Rising Kapamilya actor Enchong Dee is taking the gay issue being hurled against him in stride. “Yes, I’m aware of the gay issue about me. Bahala na sila [detractors to say what they want],” he told the press at the launch of new independent film “Paano Ko Sasabihin?,” a Cinema One original from Red Room Productions, Digital Cheese and Clay Shop Inc.

Taking the issue as a baptism of fire, Enchong said he knows that many other big names in local showbiz had been hit by gender issues on their way to stardom.

“It’s been [an issue] since [I] started. If you’re not gay, then the issue is that you have a gay benefactor,” Enchong pointed out, noting that it’s a vicious cycle.

Meanwhile, his “Tanging Yaman” co-star Erich Gonzales came to Enchong’s rescue. The young actress said it’s impossible for Enchong to have gender preference issue.

“Wala! Walang ganun talaga. I think it happens to the best of them [newcomer actors]. Lahat naman dumadaan sa ganyang mga intriga. Sana tigilan na nila yung mga ganyang usapan kasi kung makakasama lang nila si Enchong, they’ll know na wala naman talaga.”

Screaming silence

The loudest declarations of love can be heard in silence. This is the premise of Cinema One’s light comedy “Paano Ko Sasabihin?,” where Enchong and Erich play deaf-mute lovers. The actors who make up the love tandem called “EnRich” said it was a “learning experience to play deaf-mute characters.”

The movie’s director, Richard Legaspi, told the Manila Bulletin that Enchong and Erich are perfect for their roles because “this is just an extension of their TV chemistry.”

“Paano Ko Sasabihin?” will be shown from April 16 to 22 at selected SM cinemas.