Actor Enrique Gil discussed what he worked on and enjoyed during his almost four-year showbiz hiatus before he returned with his new movie I Am Not Big Bird.

In an interview with Metro.Style, Enrique shared that he realized how spending time with family and friends really meant a lot to him.

“When I was working for almost 15 years, I was just out and really focused on working, so I really lost a lot of time with my family, with my friends,” he said.

 “To be able to stay and be with them for three years really meant everything to me,” he added.

The actor also talked about enjoying his private life on their small farm in Tagaytay, Cavite during his Magandang Buhay visit last Monday, February 12.

"Parang naging plantito. I got into plants and animals. I love my animals... and I started, you know, getting into plants. Pati gusto ko lahat ng tropical plants. I really want to design the place as well," the actor stated.

He continued: “I think it just made me realize what matters most is really my family, hindi ba? And the environment wasn't really toxic for me. It was so good for my mental health and everything.”

Having time for himself and his family, Enrique then revealed that he actually thought of leaving the entertainment industry. However, he decided to still do something that could help him pursue his passion as well as contribute to the industry.

“Sabi ko, ‘I’m not just going to leave the industry nang ganiyan lang.’ I want to leave something behind,” he said in an interview with Metro as he became their recent digital cover.

“We built Immerse Entertainment, the production company. So sabi ko, ‘When I come back, I want to do films and hopefully open up opportunities for other artists to be able to expand their genres',” Enrique added.

His new movie with Nikko Natividad, Pepe Herrera, and Red Ollero is his first project under his production company in collaboration with Black Sheep and ANIMA Studios, which premiered in cinemas on Valentine's Day, Wednesday, February 14.

“We can really break through. Filipino cinema can break through international [cinema]. So that’s the dream and the plan. At least ’yun—’yun ang gusto kong maiwan dito sa showbiz industry,” the 31-year-old actor remarked.

The Kapamilya actor also shared that he became part of a ticketing company called Ticket2Me.

“We’re also creating events since I used to dance a lot before on stage. So sabi ko, kahit matanda na ako, I can still provide some entertainment to people and let them watch concerts,” he explained. 

He continued: “I don’t plan on staying here forever, but I think I can still produce. For sure, I’d still produce movies and still provide entertainment for the people kahit wala na ako onscreen or onstage.”

In a previous interview with ABS-CBN News, Enrique shared what he felt working again on a new project after taking a long break.

"I just want a film to relax and have a good time, and just do this. Just an ode to the early 2000s and '90s comedies na talagang na-miss ko," he said.

READ: Enrique Gil says ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ an ode to ‘90s, early 2000s comedy

"Medyo nanibago ako. I don't know, it was weird. Parang you still remember it, how to do it. Yung timing. Okay naman, very supportive [sila]. It felt good, the environment, the setting," he described as he felt new again working in the limelight.

READ: Enrique Gil shares plans for Valentine’s Day