ABS-CBN’s upcoming teleserye Maria La Del Barrio debuts on primetime television this August. Lead stars Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales play lovers separated by social classes and well-kept secrets. Having been paired in three teleseryes and one hit movie, the two said they are now more at ease with doing intimate scenes in front of the camera.

At the press conference for Maria La Del Barrio, Enchong said, “Tuwing may gagawin kaming eksena tinatanong ko muna si Erich para malaman ko kung okay lang ba 'yung mga gagawin ko. Siyempre kahit gaano ka sexy itong current project namin, we have to make sure rin na sa next project meron pa kaming ipapakita na bago.”

The 22-year-old actor also shared that he is now more comfortable appearing shirtless on-screen. “Pinaghandaan din namin kasi ine-expect ng marami na medyo steamy ang ilang eksena dito. Ngayon masasabi kong mas confident na akong gumawa ng mga ganito unlike dati na medyo nahihiya pa.”

He said he is thankful that he was given enough time to work out and observe a strict diet so he could get into perfect shape for his role as the handsome heir Luis. “Nakatulong na maraming panahon ang naibigay sa amin. Nung una kasi, ma-rice pa ako, ha ha ha! Habang tumatagal, paunti na nang paunti. Kaya dun sa teaser ni Luis medyo iba 'yung katawan niya kaysa sa actual na mga eksena.”

Now that he is about to portray his biggest role yet on primetime television, Enchong was asked if he thinks he has already surpassed the likes of Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca as the sexiest leading men in showbiz. “Ayoko nung may papalitan, may uunahan. Trabaho lang. Hindi naman kailangan na lagi may competition,” he clarified.