Not many fans are used to hearing Enrique Gil speak in Bisaya, but deep down, he’s in love with his Cebuano roots. Thanks to annual family vacations spent in his mom’s hometown in Lahug, Cebu, Enrique still knows the dialect, which he speaks in this episode of “Kuan on One,” the Bisaya talk show, hosted by Melai Cantiveros.

As he sits down to reflect on a career that has spanned over a decade, Enrique talks about stepping back, rediscovering himself, and the profound realizations that came with lying low during the pandemic.

Enrique has always been family-oriented, and that’s exactly why he decided to take a step back from showbiz, especially during the pandemic. “Na-miss nako ang time with my family, akong mga igsoon,” he shared, slipping effortlessly into Bisaya as he talked about how much he missed spending time with his siblings. “Na-realize ko na, ‘Wow. They’re all growing up.’ Si Andie, nag-graduate na, nag-migrate na sa Spain,” he said, referring to his younger sister.

That time away gave him a fresh perspective on life. “Na-realize ko na life is more than just fame, acting, showbiz, and money,” he said. “All of this means a lot to me, but it’s not everything. Showbiz is a part of my life, but it’s not my whole life.”

For Enrique, stepping back is necessary to focus on what truly matters. The pandemic made him take a hard look at how he had been so consumed by work that it felt like his entire world revolved around it. As he described it, pre-pandemic life as a lead actor meant working almost seven days a week, with no clear end to taping schedules—sometimes starting early in the morning and stretching into the next day. It was a grind he embraced but also one that left little room for anything else.

This isn’t to say he doesn’t appreciate his career or the fans who have supported him. He does—immensely. But now, he’s found a healthier balance, one where he can still explore his craft as an actor and filmmaker while making time for himself and his family.

After all, he owes so much to his family for where he is today. He says it was his father who first discovered his talent in acting when his dad noticed how good he was at mimicking movie or TV show characters. And this knack for imitation was what he used in dance and acting workshops. “Mahirap lang gayahin ‘pag boses,” he said with a laugh, admitting that singing might not be his strongest suit.

When it comes to finding motivation for his characters, Enrique draws from a deeply personal place. While every role he plays comes with a unique journey, he considers himself lucky that most of his characters share a common thread: a deep love for family. This is something he relates to effortlessly, given how much affection he has for his own family in real life.

Among all the roles he’s portrayed, his favorite remains Tenten from “Dolce Amore.” There was something special about that character. Playing Tenten, who had a lisp, required extra effort in mastering his speech, but it was the character’s backstory that truly hit home. Tenten felt so real to him that he couldn’t help but sympathize. At the same time, he enjoyed the role so much.

Enrique also confessed that crying in scenes is one of his weaknesses. “Dasal na lang,” he joked when asked how he manages to pull off heavy drama scenes despite admitting that crying doesn’t come easily to him. On a more serious note, he said the emotions just flow naturally, almost like magic, especially when he has generous co-actors who are also fully immersed in their roles.

As viewers, we see clearly that Enrique’s performances are grounded in undeniable skill. Yet, if you ask him, you’d never hear him boast about his abilities. That’s just not his style. He just lets his work speak for itself, quietly earning respect without needing to call attention to himself.

Even Kuantie Melai recalls stories from her husband, Jason Francisco, who worked with Enrique on “Forevermore.” She mentioned that Jason used to share a lot about how humble and sincere Enrique is to his co-workers and friends. And it’s not just co-stars who feel this way—fans, too, have only good things to say about Enrique. He’s approachable, warm, and never “suplado.”

But even with all the praise, Enrique doesn’t take credit. Instead, he attributes it to the way his parents raised him. He describes his Bisaya mom as a disciplinarian, with his mom even resorting to old-school ‘palo ng sinturon’ or hitting with the belt whenever he misbehaved as a kid.

And the discipline instilled in him at a young age has always shaped his work ethic as an adult. On set, he’s known for being incredibly obedient and dedicated. But over time, he’s also learned to follow his heart and make decisions that align with his personal desires.

“Ang sabi ko kay Mama, ‘Sige, I’ll come back but I’ll make sure na it’s not the same as before. Right now, you’re getting older. I want to spend more time at home,’” Enrique shared when asked how he decided to come back after his showbiz hiatus.

It’s clear that he’s now prioritizing what excites him and makes him happy, especially as he ventures into film producing and continues exploring his artistry.

He explained that being overworked or doing a lot of projects without rest in between can start to feel exhausting. “Para kang robot na paulit-ulit,,. nawawala ‘yung magic, ‘yung inspiration mo sa mga projects,” he admitted. “So, that’s me right now, I’m trying to look for something that makes me happy.”

“The most important is balance in life. If there’s too much of one thing, it’s not also good for your mental health, physical health, and sa heart mo.”

Right now, that balance seems to be found in his passion for producing films. Enrique’s first foray into film production came with “I Am Not Big Bird,” a comedy with a tasteful yet raunchy vibe reminiscent of American TV humor. He’s also open to exploring other genres, like horror and action. In fact, he recently pitched a project to ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes, who loved the concept and immediately gave the green light for shooting next year.

It’s a promising new chapter for Enrique, as he continues to redefine his career while staying true to what truly makes him happy.

The Kapamilya heartthrob has earned the title “King of the Gil” for his ability to command success in his career as a performer and actor. And, much like the shape of a hill, his journey has had its share of ups and downs.

What sets him apart, however, is his ability to dance through life’s challenges with optimism. He’s learned to always look for the brighter side. “Sa lahat ng ginagawa ko, I make sure that I’m always happy. ‘Pag hindi ka happy, think twice bakit mo ginagawa ‘yun,” he shared. Enrique speaks from experience, reflecting on one of the darkest periods in his life—the loss of his father in 2008. It was a time of grief, but he slowly began to heal by focusing on the things that brought him smiles and hope.

“Always try to find the best in everything kahit it’s the worst time of your life.”