All's well in the blended family of Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado—his, hers, and theirs.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) held on October 20, 2023, Dennis tells all, quite cheerily at that, about his family life without the glare of a spotlight.
Read: Dennis Trillo's 'proud dad' moment with sons gets thumbs up from netizens
Dennis and Jennylyn got married on November 15, 2021, both embracing with grace and cheer the complexity of their blended union.
Calix is the son of Dennis with ex-girlfriend Carlene Aguilar and Jazz is the son of Jennylyn with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia.
On April 25, 2022, Jennylyn gave birth to their daughter Dylan.
In the interview, Dennis reflects on the uniqueness of their family, emphasizing the solidarity they've achieved, and how much he treasures and appreciates it.
"Siguro yung best part dun ay yung magkaroon kayo ng ganon, maging solid kayo," he says.
He notes that even conventional families face their own set of challenges.
"Yung typical na family na minsan nga yung normal na family ay kahit na wala silang mga problema at isang straight na family sila, magkakawatak-watak pa rin.
"Ang maganda sa amin, kahit blended kami, solid pa rin kami, and sa tingin ko parang mahirap ma-achieve yung status na yun."
Read: Busy dad Dennis Trillo grateful Calix and Alex are "maalaga" kuyas to Baby Dylan
A CHANGED MAN
Dennis acknowledges that a profound sense of patience and commitment essentially are the keys to fostering a peaceful and harmonious family life.
So, how has married life changed him?
He reveals, "Noon kasi hindi ganun kahaba yung pasensiya ko, pero nung kinasal na ako, naging marami na yung responsibilities, yung mga obligasyon.
"Gusto ko maging role model. Gusto ko maging peaceful, magkaroon ng peace of mind.
"Kailangan maging mahaba yung pasensiya mo."
GMA-7's Drama King adds, "Kailangan matuto kang intindihan lahat ng bagay sa paligid mo, lahat ng tao sa paligid mo para magkaroon ka ng peace of mind at maintindihan mo lahat."
role model
Dennis then opens up about the transformative journey of embracing fatherhood and the responsibility that comes with it.
He emphasizes the need to set a positive example for his children, "Siyempre pag bago naman kailangan mo magpakabait.
"So kailangan mo maging role model lalo na sa mga anak mo. Makikita ka nila, siyempre, I'm sure makikita nila in the future.
"Gusto ko lang makita nila lahat na, lahat magaganda lang. Ayokong makakita sila ng kahit anong negative."
The actor says this mindset extends beyond his immediate family, aiming to radiate positivity that resonates with people around him.
"Yun din yung motivation para maging mahusay na role model hindi lang sa kanya kundi sa mga tao. Ayun, tinatry ko lang na magiging okay mas mahalin pa ng mga tao."
DIVISION OF HOUSEHOLD CHORES
Detailing the homemaking tasks between him and Jennylyn, the 42-year-old actor discloses, "Hands-on kami yung pag-divide.
"Kung meron akong work ngayon, like ngayon, every other day ngayon may work ako, so siya [Jennylyn] naman yung kasama ni Dylan.
"Tapos bukas may work naman siya, so ako naman yung kasama ni Dylan."
Dennis is the male lead of GMA-7 series Love Before Sunrise, while Jennylyn is busy wth her upcoming series Love. Die. Repeat.
From late-night feedings to diaper changes, the couple takes turns in managing their work schedules to ensure that one of them is always present for their baby daughter.
"Kasi katabi namin siya [Dylan] matulog pag gabi. Pagdating ko, mga madaling araw, hindi pa ako natutulog agad.
"Siyempre, chine-check ko muna siya, kailangan siya i-feed, e.
"Pag mga madaling araw and palitan yung diaper yun, tuloy-tuloy pa rin.
"Basta pagdating sa bahay, parents kami na katulad ng mga parents na gusto tumutok at maging hands-on sa mga anak nila."
Summing up, Dennis says he cherishes the most the fact that his family enjoys doing things together.
He relates, "Mahilig kami manood ng movies sa mga bahay namin kahit sa mga sine.
"Mahilig kami kumain, magkakasama. At nung hindi pa maulan, mahilig kami mag-hiking as a family."
This holiday season, Dennis shares they're making plans to fly to Japan and spend Christmas there.
READ MORE:
- Dennis Trillo says Jennylyn Mercado sparked his interest in skin care
- Dennis Trillo on his TikTokerist era: "Natatawa rin ako sa mga pinaggagagawa ko, sa totoo lang."
- Riveting portraits at GMA Gala 2023's Summit Photo Booth (Part 2)
- Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado's daughter turns 1 in dreamy "canDYLANd"