In any industry, attitude and emotions can often challenge professionalism and dedication. This may even be twice as true — or so much more — in show business, where the ups and downs of famous celebrities are always made public, thereby forcing them sometimes to retreat from facing their fears.
Happily, though, in today’s column, we spotlight a pair of stories of exemplary conduct in the biz, which will surely inspire their peers and fans alike.
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Following Star Magic artist Enchong Dee’s widely celebrated Best Supporting Actor win at the 7th Eddys (The Entertainment Editors’ Choice for Movies), this versatile and dedicated artist has effectively cemented his exemplary status in showbiz. His grounded approach to success and unwavering commitment to his craft, evident from his acceptance speech and the interviews he held in the days after, truly make him a role model for aspiring actors.
Despite delivering a short role, Enchong’s excellent portrayal of Padre Jacinto Zamora in the film “GomBurZa” earned him the nod from my fellow members in SPEEd (the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, which mounts the annual Eddys). Enchong acknowledged this in his speech, expressing immense gratitude to the group for reminding actors that it is not the length of one’s role that truly matters in a film but its honest and all-out portrayal.
At a media conference Star Magic organized for their latest blue-ribbon artist on July 11, Enchong humbly reaffirmed, “To be recognized, specifically by SPEEd, is a big deal because these are the people who spread the word about our projects and whether they are worth seeing.”
Yours truly had the chance to congratulate Enchong anew during the Q&A and gave him an extra pat on the back for showing up to the awards and giving his nomination importance, pointing out to him how many, if not most, celebrities have a habit of skipping such events if their management fails to receive a hint that they’d be winning their categories.
At The Eddys, from the very first year of mounting the awards, our group has strictly maintained a no-leakage policy of winners before the event. We, in fact, find out how our votes went only when “The Eddys’ Choice” is announced to encourage all the nominees to come and join what is ultimately a celebration for the industry.
Enchong could only agree when asked what advice he would like to give to artists who are still hesitant to attend awards nights in case they lose, reiterating, “Yes, we have to remember that an awards night is a celebration that is for all of us. At this year’s Eddys, specifically, it was [an even more important] celebration because the films that were being honored succeeded at a time when we all thought the film industry was already dying.”
In setting an example, Enchong credited a lesson he learned from “Gomburza” director Pepe Diokno, who stressed the importance of showing up for your team behind a film.
“He said, ‘We always show up to awards nights no matter what because we’re not here to win; we’re here because our team is here. And true enough, I saw everyone there — the Jesuits communication team who served as consultants of the historical film, people from TV5, a co-producer, Cedrick who played the title role, our cinematographer, and so on.'”
This perspective stayed with Enchong as a reminder that attending such events is about pride in one’s work and supporting the collaborative effort of filmmaking.
“If you’re nominated, you should be proud of your film, and the least you can do is be there to show your gratitude to the award-giving body and again as a commitment to your producer and the rest of the cast and crew. Showing up doesn’t end with the shooting.”
Heed Enchong’s wise words.
Meanwhile, inspired by his Eddys win, Enchong shared that he is eager to take on more acting challenges. He teased a new film role that promises to test and expand his acting range.
“The role Star Cinema has offered me is something I thought they’d never give me — I’ll be playing a villain role, and it’s pretty gory,” he enthused.
He also looks forward to the upcoming season of “Pinoy Big Brother,” which starts July 20. Of course, the iconic reality show is where he began his career, and he is excited about reconnecting with past housemates and building new bonds.
“I think I’m as excited as the new housemates simply because the family we formed during the last Big Brother season is legit,” he said appreciatively once more.
Well done, Enchong. Well done.
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Next up, we spotlight the remarkable display of maturity and professionalism by former celebrity couple Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia. Five years after their last project, one of the most successful love teams in showbiz has reunited for the film “Un/Happy For You,” despite their past relationship.
This collaboration, produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films, has not only excited fans but also demonstrated the duo’s ability to separate personal history from professional commitments. Exemplary, indeed.
During a media conference on July 10, both actors emphasized their current happiness and contentment in their personal lives as key factors enabling them to work together again. Julia, whose relationship with Star Magic artist Gerald Anderson is going strong, and Joshua, who recently started dating French-Filipino athlete Emilienne Vigier, assured that their respective partners had no issues with their reunion project.
Former celebrity couple Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia show remarkable display of maturity and professionalism in reuniting for the film ‘Un/Happy For You.’
“I believe Josh and I are both in a secure place in our lives. Even if we make 10 more films together, we can do it because the intention is not to ruin something good. So we’re happy to have finished ‘Un/Happy For You.’ We’re fine and we’re OK. And everyone around us is happy for us, and they still love us.”
Joshua echoed her sentiments, highlighting their evolved approach to work. “Actually, Juls and I have a different approach to work now. This time, it’s more professional, and we know our boundaries.”
He also noted that he didn’t need to ask for his partner’s permission before making the movie: “I didn’t have to ask her because before we even met, she knew that acting is my job, and she’s very supportive of the movie.”
Although different in every way from how Julia and Joshua’s relationship started and ended, “Un/Happy For You” is also about exes. It revolves around Juancho (Joshua) and Zy (Julia), former lovers who are brought back together by fate, leading to confrontations and reflections on their past.
As such, the actors admitted they drew on real-life experiences to deliver their scenes with emotional authenticity.
“It’s inevitable to draw from the past, especially in the more intense scenes, but as an actor, it’s up to you how you manage those feelings just to protect yourself from the pain you felt before,” Joshua conveyed.
Julia shared a similar perspective, saying, “I don’t want to talk too much about our process but it was an intimate one that only we could understand while making this. But we used our happy memories as inspiration as well.”
Joshua and Julia, a.k.a. Joshlia’s chemistry first captivated audiences in the 2016 film “Vince, Kath, and James,” followed by successful projects like “Love You To The Stars and Back,” “Unexpectedly Yours,” “I Love You, Hater,” and the teleserye “Ngayon at Kailanman.”
When asked if they missed working together, Joshua responded, “I missed having a scene partner who understands what I’m feeling, you know? It really shows on screen. I missed laughing with her, too.”
Julia added, “I think, over the years, we’ve evolved as people and actors. It’s nice that we’ve grown in those past years, and now we get to learn new things about each other and from each other while working.”
“Un/Happy For You” is directed by Petersen Vargas and will hit theaters nationwide on August 14. The film also stars Nonie Buencamino, Ketchup Eusebio, John Lapus, Kaila Estrada, Aljon Mendoza, Bong Gonzales, Ana Abad Santos, and Meann Espinosa.
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