Enchong Dee
Just because he has no ongoing soap or isn’t as visible on television of late doesn’t necessarily mean that Enchong Dee isn’t busy.
Outside acting, Enchong also has business ventures to grow and social advocacies to pursue. And in between those things, he squeezes in his training for the various sporting events he takes part in.
“I also do a lot of other stuff. Show biz takes up only a certain part, a percentage of my life,” he told reporters at a recent press conference for the 11th anniversary of Sun Life’s SunPiology, where he was introduced as the insurance company’s health and wellness ambassador
Enchong, whose last regular television project was the 2018 drama series “Blood Sisters,” said that there has been offers not so long ago to do new shows. But such things, he said, need careful evaluation.
“Do I take on something because I really want it, or because wala nang maibigay? I would like to think about the next projects I will do,” pointed out the 30-year-old actor, who considers himself fortunate to be in a position where he doesn’t need to rely solely on acting to make a living.
“Acting is a craft for me, something I value and am passionate about. So I have to think about it and not look at the money,” Enchong said.
It’s not that he has been prioritizing his television career less; he simply opts to go where the opportunity is.
“The reason I was able to allot time for my businesses was that show biz took a back seat. But if a good offer comes along, and I like it, business would take a back seat,” he said.
Dee (center) with swimming participants of his “Handog Palangoy” project
“I can’t say for sure when my next series will be; that’s really up to management,” the ABS-CBN star added. “But given the chance, I would like to do something that people will find relatable. Our audience is the priority.”
But while a new soap remains to be seen, Enchong said he’s set to start working on a new film to be produced by filmmaker Paul Soriano’s company Ten17P.
“It has been a dream of mine to work with him … I feel like his team makes quality movies with box-office appeal,” said the actor, who earned good reviews for his career-boosting performance in his recent big-screen outing, “Elise.” “I’m happy doing films for now.”
But does he still have time to go on dates? “Definitely,” quipped the actor, who has been single since breaking up with Filipino-British model Samantha Lewis.
As a Sun Life wellness ambassador, Enchong had joined health awareness runs—including those held in Indonesia and Hong Kong—and has pledged to do more next year.
He also hopes to continue his “Handog Palangoy” initiative, which aims to arm young indigent people with basic swimming and water safety skills.
“It’s important to have that ability. Lots of kids drown in times of catastrophe,” pointed out the former Philippine swimming team member, who spearheaded a mass swimming clinic in Pampanga, which was attended by 1,800 children. “I hope to do it again, with even more participants.”