + STYLING: BONG BUAN, LOCTAION: GM STUDIO DTLA

Fast forward to 2023, Enchong enters his "legacy era" with four vastly different movie roles, gaining international and local acclaim. He graced the Cannes Film Festival in France and the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland for the filmTopakk (Triggered). His movie Here Comes the Groom debuted in the Metro Manila summer film festival, earning him a Best Actor nomination. In September, The Fisher screened in China at the Silk Road International Festival followed by a red carpet premiere in Japan at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Furthermore, Here Comes The Groom made history as the first movie showcased at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival, launched at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood. And wrapping up the fruitful year, Enchong starred as Padre Jacinto Zamora in the historical film GomBurZa, which debuted on Christmas Day at the Metro Manila Film Festival. His performance earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination, and GomBurZa went on to become the most awarded film of the season.

2024 kicked off strongly as the Manila International Film Festival inaugurated at the renowned Chinese Theaters in Hollywood. GomBurZa, highlighted among the ten entries, sold out all its time slots, leading to an additional screening. At the festival’s awards gala, the film garnered multiple accolades, further enhancing its already impressive reputation. On April 9th, this historical period piece was globally released on Netflix, expanding its reach to audiences worldwide.

Nominations have been pouring in for this year's awards season in the Philippines, with GomBurZa receiving a myriad of nods, notably for Best Picture. Enchong has also been recognized, earning nominations from major award-giving organizations. Most recently, he took home the Movie Supporting Actor of the Year trophy at the Box Office Entertainment Awards. This June 12th, his new movie, Fruitcake, is set for nationwide release in Philippine cinemas.

Dee continues to pursue new heights with upcoming projects set to film on international grounds. Eighteen years into his career, he remains as driven and enthusiastic as ever, eagerly anticipating more "firsts" in his illustrious journey. Enchong is here to stay; solid, motivated and ready for what’s to come.

We spoke with the multi-faceted actor about his recent films, his experiences over nearly two decades in the industry, and his future projects and aspirations.

After nearly two decades, what are some of the things you’ve learned being in Show business?

I’ve learned to fight for my place. I think in every industry or career you choose, a certain level of anxiety helps you be on your toes. If you don't know who you are and your capabilities, you will find yourself lost in the game. It’s a constant proving and fighting for that spot. Your audience or your market wants to see something new all the time and that I learned to embrace that responsibility through and through.

You’ve done a wide variety of roles in the span of your career. Any particular characters you’d still wanna play given the opportunity? 

Ooooh! Honestly, I’m quite specific with this one. I already visualize myself being part of an international film project. It’s a different discipline, process, and learnings. I know it’s possible. In terms of a role, I do want to play San Lorenzo Ruiz (the first Filipino saint). My mum named me after him.

Looking back, how would you describe your growth in and out of Showbiz? 

My growth in showbiz has been colorful. I feel like I gained my power back now. When I was younger, I tend to follow instantly without weighing things out. At a young age, I was programmed that I’m replaceable, which is partly true, but as I get older I have more freedom to say yes or no to projects in front of me. My motivation is not monetary or visibility anymore, quality of projects and the hunger to perform is my current goal. 
Outside the industry, it goes hand in hand, since I have more freedom to choose projects… I have time to live life and enjoy my hard work. I give more value to the now.

What would you tell 17-year-old Enchong? When you were just starting out in this industry?

Focus on your field. Other career or vocations or passions will come at God’s perfect time. Also, try to go out a little bit more. You’re young! Enjoy your energy and your youth! You have the rest of your life to be an old man. Lol.

You own a few businesses, you’re an actor, a commercial model, a brand endorser, you’ve released a solo album, you have your own YouTube channel, you’ve entertained Filipinos all over the globe and now your films are being showcased in festivals worldwide. What else do you look forward to doing in the near future? 

I want to expand my investments outside the Philippines. Having a diverse portfolio will allow me to have more freedom and time. Eventually, with enough funds, I can create films tailored for myself.

Who do you look up to in the industry? And who would you love to work with, both in the Philippines and in Hollywood? 

I’ve always admired the professionalism of Piolo Pascual. He has a good working relationship with everyone he worked with. I still haven't worked with Joel Torre or Jericho Rosales. It would be a dream come true.

In Hollywood, Olivia Coleman or Dolly De Leon. But if we’re shooting our shot… Leonardo Di Caprio.

What are you most proud of after being in the business for 18 years? 

I think its the self-character I was able to build throughout the years. I was fortunate to be guided by the people I allowed in my inner circle. My manager from Star Magic (Ms. Monch) who basically took the role of my mother in the industry, went above and beyond her duties as a handler. She allowed me to thrive, commit mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and continuously grow until now. I recently had a conversation with her and told her that what I’m most proud of is, I never ever mix business with pleasure. I can face anyone in my profession and be proud that I treated people with utmost respect and professionalism.

What have you discovered in this journey that you didn’t know when you first started ? 

My biggest discovery would be how respect is gained. When I started in the business, I thought that people will give me the respect I gained from my years of being a national swimmer, representing the country from various competitions and bringing pride to our country. I thought that people would just automatically give it to me. But then I realized that you have to work for it and prove to people that you gain respect through your character, discipline, and body of work. I observed the actors that came before me and realized that they are respected because they respect their work and the people they work with.

What motivates you to keep going? 

I’m in the season where my body of work is my biggest motivation. GomBurZa gave me this new set of inspiration that I want to be remembered as the actor who catered a variety of movie genres to his audience and a dependable soldier of the arts may it be on TV, in movies, hosting or any other performance. 

Share to our readers what it feels like each time you walk the red carpet at international film festivals, speaking to foreign press and meeting audiences coming from many different backgrounds. 

The red carpet experiences are all a dream come true. Weirdly enough, I’m more confident being on a red carpet than in any other social setting. It sort of reminds me of the feeling when I was still competing in international swimming competitions. I feel blessed and happy being able to tell people that I’m a Filipino proudly representing the Philippines.

After its successful run during Metro Manila Film Festival and the inaugural Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood, Gomburza is now streaming on Netflix worldwide. What do you want non-Filipino viewers to take away after watching this film?

I want to show our foreign audience the beautiful but tragic story of the Filipinos in the hands of the oppressor. Our story is not unique in the history of the world. We’ve heard this so many times. We need to learn that no one wins in the story of conquering one’s land. We are all connected and until we learn from the mistakes of the past, we are bound to repeat the same mistakes.

What can you tell our readers about the projects you have lined up this year? 

This year will definitely be another buffet of genres. I have something lined up for comedy, fiction, action, and drama, but what I’m most excited about is a possible foreign film. I’m still manifesting for that though. Lol.


What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind? 

In the same way that I was inspired by the people that came before me, I hope I can leave behind a better pathway for others who will come after me, may it be in swimming, acting or in business, but most especially as a Filipino.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The beautiful story of our personal treasures. I can just relate to it deeply.