Actor Enchong Dee proudly wears his heritage on his sleeve — literally — through a new partnership with Noble Creations, a US-based brand specializing in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana made by artisans from Lumban, Laguna.
Dee recently flew to Los Angeles to personally promote the brand and support the unveiling of its latest collection at the Noble Creations boutique in Artesia, Los Angeles County.
“I feel proud every time I see a Filipino brand making waves abroad,” said Dee.
Founded by Lumban native Amiel Noble, the brand sources its hand-embroidered pieces directly from the town hailed as the “Embroidery Capital of the Philippines.” Noble’s mission is to bring the artistry of traditional Filipino garments to a global audience.
Dee, who officially became the face of Noble Creations in late 2024, emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity in endorsements.
“You have to keep your reputation intact. Reputation sells. If people trust you, anything you promote earns that trust, too,” he said.
“They can always tap celebrities with more followers and bigger names. So I’m grateful the universe brought us together — people who share the same respect for all things Filipino.”
Noble was recently honored at the The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) in Hawaii, as well as at the Burdang Lumban Festival in the Philippines, in recognition of his cultural work.
“At the heart of the brand is Kuya Amiel, in particular his advocacy to uplift the brand of Barong Tagalog. He is someone you would want to support all the way as he dresses up Filipinos who are making waves in Hollywood. I’m proud every time I see a Filipino walking on the red carpet wearing something Filipino,” said Enchong.
The actor believes this partnership reflects a shared passion.
“In just one meeting you can see how Kuya Amiel loves the Philippines in the same way that I do. That commonality alone is a good partnership already. I want to think globally and act locally,” he said.
Dee has become a familiar presence at the Manila International Film Festival events in L.A. In recent years, he’s expanded his acting career with diverse roles — from the MMFF action-thriller “Topakk” (2024), to portraying Padre Jacinto Zamora in the historical film “GomBurza” (2023), which earned second-best picture at the 2023 festival. He also starred in “Outside,” Netflix’s first original zombie film set in the Philippines.
Enchong is set to appear in the Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and a French-Canadian film shot in the Philippines, scheduled for release later this year.
Reflecting on his journey from athlete to actor, he shared, “I’ve tried hosting, teleseryes, and even music. But I realized, filmmaking is my true passion. In your 20s, you search for your path. In your 30s, you find it and focus.”
