Enchong Dee admitted that there was a time when he got alarmed with the stature of his showbiz career after he was cast as a supporting character in the Ian Veneracion-Bea Alonzo hit soap A Love to Last.
“Yes, I came to a point when I was bothered by that development,” he says. “Especially when it comes to my character’s exposure in the soap. Obviously, there were gaps. It didn’t turn out the way the role was originally presented to me.”
Did he take any action on the matter?
“Well, I had three meetings with the creative team to ask where my character was going. Of course, it’s inevitable that my fans would expect a bigger and meatier role. Now, in recent episodes, you can see the difference. My character Andrew had been gradually visible. He has his own sub-story in the soap.”
It helped that he has a mature disposition and viewpoint.
“I had to remind myself that my main job as an actor is to give justice to any role given to me whether it’s lead or supporting. I have to give my best in every project assigned to me like my character Andrew in ‘A Love to Last.’ I think that’s the key!”
Enchong’s last soap in which he was one of the leads in 2013 Muling Buksan ang Puso with Julia Montes and Enrique Gil.
“That’s right! And that’s four years ago. But I just worked hard instead. Personally, I remained positive with my stint in A Love to Last. It’s hard to complain about work. As I’ve said, there are no small roles for true actors.”
After A Love to Last, the actor is set to star in a new soap opera along with Erich Gonzales and new Kapamilya Louise de los Reyes.
“Yes! It’s exciting because after quite some time, I’ll be working with Erich again on a project. Then, there’s the opportunity to share the frame with Louise who is now in ABS-CBN. I’m sure it will be another memorable experience. Had I complained a great deal, I don’t think my mother studio will give me a grand follow-up project. So, I’m simply happy,” ends Enchong.
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Under the helm of critically-acclaimed director Joel Lamangan, the classic ‘70s movie Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag will have its maiden theatre version. Brought by Grand Leisure Corporation, the project promises to be a musical theatre event not to be missed.
“Actually, since I was named artistic director of the Gantimpala Theatre Foundation three years ago, I really wanted for this material to be translated into stage. For one, I was part of the film directed by the late Lino Brocka so it has a soft spot in my heart. I’m grateful to Grand Leisure Corporation for making my cherished dream fulfilled,” Lamangan avers.
Based on the Edgardo Reyes novel and inspired by the Brocka film adaptation, the two-act, two-hour play features soaring music and brilliantly-choreographed dance routines.
“I want the characters to appear on stage with heart, soul and feeling expressed in their singing and dancing. The audience should feel all their doubts, complains, disappointments and dreams. Von De Guzman, our composer and musical director did a great job with the songs to be used, ditto for Douglas Nierras, our choreographer whose intricate dance routines adds challenge for the cast to perform their best.”
What can he say about the lead actors who will play the pivotal roles of Julio Madiaga and Ligaya Paraiso, which Bembol Rocco, Jr. and Hilda Koronel breathed to life in the film version?
“One main requirement was for them to have lungs of steel. The songs in the play are so powerful. I’m pleased that Arman Ferrer, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez and Lara Maigue are such good singers. I think they will deliver in their challenging roles!”
According to the award-winning megger, apart from the brilliant performances and musical pieces, the general theme of Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical is what makes it really worth-watching.
“The reality presented in the story is true from the ‘70s until now: that exploitation and moral decadence still exist in our society. I want the crowd to realize that the naïve should learn how to protect themselves when they’re in Manila,” states Lamangan.
