Star Magic talent Erich Gonzales recently celebrated her 26th birthday last September 20, and while she looks as fresh and fabulous as ever, she is a bona fide veteran in this thing called showbiz. With some 12 years of experience in front of the camera under her belt, Erich is moving from strength to strength as she hones her craft and welcomes the opportunities as they come. She may have started out as a pretty face among many other pretty faces, but her hard work, perseverance, and paying her dues has made her stand out in the industry.
Erich first dipped her feet in horror back in Christmas, 2008, when she played a bit role in the ensemble cast of Regal Films’ perennial entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival, Shake Rattle & Roll X. She was among the students being beset upon by the malevolent spirit of a demented nun from a cursed class photo.
Four years later, Erich would earn the right to play the lead role in the period horror film, Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang. Written and directed by Richard Somes, the film is set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. It is an eerie exploration into the origins of Erich’s titular character, rich with religious overtones and the sadness of tragedy. Beautifully shot and well-paced, Corazon is a psychological horror film that had the possibility of becoming a true horror classic, if it weren’t for the (spoiler) happy ending. A darker conclusion would have been more preferable, but still, worth a watch. Corazon would go on to be the highest grossing indie film of 2012.
Erich would return to the Regal franchise in 2014’s Shake, Rattle & Roll XV, in the segment entitled, “Ahas.” Taking on the popular urban legend of a giant snake residing in an Ortigas mall that eats unsuspecting mall customers, “Ahas” finds Erich playing the dual role of Sandra, daughter of the mall magnate, and Sarah, her half-snake twin sister. It’s a fun bit of horror, with Erich clearly relishing playing the supernatural villain. The segment is full of jump scares and camp all around. Taken on its own, it’s an enjoyable trip that is perfect viewing during your Halloween party. What’s even better is that the anthology ramps up the dread in the second segment, “Ulam.” No Erich there, but it’s absolutely horrifying.
If all you’ve been seeing of Erich Gonzales is her daily soap, then you might want to catch her other performances via HOOQ. A couple of her romantic flicks are there, namely I Do and Suddenly It’s Magic, plus a couple of TV series. Best, though, to get with the Halloween spirit and watch Corazon and Shake, Rattle & Roll XV, available for streaming to your home or mobile device.