The space between them

“I have just lost a friend.”

That was what Enchong Dee said right after he and Janine Gutierrez shot their kissing scene in Elise, their second team-up under the Regal Entertainment, Inc. banner (after Lila). Of course, he was just kidding. The friend Enchong was referring to is Rayver Cruz, rumored to be the boyfriend of Janine who has yet to confirm it.

Directed by Joel Ferrer and set to start showing nationwide on Wednesday, Jan. 30, as Regal’s pre-Valentine offering, Elise is a dramedy said to be based on real-life events.

“It’s a romantic-comedy about Bert (played by Enchong) who is quick-witted but a sickly and emotional guy,” explained direk Joel. “He falls in love with Elise (Janine) who is a strong, tough and independent woman. It was puppy love. They get separated to pursue their studies, only to meet again when they have grown up.”

But it’s not a love story, added direk Joel. “It’s about finding one’s purpose in life.”

The kissing scene is an integral part of the story and not just a way of titillating the fans.

“It’s fun,” admitted Janine. “Enchong is game in any scene, including those in which direk Joel asked him to take off his shirt. He looks good topless, ha! It’s good that we have worked before in the indie film Lila, so we developed a harmonious working relationship. It helps that he’s good friends with Rayver.”

Since the Chinese New Year starts first week of February, Conversations passed on to Janine and Enchong what, according to feng shui experts, is in store for them romance-wise in 2019, Year of the Earth Pig.

• For Janine, an Earth Snake (born on Oct. 2, 1989): Your social life will be quite active and enjoyable. Your long-term efforts to pursue or complete a major personal objective will be realized. For some Snakes who have been trying to reinvent themselves, this is your year. However, the love life of many Snakes will face some tough decisions, particularly those in current or permanent relationship. For single Snakes, it will likewise be an uneventful year with no romance stars in the horizon….(Note: Didn’t check what animal Rayver Cruz is.)

• For Enchong, an Earth Dragon (born on Nov. 5, 1988): Your social life could be busy but the calm nature of the Pig will come up you and dampen your spirit to socialize. Rather than isolating yourself, spend more time with your family and friends for they will provide comfort and enjoyment. Those who have partners should exert extra effort to be more understanding. Lucky stars will shine upon single Dragons, particularly during the first and second quarters of the year. Your love life will bloom, surprisingly with someone within your circle of friends or acquaintances…

Janine and Enchong respect the space between them.

Like Janine who has bought a condo unit, car and more with her earnings, Enchong also does the same and has bought two buildings in Quezon City located near markets. In showbiz, money easily comes and easily goes, and those who squander usually wake up holding an empty bag.

Incidentally, even if she doesn’t confirm it, Janine is in a “best place” with Rayver…obviously. Action speaks louder than words. They are comfortable with their respective families (Rayver was with Janine’s dad Ramon Christopher and siblings during a recent vacation in the US). Lovers look at the world through rose-colored glasses and see only “the best” and not “the worst” as one presumably does.

Since Enchong is fancy-free, never been romantically linked to any actress (unless he’s keeping his love life a big secret), he agreed to reveal what he considered “the best” and “the worst.” 

Enchong

• The best place is El Nido, Palawan; the worst, any war-stricken area.

• The best time of day is in the morning upon waking up so I can give thanks to God for giving me another day. The worst, 3 a.m. because that’s the time na lumalabas ang mga multo. I heard people say that they saw a multo at 3 a.m. so sige na nga. I tend to believe them.

• The best advice I ever received was “be humble.” The worst, a person I met at random told me na “hindi mo kailangan lumingon sa inyong pinanggalingan.” It’s not right, di ba?

After shooting his kissing scene with Janine, Enchong said in jest, ‘I have just lost a friend,’ referring to Janine’s rumored boyfriend Rayver Cruz

• The best movie I’ve ever seen is Talented Mr. Ripley starring Jude Law (the remake of Purple Noon starring Alain Delon). The worst, a B-movie about Thor na hindi ko tinapos…not the Marvel Thor ha.

• The best song I’ve ever heard is I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston because of its beautiful message na kahit hiwalay na kayo, you can still tell each other, “I will always love you.” Will I ever use that line on somebody? Siguro hindi, kasi it is so intense kung forever mong mamahalin ‘yung tao. The worst, any song na puro mura, na about drugs.

• The best book that I’ve ever read is The Alchemist in which he wrote about personal treasures at bawat isa sa atin may ipinaglalaban and each of us has a journey all our own without any companion. The worst, I don’t think that I have read one.

• The best place to get away from it all is anywhere abroad. The worst? Presscon, hahaha! You cannot hide during a presscon, can you?

• The best TV show I’ve ever watched is Katorse, the show that put me where I am now. The worst, reality-TV shows na puro away na ang pinaglalaban n’yo ay kung sino lang ang nagsuot ng hikaw..

Enchong has invested in two buildings located near markets in Quezon City

• The best shirt I’ve ever worn is a plain T-shirt like what I’m wearing now and slacks, puedeng semi-formal at puedeng hindi. The worst, wearing revealing outfit and slippers…I hate that!

• The best place to relax in is a spa where I get a full-body massage. (Asked if it has to have a “happy ending,” Enchong said, “Without a happy ending. You go there for massage and not for something else.”) The worst, working place.”

• The best performance every time I do MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya). The worst, when I have to dance because I commit mistakes.

• The best vacation I have ever taken is…sana Bicol where I come from, but then I have no more family there to visit. All members of my family are in Manila. Maybe Norway where my brother AJ and his family live. I think we’re going there in December for a vacation.

• The best restaurant for me is Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken. The worst, any restaurant that is dirty, where there are cockroaches crawling all over.

• The best friends I ever have are Rayver (Cruz) and Bea (Alonzo). The worst? I am thankful that I have never found any.

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