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Enrique Gil
Enrique Gil in Toronto 2014 02.jpg
Gil in June 2014
Born
Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V

(1992-03-30) March 30, 1992 (age 33)
Cebu City, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Other names
  • Quen
  • Quenito
  • "King of the Gil"
Education Degree in Business Management
Alma mater San Beda College Alabang
Southville International School
Occupation
  • Actor
  • dancer
  • producer
  • entrepreneur
  • model
Years active 2008–present
Agent Star Magic (2008–2023)
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Partner(s) Liza Soberano (2014–2022)

Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V (born March 30, 1992) is a famous Filipino actor and dancer. Many people know him as "Quen" or "King of the Gil." He has starred in many popular movies and TV shows.

Some of his most well-known roles include Alexander "Xander" Grande III in the TV series Forevermore. He also appeared in films like My Ex and Whys and Alone/Together. Enrique is also a talented dancer and has released his own music.

Early Life and Education

Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V was born in Cebu City, Philippines, on March 30, 1992. He is the second son of Enrique Amadeo Gil III and Barbara Anne Bacay. He has an older brother, Enrique Javier IV, and a younger sister, Diandra Frances. His parents used to work as flight crew for Philippine Airlines. Enrique is also related to actor Dingdong Dantes.

He finished grade school in March 2004 and secondary school in March 2008. Enrique first studied Information Technology in college. However, he paused his studies to focus on his acting career. In 2016, he began studying Business Management at Southville International School.

Career Journey

Starting Out (2008–2011)

Enrique Gil started acting in 2008 when he was 16 years old. His mother encouraged him to join acting workshops to help him overcome shyness. This led him to audition for Star Magic, a talent agency. Before becoming widely known, he appeared in several TV commercials.

His first TV role was Harold in the action-drama series Pieta. He also had a small part in I Love Betty La Fea. In 2009, he joined the sitcom George and Cecil and acted in the indie film Pitas.

In 2010, Enrique became one of Star Magic's "Gigger Boys" on the variety show ASAP XV. He also appeared in the TV series Rosalka and the film Till My Heartaches End. He even tried hosting on the teen variety show Shoutout!.

In 2011, Enrique got his first main role as Michael Miranda in the remake of Mula Sa Puso. He then played Troy Cabrera in Good Vibes. He also starred in the film Way Back Home and the TV series Budoy.

Becoming a Star (2012–2015)

In 2012, Enrique's popularity grew when he played Dasho Jao Rinpoche in Princess and I. This show became one of the most watched on ABS-CBN. He also appeared in the films The Reunion, Amorosa (a horror film), and The Strangers.

In 2013, he played a young Juan Ponce Enrile in Maalaala Mo Kaya. He then starred in the series Muling Buksan ang Puso with Julia Montes and Enchong Dee.

Enrique Gil in Toronto 2014 01
Enrique Gil performing in Toronto, 2014

October 2013 was a big moment for Enrique. He starred in the film She's the One with Bea Alonzo and Dingdong Dantes. Many people saw this as his breakthrough film. He also showed off his dancing skills with popular moves like "Teach Me How to Dougie". He released his first dance album, King of the Gil, which quickly became a Gold record. Later that year, he held his first sold-out concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In 2014, Enrique joined the fantasy series Mirabella. He also released the song "Do The Moves" with Sarah Geronimo and apl.de.ap. He was named "Most Promising Male Star of the Year" at the 45th Box Office Entertainment Awards.

A major turning point in his career came in October 2014. He played Alexander "Xander" Grande III in the hit romantic comedy TV series Forevermore. He starred alongside Liza Soberano, and their pairing became very popular. The show's finale had very high ratings, making it one of the most-watched shows in 2015.

After the success of Forevermore, Enrique and Liza Soberano starred in the film Just The Way You Are in June 2015. Later that year, they made another romantic film, Everyday I Love You, with Gerald Anderson. Both films were very successful at the box office. In December 2015, Enrique received a star at the Philippine Walk of Fame.

Continued Success and Break (2016–2020)

In February 2016, Enrique and Liza Soberano returned to prime time TV with the romantic drama Dolce Amore. Enrique played Simon Vicente "TenTen" Ibarra, a hardworking boy from Manila. In July 2016, Enrique starred in the action film Dukot, which was based on a real kidnapping event. He won "Best Actor" at the Gawad PASADO Awards for his performance.

In 2017, Enrique and Liza Soberano starred in the romantic comedy film My Ex and Whys. This film was a big hit, earning a lot of money on its first day. Enrique won the GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Award for Box Office King. The same year, he played Dex in the family comedy-drama film Seven Sundays. Both films were among the highest-grossing Filipino films of 2017.

In 2018, he played Lakas, a warrior, in the TV drama and fantasy series Bagani. The show was very popular and consistently ranked number one in its time slot.

In 2019, Enrique and Liza Soberano starred in the romantic drama film Alone/Together. Enrique played Rafael "Raf" Toledo, a biology student who later becomes a doctor. This film also made it to the Top 10 highest-grossing Filipino films of 2019.

In 2020, Enrique appeared with Liza Soberano in Make It With You. He played Gabriel "Gabo" Villarica, a character who finds himself in Croatia. The show was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and issues with the network's franchise. This marked the end of his popular on-screen pairing with Liza Soberano.

Return to Entertainment (2023–Present)

In 2023, Enrique Gil signed a new contract with ABS-CBN. In 2024, he returned to the big screen after a three-year break with the film I Am Not Big Bird. This movie was special because it was also Enrique's first time producing a film through his own company, Immerse Entertainment.

Other Ventures

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Enrique Gil has been involved in several charity efforts.

  • In 2013, he joined the PETA campaign "Free Mali." This campaign aimed to move Mali, an elephant, from the Manila Zoo to a sanctuary in Thailand where she could receive better care.
  • In the same year, he donated part of the money from his King of the Gil concert to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Super Typhoon Yolanda).
  • In 2015, Enrique and the cast of Forevermore played in a charity basketball game. This event helped raise money to build houses for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.
  • In July 2021, Enrique and Liza Soberano held an online fan event to raise money for Save the Children. This organization helps children in need and supports their rights.

Business Ventures

Enrique Gil has also ventured into business.

  • He launched his own fragrance line called HKT Fragrances. A part of the sales from this brand went to Shop & Share, an organization that helps Filipinos get tested for COVID-19.
  • In February 2021, he launched HKT Essentials with Liza Soberano. Sales from this brand also supported Save the Children and a relief program for health workers.
  • In January 2022, Enrique shared that he sold one of his house projects. He has a real estate development business called Gil Side Homes. He revealed in a 2019 interview that he has been buying and selling houses with his mother.

Personal Life

Enrique Gil dated his Good Vibes co-star Coleen Garcia from 2010 to 2011.

In February 2019, Enrique and his frequent on-screen partner, Liza Soberano, publicly shared that they had been a couple since October 24, 2014. Their relationship ended in October 2022.

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Source
2008 I Love Betty La Fea Himself ― Ecomodel Cameo
Pieta Harold Guest
2009 George and Cecil Carlo Barredo
2010 Shoutout! Himself Host
P.O.5 Himself Guest
Rosalka Andrew
Maynila Mark Episode: "Dangerous Charade"
Mara Clara Mara's Sweet Sixteen escort Uncredited
2010–present ASAP Himself Host / Performer
2011 100 Days to Heaven Teen Bobby Ramirez Special participation
Good Vibes Troy Cabrera
Mula sa Puso Michael Miranda
Your Song Jim Your Song Presents: Kim
Shoutout!: Level Up Himself Performer
2011–12 Budoy Benjamin "BJ" Maniego / Dimalanta / Chavez
2012 Maynila Tim Episode: "Star Collision"
2012–13 Princess and I Dasho Jan Alfonso "Jao" Rinpoche
2013 Maalaala Mo Kaya Juan Ponce Enrile Episode: "Sapatos"
Maalaala Mo Kaya Juan Ponce Enrile Episode: "Diploma"
Muling Buksan ang Puso Francis Dela Vega / Francis B. Andrada
2014 Mirabella Jeremy Palmera
2014–15 Forevermore Alexander "Xander" Grande III
2016 Dolce Amore Simon Vicente "Tenten" Ibarra
2018 Bagani Lakas
2020 Make It With You Atty. Gabriel "Gabo" Villarica

Film

Year Title Role Notes Source
2010 Diego and His Brothers Anton Short film
Pitas
Till My Heartaches End Jaco Barredo
2011 Way Back Home Michael Estacio
2012 The Reunion Boggs Alvarez
Amorosa: The Revenge Rommel
The Strangers Kirk
2013 Must Be... Love Dave Cameo
She's the One David Esguerra
2014 The Trial Martin Bien
2015 Just the Way You Are Drake Sison
Everyday I Love You Ethan Alfaro
2016 Dukot Carlo Sandoval
2017 My Ex and Whys Sergio "Gio" Martinez
Seven Sundays Dexter "Dex" Bonifacio
2019 Alone/Together Rafael "Raf" Toledo
The Mall, The Merrier Robohero Cameo
2024 I Am Not Big Bird Luis Carpio/Big Bird First produced film
Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital

Music Video Appearances

Year Title Performer Director Ref.
2011 Ako Na Lang Zia Quizon Nani Naguit and Pao Santiago Pangan
2013 Mr. Kupido Myrtle Sarrosa Vince Salumbides III
2020 Make It With You Ben&Ben Miko Pelino

Discography

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