Lessons in Life from Enrique

 Today, Enrique Gil is 25 years young. 

Yes, I refuse to use the word old because through the years that I have known and have worked with Quen, he remains young at heart, and in mine. Yet, he's one of the most matured and wisest people I met not just at work but in my life. He's the type who really put into words and actions what he has learned through all these work and personal experiences he has and continuously have. When he talks and moves, you'd listen or look at him, and may napick-up ka na from him agad.

Dahil birthday niya, and in a way thank you ko sa kanya for being such a good friend and confidante through all these time that we've worked together, and kahit di ko siya ka-trabaho, let me share with you my learnings from Enrique. Mga aral na na-verbalize, ipinakita niya, and eveb those na di man niya sinadyang sabihin o nakita, na-pick up mo by just being with him and hearing beautiful stories from those who have been with him in work, or even just random moments.

Never be afraid to love, and get hurt. 

For the past 5 years, Enrique has been one of my love gurus, as I put it. Everytime I need a straight guy's point of view pagdating sa mga nararamdaman ng puso ko, sa kanya ako tumatakbo. I remember nag-start yan during Princess and I's pictorial five years ago. Nagki-kwento lang ako kay Khalil ng mga thoughts ar pinagdaraanan ko in loving a really close friend, when he suddenly shared his own experiences and learnings. From then on, he would ask how I am when we'd see each other. He would listen, then give advice. When I fell out of love with this friend, then started falling in love with another guy, isa siya sa mga nakaalam agad. The most memorable advice he gave to me was, "damahin mo yung pain", everytime I would get hurt because through that raw, I'd be stronger. And it is a proof na nagmamahal ako, indeed. But then he also constantly reminds me of knowing my worth, that I don't have to chase the right one for me 'cause he would come. Parang siya lang? =P

Patience is a virtue.

Before becoming the Enrique Gil that he is now, roller coaster din ang pinagdaanan ni Quen career-wise. Kahit nga ako mismo, noong una, hindi convinced sa kaya niyang i-deliver as an actor and a performer. But he was that determined to reach for his dreams. Pinatunayan niyang "Patience is a virtue", that the right time for his big break would come. He worked hardly for what he has now, hindi lang basta inihain sa kanya. The rewards of his determination and patience were "Princess And I" and "Forevermore". And may bonggang bonus pang Liza Soberano na dumating sa karera at, well, personal niyang buhay. Oha oha!

Kindness goes a long, long way. 

Never akong nakarinig from our co-workers, fans and even random people ng kahit anong masama o reklamo about Quen. Hindi naman ako nagulat kasi, that's who he really is kasi. Marunong makisama, magiliw sa tao and he makes sure everyone around him is OK. When at work, he's a team player. Hindi pa-star. He would talk to anyone, walang pili. Pag puyat at pagod ang lahat, siya rin. He values everyone working with and for him. Humaharap siya at nagpapa-picture sa mga fans at supporters who take time just to see or visit him, kahit pagod yan o may pinagdaraanan. Mahirap i-peke yan lalo na pag di gumigiling ang camera. He really is one of the kindest ans most compassionate people I met in the industry. Yun ang isa sa mga reason why he has gone this far industry. Kindness and pakikisama goes a long, long way.

Be man enough. 

Tumaas ang respeto ko kay Quen when, publicly, he admitted he was at fault in an untoward incident that happened almost 2 years ago. When he could just have denied it and move on with his life, or kept his peace, he chose to be man enough to face his mistakes and its possible consequences. Even if it may take toll on his already blossoming career that time. It helped as well that people who matter to him, especially Liza, stayed by his side through that tough time.  That setback didn't really affect Quen's career at all. Quen, on his part, learned so much from it. This only proved that we have soft and forgiving spot for people, especially men, na umaamin sa pagkakamali sincerely, at bumabawi afterwards. We just love honest and unpretentious men.

Chivalry still exists.

Sa mundong maraming feeling gwapo at feeling licensed na makapanakit ng, o mag-take advantage ng mga babae (at mga bading) na may gusto o interes sa kanila, Quen is a living proof na may matitino pa ring lalaki. At ito, totoong gwapo. Yet, whenever we're together, hindi niya ipararamdam 'yun sa akin. He'd let you know and feel that he's just like everyone else. Normal. Hindi perpekto. Chill lang. Pwede mong kausapin. Makulit. Manunukso. And very gentlemanly, kahit minsan may mga nakakalokang jokes yan na ikagugulat mo at itatawa mo lang. You always look forward to seeing him, visiting him, kasi hindi lang may mapapala ka from him na mabuti, but every conversation or just simple moments with him, there's a takeaway afterwards. And I see kung paano yung gentlemanly ways niya kay Liza everytime they're together. He really makes sure that Liza is okay and feeling comfortable. You will see the concern and care in his words and actions. He's himself, and he's becoming a better and better man each day he's with Liza. Nagagawa nga naman ng LOVE. Kaya naman kahit maraming nahuhumaling sa ganda nitong si Liza, si Quen pa rin ang nagwawagi sa puso niya. NAKS!