Erich on her topless photo shoot: It’s the right time for it

Erich Gonzales in “Blood Sisters”

It’s not a secret that last year was tough for me,” actress Erich Gonzales shared with reporters. “Instead of being super sad or self-destructive, I chose to look at things in a positive way by learning new skills and trying out things I’ve never done before.”

“When the new year arrived, I decided to let go of all the negativity and started anew,” she added.

Trying out new things for 27-year-old Erich also meant agreeing to pose topless on the cover of a men’s magazine. “I think it’s the right time for it. I’m not getting any younger. I’ve reached a point in my life when I just want to do everything, because if I don’t, I probably won’t have the courage to do it anymore. I really prepared for it,” she said of her daring pictorial for Rogue magazine.

Erich stressed she made sure she was comfortable with the concept before agreeing to do it.

Lessons

On what she learned from her most recent breakup, she replied: “Be patient. Don’t just settle for the one who’s there. Wait for the person you truly deserve.”

Erich’s relationship with Brazilian-Japanese model-actor Daniel Matsunaga, which began in May 2015, turned sour a year and a half later, shortly after they finished working on the series, “Be My Lady.”

The actress is currently promoting her latest drama series on ABS-CBN titled “Blood Sisters,” which premieres on Feb. 12.

“I’m not entertaining suitors at the moment. I want to focus on this opportunity to improve my craft. I know that my heart will eventually be ready for that again. I just don’t want to rush it,” she said. “Right now, all I can offer is friendship.”

More than just ‘kilig’

The actress added: “There’s more to life than being in a relationship. You can be happy on your own and find happiness in other things. I now have to be wise in choosing my next partner. It has to be more than just kilig.”

Erich said good looks eventually fade, but what would remain is strength of character. She explained: “I want to be with someone who’s responsi ble, because the next step for me would be to build a life with that person. He should be someone I can talk to about what’s troubling me.”

Waste of time

Dating is simply a waste of time, the actress observed. “Whatever break I have, I spend it by resting or preparing for the next taping day. This new series is very challenging for me. Since I’m playing three extremely different characters, it’s important that I don’t go insane,” she said.

In “Blood Sisters,” Erich plays the troublesome Agatha, the dedicated mother Erika and the go-getting fertility doctor Carrie.

The series, directed by Jojo Saguin, also stars Enchong Dee, Ejay Falcon, AJ Muhlach, Dina Bonnevie, Cherry Pie Picache and Jestoni Alarcon.