The Kapamilya Chat studio was filled with anticipation as Enrique Gil graced the show to promote his comeback movie, “I Am Not Big Bird.”

This episode was all about homecoming and departure in one. Enrique is elated to be back on his usual grind, but this time, he takes on double duties being part of the project’s core creatives team as well. “I Am Not Big Bird” is his first foray into movie producing. And by this time, he’s already creating the blueprint for his production outfit’s next project.

We say ‘departure,’ as the Kapamilya actor departs from his usual rom-com and drama-heavy offerings, this time, serving up a raunchy, riotous comedy. He describes “I Am Not Big Bird” as a story of friendship and coming-of-age. Enrique takes on the lead as Luis, a hard-working guy in his 30s mistaken for a Thai porn star. He is insecure about his ‘size’ and sexual intimacy. While this insecurity is explored in a comedic trope, Enrique believes that it resonates with a lot of men in real life.

Comedy isn’t much a new territory to him. Growing up, he used to just love watching comedy shows with his family, especially his dad, whose funny genes he definitely got. His organic comedic timing used to come out in his past rom-com projects.

“I Am Not Big Bird” introduces Enrique, or Quen as he’s fondly called, to new co-actors who are mostly comedians. Put them altogether in the fun streets of Bangkok, Thailand, where they shot most of the scenes, and you’ll get a riotous camaraderie on- and off-cam.

He’s all-praise for his castmates Pepe Herrera, Nikko Natividad, and Red Ollero. “Masaya lang sila sa set kasama, parang hindi kami nagwo-work, parang bakasyon lang kami as a barkada. ‘Yung pinagsamahan namin before the shoot is super quick lang, script-reading lang, look test. We didn’t really have to try to make the chemistry work. Basta nag-gel lang kami agad, natural lang, so I think perfect lang kami talaga as the cast for this film.” He promised that moviegoers would be delighted to see this ‘barkada’ chemistry.

In the second part of the interview, he was joined by his co-stars Nikko and Red, who took the hilarity up a notch. The trio bantered like crazy, proving what Enrique said about the on- and off-cam camaraderie they’ve built.

They reminisced about their fun moments filming in Thailand, offering us a glimpse into the adventures they shared. There was even a time when they got lost in the streets of Bangkok and still enjoyed every bit of it.

In keeping with the movie’s theme, he was asked his advice to men dealing with insecurities. Enrique, one of the most popular actors in the country, admitted to still grappling with his own insecurities sometimes. But somehow he’s learned the trick – loving who he truly is.

“You have to be your number one fan. We only have one life. Your body is your body, so be proud of it. Your greatest instrument is your body. Alagaan mo ‘yan, be proud of it. Because whatever insecurities, that makes you who you are,” he added that our weaknesses and insecurities can become hidden aces up our sleeves, if only we learn to change our perspectives.

“Own it, that’s you. Kasi kung ikaw pa lang kokontra ka na sa sarili mo, nobody is going to be rooting for you,” he imparted. “But even if nobody is rooting for you, you have to root for yourself.”

While the film’s chief purpose is to entertain viewers, “I Am Big Bird” leaves eye-opening lessons at the same time. As for Enrique, one lesson he learned after working on the movie is to be open, to take control of where we’re heading – and this applies to the future of Philippine cinema as well.

“I think it’s a very exciting time for the industry. I think, through this project, hopefully, other artists and other directors will come to see., They’re really pushing the limits. They’re really going out of the box.’”

He views “I Am Not Big Bird” as the mark of a new era for the Philippine movie industry. Three or five years ago, he wouldn’t imagine the Filipino audience being open to a naughty, Western-style comedy like this.

“We just need to diversify ‘yung mga pinapanood natin. I’m just happy that whatever we’re doing now is a step forward to the right direction,” expressed Enrique, who is more than ready to turn his dream roles and dream projects into a reality via his own production company.

From hereon, things are certainly going to be ‘bigger’ him.

Catch Enrique with Nikko, Red and Pepe Herrera in “I Am Not Big Bird,” showing in cinemas on Valentine’s Day.