On November 3, Kapamilya actor Enchong Dee recalled the advice he received about longevity in showbiz from seasoned actors he worked with for the past 15 years.
During the media conference for Maalaala Mo Kaya‘s opening salvo for November, Dee said he received advice from established artists about building camaraderie with his co-actors and staff on set.
“May nadinig po ako dati galing kay–kanino ba, kay Nanay Gina ba, or kay Janice. Hindi ko maalala pero ang sabi niya sa akin, ‘Ang acting o performance ng isang artista, napagaaralan ‘yan. Pero, ugali ng artista mahirap baguhin, so make sure na mas mabuti kang makisama muna and then aralin mo ‘yun craft mo.
“Kasi napakaliit ng industriya natin. ‘Yung mga taong inartehan mo, ‘yung mga taong pinakitaan mo ng disrespect, ‘yun at ‘yun din ‘yung mga taong makakasalamuha mo ulit.'”
Dee also attributed his longevity in showbiz to the generosity of seasoned actors.
“Ay opo, ‘yung mga ganyang artista, ‘yung mga senior actors, ‘yung mga nauna sa akin. Kapag mas mabuti kang makisama they are more generous in helping. They are more generous in sharing their experiences for you to last the business.”
He then recalled filming one scene 17 times when he worked in Lastikman.
“Noong nagsisimula kami ng Lastikman, sobrang naalala ‘yun. Sabi ko, Direk hindi ko akalain talaga ‘yun ‘yung understanding mo kung sino si Enchong Dee dati. May isa akong eksena, umabot akong ng 17 takes kasi hindi ko makuha-kuha.
“Andoon si Vhong, andoon si Archie. Hiyang-hiya na ako. Gusto ko nang kainin ng lupa. Pero ‘yun siguro ‘yun buti na lang marunong akong makisama at unti-unti kong napagaralan ‘yung trabaho natin.”
Dee admitted that he had thought of quitting showbiz, but had always had the goal of pursuing longevity in his career.
“I think staying in the business was always the goal, and then the decision just followed. It’s an everyday decision that you have to make. The people in Star Magic knew na ilang beses na akong nag-attempt, ilang beses na akong nagsabi na okay na siguro, parang naka-10 years na ako.
“And then, laging sinasabi sa akin ni Tita Monch, my handler for the last 15 years, ‘Alam mo hindi totoong nagre-retire ang artista. Kapag naging artista ka, nandyan ka na forever. And babalik-balik ka lang. Yes magte-take time ka pero babalik at babalik ka.'”
Kapamilya Director Jerome Pobocan, whom Dee worked with projects in the past, said that the Kapamilya actor has what it takes to become one of the leading men in the showbiz industry with longevity in their career.
“Actually, Enchong is–sabi ko nga kanina, one of the reliable, dependable, at saka skillful na actors na mayroon tayo sa ABS-CBN. He’s very good with his craft; he’s not only a good actor; he’s also a good host; he’s also a good dancer.
“Kung category at category, I think Enchong is one of the leading men in our industry na magtatagal. Magiging Gabby Concepcion type, Albert Martinez, hanggang sa gusto niyang nandiyan siya, Enchong will be here in the industry.”
Dee began his career in 2006 when he appeared in the Kapamilya show, Let’s Go.
He then gained popularity with his roles in Katorse and Paano ko Sasabihin. After these roles, Dee worked on iconic projects such as Ina, Kapatid, Anak, Mano Po 7: Chinoy, Huwag Kang Mangamba, and Four Sisters and a Wedding.
Now, as he celebrates his 15th anniversary and 33rd birthday in November, Dee is the opening salvo for Maalaala Mo Kaya’s 30th year with Ink of Smile.
His MMK episode airs on November 6, 2021. Viewers can catch his episode via Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live YouTube channel, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page, and iWantTFC.
