Erich Gonzales has eyes that quietly shine but are filled with searing fire. Her eyes are fixed and unwavering. She has changed into someone who values continuing personal development and will do whatever to realise her unfulfilled goals.
Her life as a young woman from Davao fifteen years ago was straightforward. Her life had become significantly more complicated in the few years since she successfully broke into the entertainment industry through the reality talent competition Star Circle Quest. Erich had accepted that her world was now much more complex than it was when she first had her breakout role as Nene in the primetime drama Katorse a few years later. However, her simplicity, bravery, and tenacity have stayed unaffected throughout it all.
Erich Gancayco was a poor girl from a rural town before she rose to fame as Erich Gonzales. But through ABS-reality CBN’s talent search program Star Circle Quest Season 2, Erich tried her luck in show business in 2004 as a wide-eyed, frail teenager from Davao. The following year, she accomplished the feat when she earned the Grand Questor title and the P4-million cash award. She also received an exclusive contract from Star Magic, the network’s talent management company at the time known as the ABS-CBN Talent Center, as the grand prize winner. Erich Gonzales was given to her as her screen name.
Having adorned TV shows and movies and given her star power to merchandise through endorsements, she is a star today and one of the network’s most recognisable performers. But Erich’s ascent to the summit was not swift. Instead, progress was gradual, steady, and unremarkable in the eyes of some industry insiders. Erich wasn’t concerned by any of this discussion. The attractive actress spoke confidently about her career as being steady yet sluggish. She benefitted from always being clear about what she desired. In an interview with a magazine in 2018, she stated: “I want to keep doing what I love, which is acting. I wish I could work in a variety of genres. “I always say this. I’m not after the fame or popularity—yes, it’s a bonus, it’s a plus—but the bottom line is, I just want to be an actress for as long as I can.”
Erich was a celebrity. Thus he was open to questions and criticism.
Enrich reflected on and gave credit to her growth since that shoot in an interview with Metro Magazine, where she was also featured years earlier. The magazine stated that remembering the woman she was two years ago—someone who was going through a reawakening of sorts and was full of curiosity—she gave credit to her growth since that shoot. “I am now better equipped to deal with obstacles in life. Every so often, it’s also beneficial to reflect on the past and recognise the advancements you have achieved, says the speaker.
“Once in a while, it’s also good to reflect on your past experiences and acknowledge the improvements you have made along the way.”
She is now more willing and receptive to learning more about herself to continue improving. She feels honoured to be included on the list of women whose journeys and life stories have impacted others.
