Dennis Trillo is thrilled when he hears people calling him Bino, the name of his character in the GMA-7 fantaserye Gagambino. Every time the actor goes out of the air-conditioned tent where the stars are resting, the residents of Jordan Plains in Fairview all gather around him to ask for a photo, for his autograph, or just to say ‘hi' to their idol. PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) witnessed how people—kids and adults alike—would wait patiently on the streets just to catch a glimpse of the matinee idol.
During the set visit of the entertainment press to the GMA-7 show Gagambino yesterday, October 29, Dennis expressed his excitement about this primetime show that has been doing very well in the ratings game. In fact, since its debut last October 20, it consistently topped the primetime race in Mega Manila. And last Friday, October 24, the show posted its highest rating so far with 36.5 percent.
He exclaims, "Grabe, nakakatuwa kasi naririnig ko yung mga bata kinakanta yung theme song. Saka 'Bino' na yung tawag sa akin, hindi na Dennis or Zaido Blue. Hinahanap sa akin yung gagamba [his best friend in the show]. Sobrang proud ako na maganda ang kinalabasan ng project namin."
Does Dennis feel fulfilled now as an actor?
"Oo, sobra," he answers. "Kumbaga, second life ko na ‘to at sarap maging lead ulit. Wala na kong mahihiling pa, maganda lahat ng nangyayari sa buhay ko at sa career at sana magtuloy-tuloy at huwag mawawala yung suporta ng fans, importante yun."
He exudes a positive aura now that he has survived the storm of being caught in the middle of a word war between Carlene Aguilar and Cristine Reyes.
"Nakakatuwa talaga kasi parang nag-iba ang ihip ng hangin. Kahapon, nag-live chat ako at yun yung pinakamaraming nag-online. Yun yung record-breaking na live chat at nagpunta ako dun sa GMA para magpasalamat at parang lahat sila natutuwa sa akin. Si Ma'am Wilma Galvante [GMA-7's senior vice president for entertainment], nagpa-picture pa sa akin. Sabi ko, ‘Wow, anong nangyari?' Ang sarap ng feeling! Ang ganda uli ng samahan kumbaga."
WAKE-UP CALL. Was he afraid for his career during that difficult time? "Siyempre, kasi mabigat talaga yung nangyari sa buhay ko at hindi ako sanay sa ganun at hindi ko alam kung paano iha-handle," says Dennis.
The matinee idol admits that he was overwhelmed when he was caught between two women who were in a confrontation that later escalated into a feud that even reached the courts. (Click here for related story.)
"Mabuti na rin nangyari yun," says Dennis in hindsight. "Bukod sa wake-up call, test yun kung gaano ka katatag at paano mo malulusutan ang gulo na ito. Tuwing madadapa ka, matuto kang bumangon uli at tumayo."
What was the best lesson that he learned? "'Huwag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa, kung sa tingin mo nakasalampak ka na sa sahig, isipin mo na makakatayo ka ulit."
Is it really his style to keep quiet about controversies involving himself?
"Hindi naman, may time na quiet ako pero hindi rin maganda na masyadong tahimik ka kasi gusto malaman ng mga tao kung ano ang iniisip mo, ano ang totoong nangyari. Sa akin lang, huwag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa talaga, bawat paghihirap mo masusuklian ng maganda. Ito na nga siguro yun, sana marami pang sukling dumating."
Since that time, Cristine and Dennis have gone their separate ways, and Carlene Aguilar is also said to have moved on with her life.
Dennis disclosed that he has not yet seen Yo Ocampo, a ramp model who is said to be the current boyfriend of Carlene.
"Okay lang yun," says Dennis. "Ang importante masaya siya, masaya ako. Wala nang samaan ng loob. Karapatan naman niyang sumaya, dati pa. Past is past."