Kapamilya actor Enzo Pineda couldn't be happier to announce that their barkada film, "Game, La Union" or "GLU", will be showing in cinemas beginning April 24.

During the sideline interviews with the press last April 2, Enzo shared that this is the perfect time to release the film.

"Magandang timing siya for me kasi one of our characters has their own identity na. So, I think kahit matagal siya bago ilabas, this the perfect time for us, kasi we can be proud of our careers now," Enzo said.

(It is a good timing for me because one of our characters has their own identity. So, I think even if it takes a long time to release him, this is the perfect time for us, because we can be proud of our careers now)

The film follows the story of the "Valley Boys Club" who goes on a vacation in La Union, where they will have their last get-together as high school students.

"We all play 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.  

Directed by Philip King, the cast is also joined by David Licauco, Derrick Monasterio, Teejay Marquez, Kiko Estrada, and Ruru Madrid.

"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," he added.

Aside from his upcoming barkada film, Enzo also revealed that he will be making another film with Director Easy Ferrer with his real-life girlfriend Michelle Vito.

"Right now, me and Michelle are now developing a script for a film together. So, it's gonna be shot abroad, hopefully, once the script is done we can share the news. Our director is si Direk Easy Ferrer, napaka galing na director," Enzo said.

(Right now, me and Michelle are now developing a script for a film together. So, it's gonna be shot abroad, hopefully, once the script is done we can share the news. Our director is Direk Easy Ferrer, a very good director)

Other than acting, he is also getting his diploma this year in Culinary Arts and Technology at the Center for Culinary Arts.

Giving back

From his passion for acting, Enzo shared another thing he is passionate about: giving back to the community. 

Enzo has been active with Junior Chamber International (JCI) community projects, according to JCI Manila's President Charles Matthew Gosingtian. Last month, Enzo initiated a dental mission dubbed “Share A Smile.” He’s also very active in the community program and internal programs. The actor also helped built 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 JCI’s Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award. “This is really close to my heart. I’ve been part of different non-profit organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and World Vision," Enzo said. 

In 2018, Enzo started sponsoring a child for World Vision, so the organization subsequently made him an ambassador. Until he entered the WWF in 2019. 

"Para sa akin, you need to find an advocacy, that is close to your heart. And for me, that is more on the education and health," he said. 

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

Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award

The search is on! The AY Foundation and Asia's oldest leadership development organization, JCI Manila, open nominations for the next Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awardee. The two civil society groups strengthened their partnership with a contract signing at the RCBC Plaza Makati last April 2.

AY Foundation Chairman Helen Y. Dee stressed the qualities they search for in the award and how the nominees become good role models, "These selfless individuals tirelessly choose to become instruments of blessing, strength, charity, and solace to the destitute, disadvantaged, and oppressed. Their utmost sincerity and concern for others at a time when most people are focused on their own affairs and interests make them true paragons of humanity.

Gosingtian said: "In our pursuit of recognizing and honoring these outstanding individuals, we continue to search for the embodiment of Saint Teresa's character – those who not only empathize with the plight of the marginalized but actively strive to make a difference in their lives. Each recipient of this award becomes a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that the smallest acts of kindness can create waves of positive change."

For 41 years, AY Foundation and JCI Manila have joined forces to honor compassionate individuals who have directed their lives to serve others, made exemplary contributions to Filipinos, and become a guiding light in their communities.

STCA project chairman Vjohn Dizon shared how they will make this year's search bigger and for more people to be involved in this project, while Kapamilya star Enzo Pineda, an STCA project committee member and ambassador, looked forward to recognizing the most deserving individual who showed selflessness in the past years amidst the struggles of post-pandemic life and inflation. 

"This year's Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award theme is Elevating Lives through Selfless Service. Guided by this, we will elevate our search nationwide by conducting awareness campaigns in several partner universities," Vjohn said.

For Enzo, "Passion is selflessly enduring the challenges that may come when a person is pursuing an advocacy. The Saint Teresa of Calcutta awardee is a definition of passion and selflessness. It goes to our unsung heroes and organizations, who tirelessly help elevate the lives of our fellow Filipinos. I’m proud and excited that we are honoring them again this year.”

The 41st Saint Teresa of Calcutta Awardee shall receive a plaque and a cash award of P1,000,000.00. 

Nominees are open to any living individual, regardless of age, gender, race, and religion, who has dedicated himself fully to humanitarian work among underprivileged Filipinos for at least 25 years. 

The Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award encourages anyone who may know an exemplary individual to nominate them by completing the nomination form on its Facebook Page. The deadline for nominations is on July 30, 2024.