Dennis Trillo enjoys newfound inspiration for work and family life

MANILA, Philippines — Dennis Trillo is two decades strong as a Kapuso. He never expected he’d last this long in the industry, especially when he looks back on some early struggles before stardom.

Before stepping into acting, he worked in commercials. One particularly demanding shoot made an impact on his mindset as an actor.

“Meron akong ginawang commercial na medyo na-depress ako habang ginagawa ko siya. Dahil meron isang eksena roon na umabot ako ng 70 takes bago ko siya makuha,” Dennis told The STAR.

With the mounting pressure to meet the production’s expectations, he recalled crying out of frustration. “May hinahanap sila na specific (accent ng) isang dialect na kailangan kong ma-perfect tapos hindi ko magawa for some reason,” he shared. “Hindi ko alam kung bakit but hindi nila nagustuhan yung mga ginagawa ko so after the Take 60, I went to my car and naiyak pa ako kasi napapahiya na ako.”

Inexperienced as he was back then, Dennis persevered. “But after ng mga take 70, nakuha ko na rin siya,” he happily recounted.

The struggle became a lesson that would shape his approach to acting challenges.

“That experience became a lesson sakin na sa susunod hindi ko na uulitin ‘to. Hinding-hindi na ako papayag na mangyayari ulit itong incident na ‘to.”

With a newfound understanding of the word “professionalism,” he vowed to exhaust all means to avoid inconveniencing others again in the future.

“Gagawin ko lahat para hindi magkaproblema yung mga tao sakin. Wala akong maabala and maging smooth lahat ang mga experience sa mga katrabaho.”

This paper spoke to GMA’s “drama king” — a title that speaks a lot about his professionalism — shortly after he renewed his ties with the network. His career is co-managed by Aguila Entertainment.

His very first project for GMA was Kahit Kailan where he got paired with Sunshine Dizon as replacement tandem then for James Blanco and Jolina Magdangal. Prior to GMA, he was introduced in showbiz as part of ABS-CBN’s Star Circle Batch 10 along with the likes of his Love Before Sunrise leading lady, Bea Alonzo.

At first, he was just trying out this career to see if he would like it. “I know it’s not a joke; I know it’s difficult and demanding in terms of time,” he said. “But awa ng Diyos kinaya naman at nakayanan ko naman. At nagpapasalamat ako na after 20 years, ito pa rin yung ginagawa ko. Hindi pa rin ako nagsasawa dahil syempre sa trabahong ito, alam mo yun infinite yung mga possibilities ng mga roles at characters na pwede mong gampanan. It’s really endless! Kung talagang pag-iisipan mo lang ng mabuti.”

No doubt the award-winning actor is proud of his body of work with GMA through the years. What he considered as career highlights, such as Mulawin (his breakthrough series), Darna (the two versions starring Angel Locsin and Marian Rivera), My Husband’s Lover (Philippine television’s first gay-themed primetime drama) and his most recent work, the historical Maria Clara at Ibarra, are among the highest rated and most impactful GMA teleseryes.

How he consistently lands good projects, he said, “Of course, at first, we were not in a position to choose our projects. Whatever came, you really didn’t have any other choice during that time, and you had to do it because you needed a job at that time.”

However, for him, what mattered more was he did what he was asked to and did it well. “Kahit na hindi ito yung dream role ko na gawin, hindi ko inisip na basta trabaho lang siya. Minahal ko pa rin siya kaya siguro, katulad ng sinabi mo, bihira ako makakita ng shows na talagang hindi ano… dahil siguro kahit papano makikita mo yung effort ng bawat isa, lalong lalo na yung mga mga katrabaho ko din.”

Still boyish-looking at 42, Dennis was asked how he feels about being entrusted with romantic lead roles, even with younger actors around. “Masaya! Alam mo na hanggang ngayon nagagawa ko pa rin yung mga ganung klaseng roles. Hinihintay ko yung araw na hindi na ako mabibigyan ng mga ganung roles and imbis ay mga kontrabida roles na yung mga matanggap ko,” he said.

“To be honest, of course after 20 years ng pagiging mabait at paggawa ng mga mababait na characters, minsan gusto mo rin makagawa ng iba, yung alam mo na-excite yung mga tao. Yung isang bagay o mga eksena na hindi pa nila nakikita dun sa mga previous ko na nagawa.”

On how he doesn’t get bored or burned out with work, he said, “Maybe, if you love your job and value it, you have no reason to get bored or tired of it. Especially when it’s the job that sustains me, sustains my family. There are only a few individuals who have this kind of job where they enjoy and fulfill all their aspirations, especially in their respective careers.”

As for the fans, they certainly won’t get tired of seeing how Dennis keeps himself in tip-top form. Moderation, he said, is key. He wants to keep things balanced in life, not going overboard with what he eats or does.

“Kailangan in moderation lahat ng mga nilalagay mo sa katawan mo,” he said.

He stressed the need for good rest and a solid night’s sleep to recharge the body, adding, “Of course, iwas sa mga bawal, sa mga alcohol. Hindi rin ako umiinom kaya siguro isa rin yun sa mga nakakatulong kung ba’t hindi ako masyado nagkakasakit. Never pa kaming nagka-COVID.”

It helps that he found a workout partner for life in wife Jennylyn Mercado.

“Kailangan may kasabay ka, may karamay ka lalo na sa pagwo-workout kasi hindi naman lagi masipag ka,” he said. “It’s nice to have someone to pull you in, to push you forward.”

It’s also an investment in their careers as their physical well-being is one asset to secure attractive roles. “Ito yung puhunan namin para, alam mo yun, makakuha kami ng magagandang roles and makita ng mga producers na maganda at healthy yung mga pangangatawan namin.”

Finding fitness inspiration also comes with the joy of a new family member. In 2022, Dennis and Jennylyn welcomed their first child together, a baby girl named Dylan. With two older kids, Calix and Alex Jazz, from previous relationships, the actor shared his experience of being a first-time girl dad: “It’s a great feeling because she’s very affectionate. Having a daughter, especially when our eldest children are all boys, brings a different kind of experience. Totoo nga yung sinasabi nila na iba talaga ‘pag babae naman.”

Reflecting on his parenting journey, Dennis described having Dylan as a “fresh start” for the celeb couple. He’s grateful to have a companion in every aspect of life, especially in raising children.

“Itong mga nararanasan namin ngayon para kaming nagsisimula ulit dahil first time namin talaga makatutok ng sabay at bilang mag-asawa. Masarap yung pakiramdam na meron kang karamay sa lahat ng bagay lalo na sa pagpapalaki ng mga anak.”

Most importantly, the new addition brings positive vibes and energy to their household. Dennis loves the presence of his “new little, playful best friend” and how she serves as a driving force for him to be more focused and dedicated in both his family and work life.

“Nire-reflect din yun sa attitude mo sa trabaho dahil syempre mas sisipagan mong magtrabaho dahil meron kang rason. Maraming mga obligasyon ka. You now have a reason to strive even harder in your work.”