Liza Soberano a no-show at premiere of Enrique Gil’s movie

MANILA — Actor Enrique Gil was all smiles at the success of the advance screening of his comeback movie “I Am Not Big Bird,” which he attended Tuesday night with co-stars Nikko Natividad, Pepe Herrera and Red Ollero.

Noticeably absent, however, was his usual co-star and former love team Liza Soberano.

But Gil downplayed her absence, saying, “It’s fine! I’m gonna have another screening with her. I know she’s really busy.”

A week ago, Gil graced the special advance screening of Soberano’s Hollywood debut “Lisa Frankenstein.” During that time, Soberano was still in the US and had just wrapped up the red carpet event of her movie.

Fast forward to February 13, it’s Gil’s turn to premiere his comeback movie ‘I Am Not Big Bird” in SM Megamall. Coincidentally, Soberano is in Manila to grace an event in Taguig City. From what we have gathered from Soberano’s team, the actress is just in town for a day and would need to fly back to Los Angeles the next day.

During his live interview with “TV Patrol” at the premiere night, Gil said that he hopes Soberano could still make it to the advance screening despite her tight schedule and the rush-hour traffic.

The movie started at exactly 7:23 p.m. and ran for a good one hour and 36 minutes. Inside the cinema, a seat reserved for Soberano, a few rows behind Gil and the cast members. But the actress wasn’t able to make it.

When asked if he was disappointed or sad that she wasn’t able to make it, Gil said graciously, “Not at all, I totally understand.”