By Len Armea
Almost two years had passed since Filipino-Japanese Journal (FJJ) last interviewed Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo. At the time, he was riding high on the success of his projects, most notably the historical drama series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which earned him praise for his portrayal of Crisóstomo Ibarra.
“Career-wise at personal life, wala na akong mahihiling pa. Feeling ko nitong mga nagdaang taon na-bless ako ng magagandang trabaho na na-receive mabuti ng mga audience,” he said in our exclusive interview.
Today, Dennis continues his streak, landing roles that resonate with audiences. His recent projects, “Pulang Araw,” “Green Bones,” and “Everything About My Wife,” have once again proven his versatility, depth, and ability to bring life to every character he takes on, solidifying his status as one of the finest actors in Philippine showbiz.
Masterclass in Acting
Looking at his filmography, one can see Dennis’ sharp instinct for choosing roles that challenge him and showcase his acting prowess across genres. Whether in historical epics, intense drama series, witty comedies, or other thought-provoking narratives, he consistently leaves a lasting impact on audiences.
A case in point: he won the Best Actor award at the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for his portrayal of Dom Zamora, a prisoner accused of a heinous crime, in “Green Bones.” Film critics and casual viewers alike praised his performance as powerful, filled with grit and raw emotion.
Even Dennis himself described his performance and winning the award as the “best moment of my career.”
After the success of “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” the 43-year-old A-lister bravely took on the villainous role of Col. Yuta Saitoh, a Japanese military officer during World War II, in GMA-7’s historical period drama “Pulang Araw,” showcasing his acting range and dedication to the character.
“For sure sa simula, galit talaga ang mararamdaman nila dahil kontrabida at masama si Col. Yuta Saitoh. Pero sa tingin ko kahit paano magkakaroon ng redemption ang character ko at importante ‘yun. Wala namang kontrabida na bigla na lang naging kontrabida,” he said, describing his character.
On the other hand, his newest movie, “Everything About My Wife,” highlights Dennis’ lighter, fun, and relatable side. Starring alongside his real-life partner, Jennylyn Mercado, the two play a bickering husband and wife navigating the intricacies of marriage and relationships in this romantic-comedy.
Making Smart Career Choices
Another dream come true for Dennis was performing in front of his Filipino fans in Japan at the Philippine Festival 2024. In our interview with him two years ago, he shared his love for the Land of the Rising Sun and its culture, expressing his dream of entertaining his fans there one day. That dream finally became a reality last December at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.
He even posted fun TikTok videos with fellow Kapuso actor David Licauco at various spots around the Japanese capital, leaving his more than two million followers laughing to their hearts’ content.
Read the full article in the February 2025 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal, out now in Japan.
(Photos courtesy of GMA)
