Erich goes against type

These days, Erich Gonzales — star of the Filipino adaptation of the hit Koreanovela Two Wives — is in a very good place, personally and professionally. The remake is proving to be just as much of a hit as the original, and she couldn’t be happier.

“I’m very happy,” Erich says. “The support of the people is overwhelming. Nagiging worth it tuloy yung pagod at puyat naming lahat. kaya lalo kaming ginaganahan na pagbutihin yung trabaho namin. I read on Instagram what my supporters are saying. The moment they knew I was doing Two Wives, they have been supportive. I’m very thankful to them because they have always been there for me.”

Before she started taping, Erich realized that to properly bring her character to life, she needed to learn what makes Janine tick. So she met with the show’s creative team who explained things to her. “Before we started taping, I was introduced to my character. They explained everything that’s why it’s clear to me who she is and her journey is heading.”

Erich says talking to her director also helped. “Siyempre, hindi ko naman maibibigay yung hinihinging characterization sa role ko kung hindi rin dahil sa director ko, si direk FM Reyes. Masaya ako dahil katrabaho ko siya dito sa Two Wives. He’s very passionate about this project.”

Erich explains that she took on the role of Janine, as controversial as it is, because she wanted to stretch herself as an actress. She didn’t let the idea of doing daring scenes intimidate her. “As an actress, I don’t want to be put in a box. I want variation. Siyempre, nakaka-ilang yung ibang eksena kasi hindi mo boyfriend yung ka-eksena mo. But you have to trust the director and your co-stars so that the scene will be tasteful, and you have to give your best.”

She considers herself lucky that her non-showbiz boyfriend doesn’t get jealous because he understands the nature of her job. “I’m very lucky because he understands my job. He knows that the show has kissing scenes and love scenes. He’s not making a big deal out of it because it really isn’t. He’s not also the jealous type of guy.”

He may not be the jealous type but he is a private person. In fact, after Erich posted a photo of him with her friends on Instagram, he asked her to refrain from doing so again. “Hindi ko talaga pinlano na mag-post ng picture niya kasi alam ko he’s a very private person. He’s not used to showbiz,” she explains. “Yung araw lang talaga na ‘yun sobrang masaya ako kaya na-share ko. Saka ko na lang sinabi sa kanya nung na-post ko na yung picture. So siyempre nagulat siya. I showed him the post. Actually, it was OK with him. He didn’t get mad but he requested for it to be the last.”

Erich reveals that she has thought about marriage but despite the many celebrity engagements and weddings that have happened this year, she and her boyfriend have no serious plans to follow suit just yet. “For me, you can’t avoid thinking about it. Matagal na din po kami at seryoso naman ako pero siyempre bata pa ako at marami pa akong gustong gawin sa buhay. He’s supportive of the things I want to do, he’s just there, waiting. There’s no pressure and you don’t rush those things. Just because it’s the in-thing, it doesn’t mean that is what we’re going to do as well. Of course, we’ll do it only if we are prepared,” she explains.

Erich adds that she will settle down in a few years’ time, like maybe sometime before she turns 30. “Hindi naman siguro ako aabot ng ganung edad kasi siyempre gusto natin magsimula ng pamilya, pero hindi ng ganun katanda.”

At this point, Erich says she’s never been happier — with or without a wedding band around her ring finger. “Yes, very happy! I cannot say that I have everything but I have everything that I need like good health for me and my family, and for all my loved ones, so I can say, yes, I’m very happy.”