Body Talk with Dennis Trillo

No matter how hard he dodges, Dennis Trillo often finds himself in the eye of showbiz storm.

The other day at the presscon for GMA Films’ I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust And Love You) in which he co-stars with Jolina Magdangal, Rufa Mae Quinto and two Italian singer-actresses, Dennis casually announced that he’s “happily single” after he broke up with Cristine Reyes, whom he described as his “off and on” girlfriend, and he found himself in the headlines of the tabs. The film was shot in Rome, Genoa and other parts of Italy, directed by Mark Reyes.

“It was a career move,” said Dennis. “I want to have peace of mind. I haven’t had it for a long time. The less issues and controversies, the better. Gusto ko tahimik na buhay so I can concentrate on my career.”

Is the break-up a “gimmick” to generate publicity?

“No. Ako ang taong hindi mahilig gumimik.”

Recently tapped as the new endorser of SODA (“The brand is able to find the perfect balance between style and simplicity,” he said), Dennis has also smoked the peace pipe with ex-girlfriend Carlene Aguilar, mother of his love son Calix who is turning a year old on Sept. 22.

Next month, Gagambino, Dennis’ action-fantasy starrer, will premiere on GMA. It’s based on a komiks serial by Komiks King Carlo J. Caparas and it comes after Zaido (with Aljur Abrenica and Marky Cielo) and Magdusa Ka (with Katrina Halili) in which he played an anti-hero role. In Gagambino, Dennis plays a Spider-Man-kind of role, his first-starring TV role.

Dennis stands 5’8”, weighs 140 lbs., has a trim 30-inch waistline, and wears small/medium-size shirt and size-9 shoes.

How much sleep do you get per night?

“These days, I try to get eight hours because the shoot for Gagambino is usually not overnight. In rare times when we finish early mornings, I see to it that I sleep until noontime. If I get less than eight hours, I am grumpy; masungit ako.”

What’s your favorite sleep wear?

“Boxer shorts; no tops.”

Do you snore?

“Only when I’m really tired.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“I sleep alone so I wouldn’t know. But I hope I don’t.”

Do you sleepwalk?

“No, I don’t.”

Are you a pillow person?

“I have a queen-size bed, so I sleep with four pillows. Two under my head, one I hug and the fourth one I put on my side.”

Have you gotten used to living independently (in a condo unit somewhere in Mandaluyong City)?

“After almost two years...yes, medyo sanay na ako. I’ve learned a lot these past two years. Let’s just say that I have become more responsible.”

Do you sleep with the aircon turned on full blast?

“Only when I don’t have to work the next day. Masarap matulog kapag malamig ang room pero mahirap gumising. If I have to wake up early, I just use the electric fan but never turned directly at me. Masama daw ‘yon, eh.”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I exercise; I do push-ups. I’ve been doing that since the shoot for Gagambino started. And then, I pray.”

And the first thing that you do when you wake up?

“I thank God for the brand-new day. Then, I do stretching exercises.”

Do you take three square meals a day?

“I try to. For breakfast, I usually just take oatmeal with orange juice. For lunch, medyo heavier: Rice with soup and viand. For dinner, nothing heavy. I do take snacks in-between. I have a sweet tooth and I love chocolates. When I travel, I pack my bags with chocolates.”

What’s your favorite food?

“Pizza and burgers. Sisig and pinakbet. My favorite fruits are mango and melon.”

What vitamins do you take?

“Lots of vitamin C.”

How much water do you take per day?

“Not much, but I take a lot of juices — orange juice and cranberry juice.”

Do you have time to work out?

“I go mountain-biking in Antipolo or Sta. Rosa (Laguna), usually with Antonio (Aquitania) and other friends. Pampa-kundisyon. I have to strengthen my legs for Gagambino.”

What other workouts do you do?

“I have a punching bag in my condo and some dumbbells. I work out in my room; I don’t have to go to the gym.”

Who do you have in mind when you’re punching the bag? Ehem, “C” or “C”?

“Ha?”

No, I’m just kidding. How else do you relax?

“I’m a big fan of martial arts so I watch DVDs about martial arts. ‘Yon ang motivation ko to work out.”

Who is your favorite martial artist?

“Bruce Lee.”

What part of your body do you think needs improvement?

“My abs. Medyo may konting love handles, that’s why I’m concentrating on my abs when I work out. The tummy is the hardest part to trim and to maintain, especially kung wala kang control sa pagkain.”

What part is most vulnerable?

“My head. I suffer from tension headaches when I’m stressed out.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My shoulders. Sabi nila I have broad shoulders.”

And what part of a woman’s body do you look at first?

“The arms. When I get closer to her and she’s wearing a sleeveless dress, I try to look at her armpit. It has to be clean, dapat makinis. Doon mo makikita kung hygienic o kaya malinis ang isang girl. Those with hair in the armpit turn me off completely.”

What other qualities do you want in a girl?

“‘Yung maganda ang teeth at ang skin. False teeth...yuck!”

How do you cope with stress?

“Dinadaan ko na rin lang sa exercise...sa punching bag. Mountain-biking is also relaxing. When I’m home early and I don’t feel sleepy yet, I bike around the condo building. Or I listen to mellow music, although ang trip ko talaga heavy metal.”

How’s your nightlife?

“I don’t usually go out at night. I’d rather invite friends to my condo unit or I go to their houses. I don’t enjoy bar-hopping because, in the first place, mahina ako uminom and I don’t smoke.”

You never smoked?

“Never!”

You don’t drink?

“Very seldom but only mildly. I have a low tolerance for alcohol.”

How’s your love life?

“None. Di ba wala na akong girlfriend?”

And your sex life?

“Ay naku, wala. Wala na ngang girlfriend, eh! Pahinga muna ako. Hehehehe!”

Who’s your favorite fantasy figure?

“Megan Fox (the star of Transformers). Sobrang sexy, ang lakas ng appeal. She’s cool, based on her interviews, and she also likes comic books.”

Favorite city?

“Life in New York is much too fast for me. I prefer L.A. It’s laid-back.

For shopping, I like Hong Kong. Basta malamig na city, gusto ko.”

Favorite hideaway?

“Not too far away. It’s the rooftop of the building where I stay. The view from my window is blocked by the neighboring buildings so I go to the rooftop and watch the city fall asleep. It’s very soothing.”

Name three women you think have nice bodies.

“Jessica Biel. Natalie Portman. Megan Fox siempre!”

And three men...

“Matthew McConaughey. Brad Pitt. Tom Cruise.”

Using only body language, how would you make a woman know that you admire her?

“Bihira ako tumingin o kaya mag-stare sa babae. But when I do, I just steal glances. Once she catches me staring at her, it means talagang gusto ko siya.”

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