Enrique Gil strives to be 2.0 version of self

During the pandemic lockdown, many artists went on hiatus as work became scarce and working conditions turned difficult. One such artist was Enrique Gil, who chose to step back, spend time with his family, recenter himself and rediscover his purpose.

After working tirelessly for more than a decade, the break allowed him to reconnect and strengthen his bond with his mom and siblings. He embraced the quiet life and even discovered he was a “plantito” at heart.

But eventually, the acting bug bit him again. And now, after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus from drama, he’s back — with the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie “Manila’s Finest” opening on Dec. 25.

Read on and catch up with the latest about Enrique: how his breakup with Liza Soberano affected him, the mark he wants to leave in the industry and more.

Many thought you were going to retire from showbiz during the pandemic. What made you decide to come back? Was it because of your breakup with Liza Soberano, your reel and real-life partner for seven years?

“I was seriously thinking of retiring. I didn’t want the hectic schedule anymore. My mom is getting old, and I wanted to spend more time with her at home. But I felt something was missing. After much thought, I realized I wanted to leave something meaningful in the industry — that’s why I decided to start my own production company. The breakup was also partly a factor. Before our love team, I had my own brand, “King of the Gil.” It felt weird coming back without a love team, so in a way, this is me coming full circle.”

What are your plans for your production outfit?

“I want to produce content so that even if I’m not in front of the camera, I can still entertain people. I want to take control of my content and create more TV shows and movies. Directing isn’t in my plans yet, but I’m very excited about my upcoming TV series. It’s my concept, and people will see a different side of me.”

(Enrique will soon star in “A Secret in Prague” with Andrea Brillantes to be aired on TV5 in the first quarter of 2026).

How would you describe ‘Enrique Gil 2.0’? Would you be part of another love team?

“I want to be a versatile actor. I want to do drama, action, romance — even comedy. I still enjoy dancing, though I can’t dance as much as I used to. I sing occasionally, especially during out-of-town shows. I’m open to being paired with different leading ladies. Before Liza, I worked with several.”

Aside from the TV series, you’re starring in “Manila’s Finest” with Piolo Pascual, Kiko Estrada, Cedrick Juan, Romnick Sarmenta, Joey Marquez, Dylan Menor and Ariel Rivera. What was it like working on the film?

“This is my first period movie — it’s set in 1969 — and since I’m old school, I love the fashion, the dresses, the hairstyles and the cars. And it was so much fun working with all the actors. It’s my first time working with Tito Romnick and everyone is so good, and they’re all great people! And the set was always lively, especially when Tito Joey Marquez was around. During filming, I realized how much I missed the camaraderie of the industry.”

How’s your social life?

“I’m very busy with work. It’s all work, work, work. When I’m not working, I just stay home. To unwind, I watch movies or travel. I’m leaving on the 15th for Spain to spend the holidays with my sister and mom. The past two Christmases I was alone in Manila, and it was lonely — hindi ko na kaya mag-isa sa bahay. A lot of my friends are married now and have families. To stay fit, I watch what I eat. I have two slipped discs, so I can’t do contact sports, but I play basketball once in a while.”

Are you dating? What’s your type?

“I’m not seeing anyone right now, but I’m open to dating. I don’t have a specific type. I just like women who are malambing, fun to be with and mahilig kumain.”

Any plans to settle down soon and start a family?

“No plans in the near future. If it comes, it comes. For now, I’m enjoying what I’m doing — especially producing my first TV series, which is a lot of work.”

(“Manila’s Finest” is the official entry of MQuest Ventures and Cignal TV to the Metro Manila Film Festival opening on Dec. 25.)