Former amateur swimmer Enchong Dee always thought he'd either be an athlete all his life or a businessman. But when showbusiness called in 2006, the star athlete couldn't refuse. "I thought it was just going to be a small role on TV, and that would be it," says Dee, born Ernest Lorenzo Velasquez-Dee.
One TV show led to another and before he knew it, he's one of the most promising stars on ABS CBN's stable of artists.
"I can still remember guesting on a magazine show in ABS CBN, that actually started it. Someone from a casting agency called and asked if I would be interested in coming out in a commercial. I thought I could use the extra cash so I agreed," he recalled.
The excitement grew each time a new assignment was given to him. "And the fans, it was just surreal. I couldn't imagine someone would be rooting for me or shouting my name outside of the swimming pool. It's not so much about the fame, honestly. It was because it was a different experience," he added.
‘Disorienting'
His new-found career only started dawning on him when scandals came swinging his way. "It was kind of disorienting, and honestly hurtful," Dee confessed. "And the worst part was I didn't know how to take it on in the beginning. But I guess the athlete in me just kept pushing me to fight, to be a winner."
He's still fighting many small battles as an actor, the most nagging of which is the question on his sexuality. "They can say whatever they want. There are people who are just going to spread rumours about you, and they're not going to stop. I'd rather focus on my career," he explained.
‘Chance to prove'
Dee's got rave reviews for his role in I Do, a 2010 film produced by Star Cinema in which he co-starred with Erich Gonzales. He said, "I told myself this is a chance to prove I've got what it takes, and luckily it came out really well."
The young actor's next movie, Paano Ko Sasabihin (How Will I Say It), was another critical and commercial success. And soon he may yet win more hearts as he stars in Maria Del Barrio, a remake of the hit Mexican TV series shown in the Philippines in the early '90s; and another action series, Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla (The Legends of Ramon Revilla), an adaptation of the hit movies of a retired action superstar and former senator, Ramon Revilla.
"I think I may have found the right winning formula," he says smiling.
Missed chance
Model-turned-actress Solenn Heusaff could not hide her excitement when she found out she was one of those being considered for a portfolio being put together by American fashion photographer Nigel Barker, a judge of America's Next Top Model show hosted by Tyra Banks. Unfortunately, there seems to be no time in Heusaff's and Barker's schedules to meet, so the actress will have to wait for her chance to be photographed by Barker, who also sent word around that he is keen on taking shots of top-notch young actresses Iza Calzado and Heart Evangelista.
Albie's moment
Upcoming teen actor Albie Casino has every reason to smile these days. His soap series, Mara Clara, where he plays one of the lead roles, is currently the most watched TV programme in the Philippines. And just last week, the handsome young actor attended the story conference of his very first movie, which also features Mara Clara co-stars Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes. The yet untitled flick will be produced by Star Cinema under the direction of Cathy Molina, who also directed My Amnesia Girl, one of last year's biggest box office hits. At the press conference, Casino confessed that he was more nervous than excited, "but raring to do his first movie. I can finally say I am an actor!"
Ruffa goes local
TV host Ruffa Gutierrez says she'd rather wear clothes made by local fashion designers to help promote the industry. The former beauty queen gets invites to exclusive parties and is known to jet-set in Europe because of her association with the Miss World association, whose annual beauty pageant almost gave Ruffa the Miss World crown in 1993. She's decided she'll go "local" to prove there's no truth to rumours that the reason she's opted for local designers is that she has not been able to afford pricey foreign brands since walking away from her tycoon husband, Turkish Ylmas Bektas.
Andi is fine
Young star Andi Eigenmann was accidentally hit by a blank bullet on the set of her latest programme, Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. As a result, the actress suffered burns on her chest and had to be rushed to hospital for treatment. She has been advised to take rest until she completely recovers from the shock and burns. Eigenmann sent word through her publicist that she is fine and that there is no reason for her fans to get worried.
Playlist: Ian Batherson Actor-Model
Song on repeat mode
Half of My Heart by John Mayer. "I'm a big fan of John's and this is what I like of all his songs."
One to make me cry
"None that I can think of."
This one makes me move
Better Together by Jack Johnson. "This is one of my favourites. If you hear it, you'll wanna tap and do a square dance."
at karaoke i would singThe Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco. "It's not the type one sings at the karaoke bar, but if it's on the playlist, I'd sing it. It's cool."
Track i'd skip right now
This I Love by Guns N' Roses: "I love this song, but it reminds me of someone so I'd rather skip this one."
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