Enchong Dee & Erich Gonzales: A 'real' perfect pair

MANILA, Philippines - Whenever we hear the words “perfect pair”, we can’t help but think of Brangelina, Batman and Robin, Romeo and Juliet, Barbie and Ken and perhaps, Jay-Z and Beyonce, among others.

We instantly call to mind two things or persons that are individually amazing but turned out to be extra-special when they joined together. As ultimate tandems, they made lasting marks and set the standard for the others that followed.

In our local entertainment biz, perfect pairs come in the form of love teams. And one of the “it” team-up’s that has gained tremendous popularity all through out the country and stands out for offering audiences more than the usual cutesy stuff and giving A-plus performances every time is “Enrich” or the popular Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales tandem.

Both prized talents of ABS-CBN Star Magic, Enchong and Erich started out working for their solo careers by getting supporting roles in various TV dramas. While Enchong was discovered as a champion swimmer for the De La Salle University, Erich got her first break when she won in the reality TV star search Star Circle Quest. But it wasn’t until the primetime soap Katorse that the two were “accidentally” paired up and to everyone’s surprise, clicked as a love team. From that momentous point, a string of bigger projects followed such as Tanging Yaman, a political drama launched prior to the May 2010 elections and the recently conducted Magkaribal, dubbed as a “fashion-serye” with Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay, Angel Aquino and Gretchen Barretto. These projects both garnered immense following from loyal fans and turned out to be consistent primetime top-raters.

Needless to say, everything started to be revived and people noticed the spark between them. They recognized their strengths as actors. They felt the undeniable chemistry. Together, Enchong and Erich showed far greater brilliance. And now, our beloved perfect pair is bringing to us, well, another perfect pair- the deliciously reviving* fusion of real tea and real honey, uniquely found in Real Leaf Green Tea. It’s the combination to beat and this is What Green Tea Could Be!

The breakthrough tea drink couldn’t have made a more fitting choice for its ambassadors. As it refreshingly puts a refreshing spin to our typical green tea, it tags Enchong and Erich along to let dynamic life lovers like them taste the delicious difference it offers. Like the way the celebrated couple fuse the best of themselves to excite and captivate audiences, Real Leaf deliciously blends all the refreshing benefits of green tea with the natural goodness honey in one great-tasting beverage made even more luscious by infusing fruit flavors. It’s packed with theanine, an amino acid that is naturally found in tea plants which can help boost focus and alertness. All these make up for the unique fusion that is deliciously healthy and helps revive both mind and body.

Fresh from the success of their first onscreen team-up, Star Cinema’s “I Do”, the charming tandem took a moment off their busy week and sat down with us for a one-of-a-kind reviving moment to share just what makes them the ultimate “perfect pair”.

STAR: The tagline for Real Leaf is “Real Tea. Real Honey. What Your Green Tea Could Be” So, in essence, it’s about turning something ordinary to something spectacular. From regular supporting roles before you’ve both blossomed into two of the most sought after young stars of today. Would you say it was worth the wait?

ENCHONG: Absolutely. I’ve always believed timing is everything. I’ve always known I was in good hands and that the people behind me had a big plan. And I was right. Hindi nila ako pinabayaan (They never neglected me). I trusted them to guide me as I learned from all the opportunities, big or small, I was blessed to have. What we get to enjoy now are the fruits of patience and the trust I gave them.

ERICH: Syempre naman po. (Definitely) I think I would never appreciate the blessings we’re getting now if I hadn’t known what it’s like to work hard for something you truly want. It was a continuous challenge and I’m happy I got through them all. Now I’m just ready to give more and take things to the next level.

STAR: Speaking of taking things to the next level, what do you do as a love team to keep things revived and fresh given that there are lots of love teams today?

ENCHONG: We both work hard to give something new to our fans especially on the roles we play. Kumbaga hindi lang “kilig” ang binibigay namin (We don’t just do the cutesy stuff), we make sure they also enjoy the characters we portray and of course, the story. Fortunately, we really get good materials.

ERICH: Iba naman po kami ni Enchong (Enchong and I are different). We always make our performances as natural and believable as possible. We really take time to complement our strengths and weaknesses as actors. Natututo kami sa isa’t isa (We learn from each other.)

STAR: What’s the realest thing about your tandem?

ENCHONG: Magkaibigan po talaga kami ni Erich (Erich and I are really friends). I think that’s one of the most genuine things about our team-up plus the fact that we know how to respect and take care of each other. I always try to be her “balance”- the one who can make her smile when she’s down and the one who will tell her she’s wrong when she is. We have an honest relationship.

ERICH: With Enchong and I, what you see is what you get. Hindi po kami gumi-gimmick (we don’t do gimmicks) or pretend that we are a real couple just to be convincing as a love team. We really love our work and we enjoy working together, that’s what makes things special.

STAR: How do you feel that you are referred to as a perfect pair?

ENCHONG: We’re so thankful to people, especially to Real Leaf for recognizing us that way. We feel proud to be joining forces once again to represent such a quality product that takes the green tea we love to a whole new level. Now it’s much more enjoyable since it’s made even more delicious because of real honey.

ERICH: It’s very flattering po and at the same time it’s a challenge. It motivates us to work harder. Hopefully we not only live up to the expectations of our supporters but we would be able to surpass them.

STAR: We’ve heard that Real Leaf is different from the other tea drinks in the market because it has real honey which is naturally a good source of antioxidants and even contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids and can even help prevent seasonal allergies. Is there a possibility that you will ever be each other’s “real honey”?

ENCHONG: Erich is a very beautiful person in and out. Any man would want her to be his honey. If our relationship grows further and reaches that level, I’d be very proud to let the whole world know.

ERICH: (Smiles) Right now, focus po muna kami sa career (we’re focused on our careers). But who knows one day, we’re not closing ourselves to that possibility naman po especially that since we’ve been paired up as a love team, we really got to know and appreciate each other more.