Bea Alonzo, 35, has nothing but good words for Dennis Trillo, 42, her leading man in the movie Love Before Sunrise.
A collaboration between GMA Network and VIU Philippines, Love Before Sunrise will start streaming in VIU on September 23, 2023, and will premiere on GMA Telebabad on September 25.
A special screening of the show's pilot episode was held at SM Megamall Cinema 2 last Saturday, September 16.
Speaking to the press after the program, Bea said she enjoyed working with Dennis in the movie, particularly noting his discipline when it comes to their craft.
Bea elaborated: "Para sa akin, marami na siyang roles na ginawa na nag-stick at naging iconic. Marami siyang shows na naging top-rated.
"Bukod dun sa accolades, I really think it's because he really takes his job seriously and that he sees this job as a profession.
"At hindi niya ito parang wini-wing lang, pinag-aaralan niya mabuti bago niya pasukin."
"In fact, there were multiple projects na in-offer sa amin before this specific one.
"Talagang naninindigan siya na sa tingin niya, itong material na ito ang tamang-tama para sa kanya, and I agree with him.
"Sa tingin ko, isa yun sa mga qualities kung bakit siya successful… He does projects well and he knows what he can give."
And most striking about Dennis, Bea observed, is his high regard for the people he works with.
"He's really a gentleman. Never siya na-late sa set. He knows all his lines. Alam niya kung anong gagawin niya.
"Minsan nakakahiya kasi sobrang professional niya."
Bea continued to relate an incident that demonstrated Dennis to be a demon for punctuality, "May time, nakakatawa, galing kami ng taping the day prior.
"Tapos sobrang traffic dun sa Tagaytay kasi holiday. Tapos dumating siya sa call time.
"Lahat kami, pati yung production people, wala pa. Siya lang naka-anticipate ng traffic.
"Ganun siya ka-professional, ten steps ahead [mag-isip]."
Dennis, for his part, explained he was just being considerate of Bea's time and talent as well.
"Siyempre respetado ko siya. Alam ko yung mga nagawa niyang pelikula. Alam ko mga awards na natanggap niya.
"Siyempre kapag nirerespeto mo yung co-actor mo, mas maganda yung samahan niyo, mas maganda yung flow ng trabaho."
Read: Bea Alonzo-Dominic Roque love story: From friends to lovers
THE PLOT OF BEFORE SUNRISE
Based on the trailer of Before Love Sunrise, the show is set to bring kilig vibes as the love story of Bea and Dennis's characters will be established first.
But later on, the two will break up and will get married to different people.
The conflict of the story will center on whether or not these two people who are perfect for each other will have a chance to get back together again.
While the story is similar to a lot of teleseryes that have gone before it, what makes Love Before Sunrise interesting is the fresh teaming up of Bea and Dennis as well as the cinematic quality of the show.
If the first episode of Love Before Sunrise is any indication, they make a good pair onscreen and they're set to give love teams a run for their money with their kilig chemistry.
As seen during the special screening, director Mark Sicat dela Cruz showcased Dennis and Bea's good looks through a lot of beauty shots.
The slow-mo effects and matching close-up shots, ala K-drama feels, also ensured that the two's kilig moments are highlighted.
Bea and Dennis also delivered intimate kissing scenes for good measure.
Read: "Drama King" Dennis Trillo, di namalayang 20 years nang loyal Kapuso
ON DOING DRAMATIC SCENES
Another thing to watch for in Love Before Sunrise is how Bea and Dennis will be seen doing heavy drama scenes.
Twenty two years ago, they were batchmates when they were first launched as newbie artists of Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN.
In the last two decades, both of them fielded projects that established them as dramatic actors.
Said Bea, "Well, as others would say, this is right on my wheelhouse. Lagi ako nagdadrama in the past."
Her last teleserye in GMA-7 was Start-Up PH and it was a light romance. while Dennis's recent TV projects were Maria Clara at Ibarra and Voltes V: Legacy.
Bea continued: "Oo, siguro dito ako nakilala ng mga tao. Matagal-tagal din nung huli akong nagdadrama... So, na-miss ko.
"Pero nakakapagod. Kung magiging honest ako sa inyo, nakakapagod siya, kasi siyempre nakakapagod umiyak, nakakapagod gumawa ng mga intense na scene."
Addressing how her role in Love Before Sunrise is different from her past projects, Bea explained: "Sa totoo, nakagawa na ako ng ibang mga plots na parang ganito.
"Others would ask me, 'Bakit paulit-ulit yung ginagawa ko?'
"Kasi tingin ko, yung challenge ay pumapasok dun sa fact na paano mo gagawin different yung roles na sinasabi niyo nga paulit-ulit inside that confinement of the box that you are given?
"So, sa tingin ko kasi, walang paulit-ulit. Kasi as I age, siyempre I learn from my life experiences.
"And there are siguro moments or scenes na nagdo-draw ako sa personal life ko, na hindi ko alam gawin before kasi hindi ko pa yun natututunan from my personal life."
Echoing Bea's sentiments, Dennis maintained that taking on a new role has always been challenging despite his vast experience as an actor.
"Sa tingin ko, kahit anong drama pa yan, para maapektuhan yung tao at makagawa ka ng eksena na mai-inspire sila, maapektuhan, maiiyak, matutuwa, sa tingin ko, kailangan mong bigyan ng oras pagtrabahuhan para maging effective.
"Kaya, hindi pa rin biro ang drama. Lalo na siyempre, bawat kapartner mo, iba-iba yung nagiging dynamics.
"Kaya dito sa show na 'to, ibang version naman yung makikita mo ngayon kasama ko sa Bea."
Read: DenJen love story: from first breakup and reconciliation to the wedding