On quiet days at his retreat house, you'll find Dennis Trillo in his favorite spot: the balcony on the second floor of his mountain hideaway.
Away from it all, he sips a steaming cup of coffee while admiring an unobstructed view of Laguna de Bay and indulging in blissful solitude.
In this exclusive interview by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) for the house shoot, Dennis describes his favorite spot in their family compound.
"Itong area na ito, yung deck... Kasi maganda yung view dito, maganda yung sunset, masarap yung hangin, masarap huminga.
"Iba lang yung pakiramdam kapag nandito ka, napaka-open niya at wala kayong masyadong katabing mga bahay.
"Pag morning, usually, lumalabas kami diyan, nagpapaaraw. Tapos, pasok ulit pag medyo mainit na, tapos mag-breakfast.
"Madalas, nagkakape ako diyan pag tulog pa silang lahat."
This is a candid glimpse of the Drama King in his mountain retreat.
Read: Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo: No drama, just love
SERENE SANCTUARY OVERLOOKING LAGUNA DE BAY
While driving up to the actor's mountain hideaway in Tanay, Rizal, one can see windmills in the distance and Laguna de Bay glittering under the sun.
The remarkable house stands tall amidst the lush greenery, offering a sanctuary for the actor, his wife Jennylyn Mercado, and their brood.
Their unconventional home is constructed entirely out of three 40-foot shipping containers stacked on top of the other to form the two-storey main house.
He reasons, "Inisip namin noon na mas mabilis siyang gawin kasi nga buo na siya."
There are solar panels installed on the roof and the shipping containers are well-insulated to prevent them from heating up.
Their compound also has a guest house, a staff house, and a greenhouse where they grow vegetables using hydroponics, which makes use of a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil.
They grow kale, arugula, lettuce, and even strawberries in this enclosure.
Their 700-square-meter main house is the focal point of the property that covers an area of 1,000 square meters.
While the balcony serves as the perfect vantage point for admiring the picturesque view, it holds a surprise within its confines.
Tucked away in one corner of this outdoor haven is their very own sauna, a necessity according to Dennis.
"Kailangan dito sa lugar na ito kasi, medyo mahangin dito, malamig.
"Minsan, mahirap maghanap ng paraan kung paano ka papawisan. Isa siya sa mga pinakamadaling way para mangyari yun.
"Pagpawisan ka kahit di ka masyado nag-e-exercise."
As Dennis and his family relax and unwind after a long day, the sauna proves to be a source of rejuvenation and tranquility.
He explains their choice of a mountain hideaway in Tanay, Rizal, "Nakuha namin itong lot na ito nung pandemic.
"Tapos, siyempre nung mga panahon na yun, mas na-value natin yung mga lugar na ganito, yung may sariwang hangin, kasi lagi nasa loob tayo ng bahay.
"So, naisip namin maghanap ng property na... Kasi kung mag-stay ka lang din sa bahay, mas maganda na mag-stay ka sa bahay.
"Puwede ka rin lumabas, huminga, at maging free kahit paano nung time na yun.
"So naisip namin na magpagawa ng ganito para meron kaming pupuntahan sa mga oras na ganoon, yun ang pakiramdam namin."
It took him and Jennylyn a year and a half to finish construction of their house, mostly because of the logistics involved in transporting the massive shipping containers through the narrow roads of Tanay, Rizal.
Dennis points out, "Napatagal siya kasi may mga eskinitang dadaan bago dumating sa property.
"So kailangan putulin sa gitna yung mga 40-foot container at buhatin ulit dito sa site pagdating dito. So yun yung mga challenges."
This retreat house became their oasis amidst the pandemic, and it beckons to them when both celebrities are not busy with their showbiz commitments.
Read: DenJen love story: from first breakup and reconciliation to the wedding
FAMILY LIFE
Dennis and Jennylyn got married on November 15, 2021, and on April 25, 2022, she gave birth to their firstborn daughter Dylan.
Dylan promptly became the apple of the eye of her two older brothers: Calix, the son of Dennis with ex-girlfriend Carlene Aguilar, and Jazz, the son of Jennylyn with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia.
Dennis and his boys are no strangers to adventure. Exploring the nature sanctuary that surrounds their home has become a cherished pastime.
Read:
Needless to say, Dennis basks in the serenity of the idyllic setting of his home when he hits the bike trails with his sons.
They roam around the lush green trails on their trusty bikes, immersing themselves in nature's beauty.
Have they tried riding a bicyle to get up close to the windmills?
"Hindi pa," says Dennis. "Pero na-try na namin mag-ATV [All-Terrain Vehicle] papunta dun."
But the excitement doesn't end there. In this serene sanctuary, a world of entertainment awaits.
The house boasts a billiards table that seamlessly transforms into a pingpong table and even an air hockey table, providing hours of endless fun for the family.
Laughter and friendly competition fill the air as they engage in spirited matches.
There is also a teardrop punching bag that hangs invitingly in a designated workout area. Whether it's practicing strikes or honing their punches, Dennis and his family can engage in energetic workouts right within their home.
The home of Dennis and Jennylyn house is a gateway to tranquility and exhilaration. Constructed from unconventional materials with an eye for sustainability, it stands tall as a testament to innovative design.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature and equipped with amenities that encourage relaxation and entertainment, this house truly embodies Dennis' pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life with his loved ones.
Read: Dennis Trillo swells with pride over his blended family
BECOMING DRAMA KING
Dennis started out as a model doing commercials when he was younger and he almost wanted to give up because of one scene that took him 70 takes.
Dennis narrates, "Oo, may time. Meron akong ginawang commercial nun.
"Meron akong line na kailangang bitawan. Naka-take 70 na ako, hindi ko pa rin nakukuha.
"Kasi, ano, e, parang may punto nang konti, Visayan accent. So, after nung mga take 60, pumunta muna ako sa kotse, pinagpahinga ako ng director.
"Alam ko na naiyak pa nga ako nun, e, kasi sabi ko, 'Sh*t, mali ba yung ginagawa ko? Anong mali sa ginagawa ko? Take 69 na, hindi ko pa nakuha.'
"Pero after naman nun, yun, nakuha ko rin after 70 takes. Nahuli ko rin yung mga gusto nila.
"Pero after nun, parang pagod na pagod lang ako.
"At siguro yun yung time na, yun sa mga times na parang gusto ko na sumuko. Tinatanong ko yung sarili ko: tama pa ba yung ginagawa ko? Kaya ko pa ba ito?"
Despite this rocky start, Dennis persevered to hone his acting skill.
"Noong nagsisimula na tayo, wala pa tayong masyadong mga alam, di ba?
"Lalo yung nag-start ako sa commercials nun, meron akong phase na talagang di na ako nakakatanggap ng mga projects kasi, di ako makaarte. Di ako marunong.
"Mga high school days yun. Tapos, pagdating ng college, sabi ko, siguro kailangan ko na mag-workshop.
"So after nun, unti-unti ko nalaman yung importance nung trabaho, importance nung performance. Bawat moment, nahahasa ka."
This 2023, Dennis is celebrating his 20th anniversary as a Kapuso in GMA Network.
However, he did start out as a Kapamilya when he and Bea Alonzo were introduced as the new faces as part of ABS-CBN's Star Circle Batch 10 in 2001.
What was his first impression of Bea back then?
"Noon, bata niya pa nun. Parang 13 years old lang siya nun. Tapos, matangkad na siya. Malaking bulas talaga siya.
"Pero nakikita mo na talaga, sobrang standout siya dahil napakatisay niya, ang ganda niya.
"Yung nga, ang tangkad niya. Tapos, talented pa. Nakita mo yung growth niya as an actress. Pero noon pa lang makikita mo na yung potential niya talaga."
Now, Bea is his leading lady in the 2023 GMA-7 teleserye Love Before Sunrise.
"Grabe. Grabe yung panahon talaga. Grabe yung tadhana," says Dennis about reuniting with Bea for this project.
Read: Dennis Trillo admits getting starstruck over Love Before Sunrise co-star Bea Alonzo
How would he compare Bea back then and now?
"Ganun pa rin. Parang napaka-pleasant niya lang palagi. Napaka-totoo lang niya.
"Napaka-genuine yung pagtrato niya sa bawat tao, katrabaho man niya, kaibigan or mga crew sa set talagang makikita mo yung kabaitan niya.
"Kaya siguro, masuwerte siya sa buhay, masuwerte siya sa career at love life niya dahil napaka positive niya yung tao at magandang makasama yung mga ganun klaseng tao."
His decision to transfer to the Kapuso Network paved the way for Dennis to establish himself as one of the most bankable leading men in Pinoy showbiz.
In May 2002, he was the lead actor in the afternoon drama, Kahit Kailan, where he was paired with Jolina Magdangal.
Whenever Dennis Trillo is onscreen, he exudes an intensity that is so palpable that you can feel empathy for his character—whether he is portraying a straight guy or a transvestite or even a gay man falling for a married man.
This is evident when he transformed into a transvestite masquerading as a woman in his first movie Aishite Imasu (Mahal kita) that was shown when he was just starting out in 2004.
On the flip side, he is just as comfortable showing his macho side as when he did action scenes as a former cop-turned-vigilante in the Cinemalaya 2014 entry The Janitor as well as a hired assassin for the crime-thriller OTJ: The Missing 8 (2021).
Did he ever think that he would make it big as an actor?
"Hindi," says the actor, "Mahiyain kasi ako noon, e."
At what age did he know that he would become an actor?
"Parang alam ko na noon na mala-ganun yung mapupuntahan ko na career.
"Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero parang meron na akong konting hint o parang clue na doon ako papunta.
"Hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero feeling ko, cute ako noong bata ako.
"Pero hindi ko alam. Basta, doon din napunta, e. Dito ako napadpad din talaga kung saan ko naisip na mapunta."
As a student, did he ever take part in theater productions?
"Wala, wala nga, e. Meron lang ako mga commercials as early as mga grade school.
"Pero yun nga, hindi masyadong mga acting piece yun: ngiti-ngiti."
Dennis was then a grade-schooler at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School.
He continues. "O, minsan, nandun lang ako sa isa sa mga [extras], nandun lang ako sa background, iyan lang ako. Siyempre magsisimula ka talaga sa mga ganun."
Dennis considers Maria Clara at Ibarra to be one of the most memorable projects of his career.
He relished bringing life to the patriotic Crisostomo Ibarra and his alter ego Simoun in the top-rating television series that started airing in 2022.
Another project that allowed him to showcase his acting prowess was playing Eric, the gay lover of Vincent (Tom Rodriguez) in My Husband's Lover (2013).
Eric and Vincent desperately tried to keep their relationship a secret from Vincent's clueless wife Lally (played by Carla Abellana).
Dennis says it was his choice to play the "mistress" role. He was initially set to portray the married guy Vincent.
"Noong in-offer kasi sa akin yun, hindi yun yung role. Ang role, yung kay Tom Rodriguez. Yun yung in-offer sa akin. Pero sabi ko, ayun na naman. Asawa na naman ako na may kabit. Sabi ko, siguro, mas maganda, try natin: Ako naman yung kabit, pero bading."
"So yun, mas naging ok naman. Mas naging iba yung dynamics kasi first time naman natin ganun sa TV."
Would he say he likes challenging himself?
"Kailangan, e," says the 42-year-old actor. "Healthy para sa atin na i-challenge minsan yung mga sarili natin para hindi tayo na-i-stuck dun sa isang lugar.
"Challenge natin yung mga sarili natin para mag-improve pa tayo."
How does he feel about reaching the two-decade mark in his acting career?
"Naramdaman ko na mabilis lang din siya na dumaan. Yung 20 years na yun, naging busy din ako. Tuluy-tuloy din yun.
"Kung meron mga breaks, siguro, mga ilang buwan lang. Pero, naging masuwerte ako na naging fruitful lahat ng mga pinaghirapan ko noong 20 years na yun."
What is his reaction to those calling him the Drama King?
"Para sa akin, hindi importante yung mga ganyan mga titles. Importante sa akin, nagagawa mo lahat: hindi lang drama, comedy, action, horror, di ba? Mas maganda yung kaya mong gawin lahat. Kaya mong mag-adjust sa kahit na anong eksena."
What are the goals that he wants to achieve in the next 20 years?
"Madami pang magagandang roles," he wished. "Sana this year, makakuha ako ng mga kontrabida roles.
"Gusto ko makagawa ng mga gano'n.
"Sana makagawa ako ng magagandang projects din sa pelikula, international, kung may chance. So yun lang, yun lang naman."
Does he see himself becoming a director someday?
"Directing, hindi pa siguro ngayong taon, pero tuluy-tuloy pa rin yung pag-aaral hanggang habang nagtatrabaho ka, siyempre, makikita mo yung galawan sa set, galawan ng mga tao, ano yung mga roles ng bawat isa. So doon pa lang, natututo ka na."
What are his upcoming projects?
"Sa GMA, kaka-renew ko lang nung kontrata. Maraming mga bagong projects na gagawin sa TV.
"Tapos, meron din akong gagawin na international series. Sisimulan naman next year. Outside GMA naman yun.
"Excited ako pa doon dahil isa yung passion project na nagkatotoo, hindi ko in-expect na makakagawa ko ng gano'ng klaseng material na matagal ko na rin hinintay."
This upcoming international project is close to Dennis'S heart because he could exercise some degree of creative control over the production.
"Itong project na to parang co-prod [co-producer] din kami. Nagiging collaborative.
"Kailangan yun dahil siyempre, as an artist, kailangan share mo rin kung ano yung naisip mo. Kailangan, alam mo yun, maging team player ka rin, hindi lang yung basta ipapaubaya mo lang sa kanila yung mga gusto nilang mangyari.
"Kailangan siyempre may say ka din doon."
Read: Dennis Trillo on cloud nine over On The Job: The Missing 8's release in HBO Go
ON HIS NEW MANAGEMENT
Dennis is now part of Aguila Entertainment, the talent management agency founded by industry veteran Becky Aguila.
Joining Becky in crafting the direction of his career are the company's CEO Katrina Aguila and General Manager Jan Enriquez.
What is Dennis'S vision for his career under his new talent management company?
Dennis says with a smile, "Siguro, another 20 years. Tapos, nagpa-astrology kami nung isang linggo.
"Sabi niya, hindi ko pa raw naabot yung peak ng career ko. So tingan natin itong susunod na 20 years, kung maabot ko siya."
If he weren't an actor today, what would Dennis be doing in life?
"Kung di ako actor, since mahilig na ako sa music noon pa lang, malamang musician or baka gamer.
"Oo, gamer," he says with a smile as the sun casts a golden light on the surroundings.
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
SHOOT PRODUCER: Rachelle Siazon
INTERVIEW & WRITER: Jocelyn Dimaculangan
INTERVIEW & SHOOT ASSISTANT: Frances Karmel Bravo
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Igi Talao
PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Capuchino
PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT: Jobo Nacpil & Meinard Navato
STYLIST: AJ Alberto
STYLIST'S ASSISTANT: Ian Vinarao
MAKE-UP: Janell Capuchino
TIKTOK PRODUCER: Nikko Tuazon & Frances Karmel Bravo
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Chino Buenaventura
Special thanks to Becky Aguila, Katrina Aguila & Jan Enriquez of Aguila Entertainment
