The glow of Hong Kong’s skyline reflects in Enchong Dee’s eyes – a familiar sparkle to millions in the Philippines. For Enchong, the truest measure of impact is the smile of a Manila taxi driver working a long shift. ‘The fact that a taxi driver or a security guard knows my name back home,’ he muses, a quiet pride cutting through the W Hong Kong ambience, ‘somehow makes you realise that the things you do reach all people, busy or otherwise.’ It’s an earned wisdom, hard-won over nineteen years in the spotlight. Yet, the Enchong Dee of 2025 isn’t resting on that recognition. He’s actively challenging what it means to be a leading man in today’s world.
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Jewellery: Emphasis Jewellery
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The early days were different. ‘When I was younger,’ Enchong confesses with a wry chuckle, ‘leading man was more of like, “Okay, I have to be the centre of attention. I have to be the centre of the frame.”’ Nearly two decades and countless projects later, a fundamental shift has occurred – with experience being his most valuable teacher. ‘You get to realise that the spotlight shouldn’t be yours all the time,’ he states, a note of seasoned insight in his voice. ‘That’s how you gain your experience, and that’s how you gain your lessons.’
For Enchong, true leadership in 2025 is rooted in adaptability. ‘Being a leading man now is being able to adapt,’ he emphasises. ‘You have to be able to learn when to take a back seat, when to take the front seat.’ His energy now thrives on collective energy. He speaks with authentic warmth about watching co-stars and crew excel: ‘I like people. I like when I see people shine in their own expertise.’ It’s the mark of a star secure enough to know that the whole picture shines brighter when every element is radiant.
Jewellery: Shamseili
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He is intentionally feasting on creative diversity. ‘I am currently in the season of buffets of genre,’ he declares, an electric intensity radiating from him. The directive is clear: each role he seeks is distinct from the last. ‘Just to excite my audience and at the same time excite myself also,’ he explains. The thrill lies within deep immersion in new worlds.
Jumping from gritty drama to high-stakes thriller to intimate love story exposes him to ‘hundreds of talents’ and directorial visions. He actively seeks out these creative partnerships, understanding that interchange is his lifeline. ‘Being able to collaborate and work with other people in different expertise and different genres, that’s something that I think would establish longevity in the industry.’ Far from simply collecting credits, he’s building a truly expansive toolkit – one challenging project at a time. ‘You get equipped with more to offer to your audience, with more enthusiasm.’
This pursuit of growth often takes him far from the familiar hustle of Manila. ‘I prefer shooting outside Manila,’ Enchong reveals, describing the increasingly common ‘lock-in’ system. Staying for weeks in provincial locations demands discipline. ‘We get to focus – wake up, go back to our room, study, study our script.’ It’s physically demanding – ‘quite tiring compared to going home every day’ – but artistically enriching. More importantly, it re-engages him with the heart of his audience. ‘I always say that the kindest people are always outside the capital,’ he shares convivially. The encounters are grounding: locals elated simply by the actors’ visit, eager to showcase their towns. ‘They’re very happy that you’re showing their beautiful communities in our shows.’ These provincial journeys serve as a vital reminder of the real lives his work touches, far removed from the urban frenzy.
Gua Sha: Founders Beauty
Working on a recent series – under a celebrated director fresh off a massive local hit – catalysed an artistic rebirth. ‘It’s been a while since I had this inspiration,’ he admits, the excitement still lingering. ‘No matter how tired, no matter how early the time is, I have this newfound inspiration to put the love and hard work in.’ This awakening revealed a tangible metamorphosis post-pandemic – a recalibration where ‘everyone from the lead actors to the supporting actors are so knowledgeable when it comes to their particular character.’
The creative chemistry ignites magic: ‘When we converge in one particular scene, it’s a dynamic interaction of textures – different sounds and different characters working together. And it’s moving.’ The project’s global rollout – a Netflix premiere 72 hours before airing on local TV – thrills him: ‘More chance to cater to Filipinos all over the world and non-Filipinos, I haven’t felt this excited promoting a series.’
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This international reach is no longer aspirational. ‘I have this intentional focus to look for projects that have a more international appeal,’ he states definitively. He recently wrapped his first Canadian film and is deep in preparations for a major multi-territory collaboration (Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan) shooting later this year. It feels like manifestation: ‘It’s something that you just think about, daydreaming about it. And then the next thing you know, there are projects being offered to you.’
He views every endeavour – including features like this cover story – as spotlighting Filipino talent and professionalism worldwide: ‘It’s nice to show the kind of professionalism that we carry…so that, you know, we can keep on getting more of it.’ He’s committed to preparedness, constantly arming himself with ‘new learnings and new professionalism’ for the global stage.
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Enchong speaks with particular passion about his upcoming series ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,’ recognising its significance beyond entertainment. He sees it as vital work. ‘It’s a softer way to introduce mental health issues to the Philippine audience,’ he explains with measured consideration.
While acknowledging progress, he remains clear-eyed: ‘We’ve gone through so much, but we still have a lot of things to learn.’ He views the show as an active force for good: ‘Championing mental health is another step forward for the whole country.’
He deeply values storytelling’s ability to educate without lecturing: ‘There’s a beauty – learning something through a series, it’s more fun. And it gets absorbed easier. I always say, “how nice is it to learn something while being entertained.”’
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Eyewear: Shanghai Tang
Shoes: Pedro
Longevity isn’t lost on him. Nineteen years after his debut, standing amidst Hong Kong’s shimmering skyline, Enchong Dee exudes a deep sense of gratitude. ‘I am grateful. I’m still here, still being offered good roles and good projects.’ His long-running career is built on a deep respect for the craft – and for everyone who brings it to life.
Watching the effort on set – ‘everyone in the set, from the cameraman to the audio man to the lights – puts in their 100%’ – fuels his own drive. ‘How dare am I not to?’ he reflects. The result of this recent experience? A powerful, personal reawakening: ‘I came out of the series holding on to new love for my craft.’ It’s the mark of an artist who chose growth over comfort, collaboration over ego, and meaningful storytelling over fleeting fame.
Today, Enchong Dee stands as an artist who shares the spotlight, thrives on creative challenges, and champions Philippine talent on a global stage. Most significantly, after nearly two decades, he has realigned – passionately and purposefully – with the heart of his work. He’s reshaped what it means to be a leading man – not by commanding attention, but by directing it toward something far more lasting: the power of shared stories, continuous evolution, and genuine human connection.
Special Thanks: Empire Tailors, Shanghai Tang & Founders Beauty
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
