Enrique Gil Almost Quit Acting After Make It With You

Enrique Gil admitted that it crossed his mind to leave show business behind in the three years that he hasn't been on screens. The 31-year-old actor was last on Make It With You, the ABS-CBN prime-time series that was cut on air during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

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"I was at a point na gusto ko tahimik lang yung buhay ko. Iiwan ko yung showbiz. I just wanted to focus on me and my mom's business," Gil said. "But you know, something did not sit well with me. I can't just leave the industry na wala pala akong naiwan more than the projects I've done. I wanna make a difference sa industry natin. Boost Filipino content out here, so not just [for] local but international viewers."

His thoughts about quitting stopped when the concept for his comeback film I am Not A Big Bird was formed. The film is co-produced by Anima Studios, Black Sheep, Epicmedia, and Gil's production company Make-A-Break Productions.

"So, we just talked with some of the writers from ABS before and Ranvel and bigla na lang ito nabuo out of nowhere. This is also the reason why I came back. Kahit siguro matanda na ako, kahit di na ako puwede umarte sa harap ng camera, nagbibigay pa rin ako kahit papano ng entertainment sa Filipino," he said.

Gil announced the film at the Anima Studios seventh anniversary party in Ugly Duck Tapas & Rooftop Lounge in Poblacion, Makati City on July 13, 2023. The actor couldn't contain his excitement as he has a stake in project both on and off cam.

In an interview, he told PEP: "I just wanted to do something na kahit wala na ako sa camera in the future I can still provide content, entertainment for Filipinos. Ang dream ko lang talaga is mas makilala tayo sa ibang bansa. Basically that's it—the legacy na maiwan natin."

The film's genre is a sexy comedy which greatly differs from the romance-drama projects that he's usually done. When asked if his fans would be surprised, he says "It's good. If you're too comfortable you don't move. Kailangan maging uncomfortable ka para gumalaw. So I really take that to heart."

He says his father used to say that "laughter is the best medicine." And, this stuck to him. "He used to tell me, whatever you do, kahit sa trabaho, kahit pagod siya sa trabaho he always makes sure na nagpapatawa siya. So, it just stuck to me. And I've never really done any comedy films ever. So sabi ko, I wanna do something different. More than anything I just wanna have a good time. I just want to be happy, to laugh sa lahat ng stress sa buhay. Simple lang," he said.

He adds, "Ewan ko, sa tagal ko nawala, parang start to zero na naman ako. I think its gonna feel all new again kasi medyo di na ako sanay mag-taping. But I know I will be ready pag asa set na kami. For now, I'm super excited."

The film also stars Pepe Herrera, Nikko Natividad, and Red Ollero and will be directed by Victor Villanueva, with writing by Lilit Reyes and Joma Labayen.

From: PEP.ph