Celebrating his 20th anniversary in the industry, Dennis Trillo shares what keeps him looking back and what drives him forward
In a grueling industry such as show business, how does one keep the hands of time ticking for himself? What keeps a career running? For Dennis Trillo, these are questions that he found answers early on in his journey as an actor. But while it took him his first project to know the so-called secrets of showbiz, it takes 20 years of proving that has been right all along. The answer? Looking both ways—after the past and before the future.
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A voice of reason
Today, Trillo is known for his acting chops in series and films, but before playing a number of roles in front of the camera, his first love was a different kind of artistry. “Of course, naisip ko ‘yun,” he admits when asked if he had taken the road of singing and playing in a band. “Pero sa tingin ko, mas okay ako na actor kaysa sa magaling na musician. May point din [kasi] sa pagpeplay ko ng instruments na nagkaroon ako ng work, hindi ko na siya napagpatuloy.”
In a way, the actor still finds himself immersed with music through CoLove, a YouTube series he started with his wife, Jennylyn Mercado. He is still exercising his music muscles, but if there is a craft that calls to him now naturally, it is acting.
The act of choosing
Before starring in projects, the Kapuso star tested the waters of the industry through commercials. “Parang wala ‘yung passion dun, eh,” he recalls. “Dumating ‘yung point na ‘di na ako natatanggap kasi ‘di naman ako masyadong [umarte].” It was this premature mindset that led him to thinking he had no place in the business—until he attended one workshop.
“After noon, du’n ko narealize ‘yung kahalagahan ng trabahong ‘to. Kailangan pagpahalagahan siya at pagbutihan. Most [importantly], mahalin mo para magflourish ka du’n kung saan mo man piliin. Mas napahalagahan ko ‘yung trabaho [kasi] hindi lahat ng tao napapasok sa ganitong industriya. Hindi lahat ng tao nagkakaroon ng awards. Natupad naman.”
In his first project in 2004, Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita, the actor won his first award as the Best Supporting Actor. For those who are starting out in the industry, a role such as a queer, crossdressing spy could be questionable, or out of the table even. But not for one Dennis Trillo at the time.
More than the accolades he received in this project, it brought him the awakening he needed as an artist. “‘Yun ‘yung naging training ground ko, eh. Nakatrabaho ko nu’n first time si Joel Lamangan. Tingin ko, habang ginagawa ko ‘yun, parang unti-unti kong narerealize na mas palalim na palalim ako dito sa rabbit hole [ng acting] at [‘yun] ‘yung simula kaya dito pa lang, pagbubutihin ko na para magtuloy-tuloy lang siya. Luckily, after 20 years, ginagawa ko pa rin siya hanggang ngayon.”
An alternative universe
For Dennis, the range of possibilities as an actor keeps him going. “Unique na trabaho ‘to, eh. Marami kang pwedeng subukan. Marami kang pwedeng atake na gawin. Nasa sa iyo ‘yun kung paano mo ite-tweak, kung paano mo siya pagagandahin, para sa performance na ‘yun.”
While some people leave their what ifs in the air, the actor finds answers to his own inquiries through his roles. “Kaya rin siguro nandito ako sa showbiz dahil ineexplore ko ‘yung opportunity na magportray ng isang character pa na bukod pa sa buhay na ginagawa ko. Parang mas exciting na magfill-in ng shoes ng ibang tao.”
Apart from the number of characters that one can explore as an actor, the Kapuso star also acknowledges the ripple effect of his career to others. That, too, keeps him going. Topping that list is his daughter, Dylan. “Gusto kong isipin na magiging proud sila sa Maria Clara at Ibarra, lalo na in the future kapag dumating na sa point na pag-aaralan siya ng anak ko, na kailangan niyang balikan ‘yung series na ‘yun. Tingin ko, ‘yun ‘yung isa sa mga pinaka-importante and influential na tatatak sa kanya.”
The path for tomorrow
In his 20 years in the industry, it feels like he has done his part in playing all parts. But for a relentless talent, he has more to bring into the table. “Sa totoo lang, nu’ng sa Aishite pa lang, ‘yung pagpili ko ng role na ‘yun, medyo off-beat siya nu’ng time na ‘yun. Doon pa lang, ‘yun na ‘yung gusto ko. Kung meron mang chance, ‘yun ‘yung mas gusto ko. Mas intriguing, mas compelling sa mga tao.”
Simplifying two decades into an equation of longevity now comes easy for Dennis. Whether he is looking back or facing forward, his values as an artist remain intact. “Talent, attitude, respect, at utang na loob,” he answers with certainty and experience.
Photography KIERAN PUNAY
Creative Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS
Fashion and Grooming Direction CHLARINE GIANAN and JAYMAR AQUINO
Styling JENNAH LEIGH of GEE JOCSON STUDIO
Hair MYCKE ARCANO, assisted by JAMILLE JACOBE
Makeup JANELL CAPUCHINO, assisted by LEONEL FROYALDE
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Special thanks to AGUILA ENTERTAINMENT
