A FILM film that wrapped up in 2019, before the pandemic started, will finally be shown this month.

‘Game, La Union” or GLU is a barkada film that actor Enzo Pineda and his male co-stars shot back in 2019. He cannot be happier now that on April 24, GLU will finally have its theatrical release.

“In the film, we are all rich kids, heirs, but our parents decided to split the barkada up before we graduate in high school, so we decided to go to La Union before we have our separate, respective lives,” Enzo shared. “We opted to settle our differences, enjoy and rediscover ourselves.”

With Philip King at the helm, GLU also stars David Licauco, Derrick Monasterio, Teejay Marquez, Kiko Estrada and Ruru Madrid.

“It’s kind of nice because this film is finally coming out and we now have our identity in this business,” asserted Enzo. “Even if it has taken a long time before it was released, perfect timing also because we can be proud of our careers now.

“Finally, this film is coming out. It’s kind of awkward to me because I don’t know how I’m going to approach such a role now. I’ve seen the film already. I would have done it differently if we shot it now.”

The script of LGU was based on the location itself, according to Enzo. “La Union is a popular place for surfing, gimmick, hang out with friends. It’s like our mini-Boracay. You don’t have to fly by plane. You can reach La Union by car.”

Enzo just ended his successful stint in the primetime romantic series, Can’t Buy Me Love, on the Kapamilya Channel.

He is also getting his diploma this year in Culinary Arts and Technology at the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA).

Enzo is filming a love story with director Easy Ferrer, with whom he is also collaborating on the script. Enzo and girlfriend Michelle Vito will be paired and it is slated to be filmed in Europe later this year.

Enzo has been part of the JCI (Junior Chamber International) for the past four years. “I have good friends from the organization, especially at the time of the pandemic,” the actor shared. “I really wanted them to do something to help the community. I’m just glad my friends were able to give me a chance to join JCI Manila.”

Enzo has been active with JCI community projects, according to president Charles Matthew Gosingtian. Last month, Enzo initiated a dental mission, “Share A Smile.” He’s also very active in the community program and internal programs. Enzo also helped build a school in Talaingod, Davao del Norte for JCI.

He will extend his hand and help in the new search for the next recipient of Saint Therese of Calcutta Award. “This is really close to my heart,” Enzo said. “I’ve been part of different non-profit organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and World Vision.

“So this Saint Therese of Calcutta Award is close to my heart because we are giving recognition to our unsung heroes who have been in service for the past 25 years,” Enzo shared. “With this award, I hope we can inspire new ones and for the ones existing, we can still inspire them to keep on going.”

Last year’s distinguished recipient of the Saint Therese of Calcutta Award was 91-year-old children’s rights advocate, Teresita Luis Silva.

Deadline of nominations will be on July 31, 2024. Awarding will be on October 4 at the RCBC Penthouse (45th floor).

Enzo credits his dad who is a public servant, for inspiring him to help out others. “I would like to make him proud,” Enzo said. “The recent pandemic, a time of crisis, there’s this big part of me that wants to help out in the community the best way I can.”

The actor started a Baby JCI project, a “mobile learning center” in the depressed area in Navotas. “E-trike with wi-fi and educational materials that the teacher can drive and use to go around lesser-reached areas for the children so they can still be educated,” Enzo said.

Back in 2018, Enzo started with sponsoring a child for World Vision, so the organization subsequently made him an ambassador. “I started helping before I became an ambassador for the non-profit organizations that I’ve been part of,” Enzo shared. WWF followed in 2019.”

“Being an artist is a double-edged sword,” asserted Enzo. “I just want to use this platform of being in showbiz to help out people in need. My mom (Macy) has been a good example and inspiration to me, like Saint Theresa. In everything that I do, I want to make my mother proud, as well as my dad (Enrico).”

Without batting an eyelash, Enzo, who is the younger of two boys, admitted he’s a mama’s boy. “I want to make my dad proud, but my mom is number one in my heart,” Enzo proudly said.