Amidst the persistent rumors claiming that Erich Gonzales is already in a relationship with Enrique Gil, the actress stressed that she is single and that Enrique never courted her. Erich also revealed that she made it clear to Enrique that she is not prepared for a relationship because she wants to prioritize her career. “Basta po alam naman niya ‘yon sabi ko talaga sa kanya friends lang, ayoko po ng boyfriend… friends lang,” Erich explained at the pocket press conference of her next teleserye, the Filipino adaptation of the telenovela hit Maria la del Barrio.
She continued that she and Enrique became friends because of the youth-oriented show ShoutOut but nothing romantic ensued. “Hindi ko po alam. Wala naman po talaga [kaming relasyon]. Once and for all sana malinaw na we’re just friends po talaga and that’s the truth. Hindi ko po alam kung bakit ganon,” she said. “Wala po akong boyfriend, totoo ‘yon.”
In her upcoming teleserye, Erich will reunite with onscreen partner Enchong Dee and will have the chance to work again with Angel Aquino. The three of them have all been part of the previous teleserye, Magkaribal.
In Maria la del Barrio, Erich will reprise the role that was formerly portrayed by Mexican superstar Thalia. Erich said that she feels pressured and excited at the same time about the role. “Sobrang nakakaba talaga and pressured of course but binigyan kami ng chance ng ABS-CBN ulit so hindi namin sila bibiguin. Talagang we’ll give it our best talaga po.” In preparation for the role, Erich changed her hair style and color to imbibe the original character’s look.
Erich will also work with top director Rory B. Quintos, whom she worked before in the film Love Me Again. She also shared that it was Direk Rory, who told her back then to be patient until her break would arrive. “Talagang I’ll never forget the day na sinabi niya sakin na, ‘Be patient. Maghintay ka lang kasi darating ‘yung time mo.’ And ito na ‘yon, after niyang sinabi ‘yon dumating ‘yung Katorse and tuloy-tuloy na ‘yon,” she shared.
