Underneath Enchongs admittedly very appealing exterior, however, is a very determined, disciplined young man focused on his goals. Goals which, at the moment, include winning the swimming competitions at the upcoming Beijing Olympics. And hes well on his way to achieving his dream. He has countless medals, mostly gold, from the various competitions, including the Palarong Pambansa and the SEA Games. His record-breaking time for the notoriously difficult butterfly stroke is second only to swim champ Eric Buhains.
As a member of the Philippine Swim Team, Enchongs workday starts as early as 5 a.m., when he hits the pool for training. Then its on to classes at De La Salle University, where hes taking up Sports Management. After class, its back to the pool for more training, and he finally gets home at about 9 p.m.
For someone so young, Enchong displays a remarkable level of maturity and a strong work ethic. His values are obvious in his answer to the fill-in-the-blank question, "All I need is " With no hesitation, he writes, "God and my family."
His focus, drive and values may make Enchong seem like some goody-two-shoes. On the contrary, hes still a kid who knows how to have fun. He likes hanging out with friends, and admits to getting rowdy all in the boy-next-door-having-fun way, of course. He plays badminton with his family, and yes, he does go out on dates.
As to his fashion sense, Enchong is a typical teenage boy: hell wear whatevers in the closet, whatevers comfortable. With his pool-school-pool schedule, that means mostly T-shirts, shorts and jeans for him.
All suited up in his Bench, Human and Celio outfits, he was just like a kid playing dress-up. Thats why top model Rissa Samson styled him with the playful duckie, pencils and ice cream cones. "Hes just one big kid, when you get to know him," says Rissa. "And I guess I wanted to show that even dressed and looking all grown-up, Enchong never loses his boyish charm."
My name is Ernest Lorenzo Dee.
But Id rather be called Enchong.
I may seem quiet.
But Im really noisy with my friends.
When I look in the mirror I see a future Olympic champion with many endorsements.
In the morning I thank God for another day.
I like to sleep right after I had my last bite.
My hero is Dad.
My father always taught me to be humble... a low-profile person.
My mother always taught me to brush my teeth and acknowledge each others good deeds.
The first thing I look at in a person is his/her feet.
One thing I wish I had is the attitude of being on time always!
One thing I have that I wish I didnt is kakulitan.
All I need is God and my family.
I love the sound of "Congratulations" and "Thank you!"
Everybody should fear God.
My longest ride was 14 hours going to India.
Before leaving the house I always make sure I have my school ID with me.
Before going to sleep I always make sure I take a bath.
I will never answer my parents drastically.
I can never say never!
I always say "Thank you, po!" and "Mauna po ako!"
What the world needs now are peace and cooperation.
The last thing the world needs now is usage of money.
I will never eat cockroach!
Right now, I want to be in a billboard.
I wish I could forget my most embarrassing moment.
I wish I could remember when I was born.
I always lose my ballpoint pen or books.
I wish I could talk to animals and trees.