TOM RODRIGUEZ and Dennis Trillo reunite for an episode of “Magpakailanman.”
Before he renewed his contract with GMA 7 last Feb. 17, actor Dennis Trillo had supposedly received offers from other networks.
Yes, more than one.
According to scuttlebutt, other studios made “tempting” overtures, trying to lure him away from the Kapuso fold.
Dennis explained: “Maybe the right word is not ‘tempting.’ It was overwhelming that other networks expressed interest in me. It was unexpected.”
More than anything else, the other networks’ proposals can be regarded as validation of the impact of his last Kapuso primetime series, “My Husband’s Lover,” where he played everyone’s favorite “Beh” (or Eric, gay lover of the closeted and married Vincent, portrayed by Tom Rodriguez).
“It’s all because of MHL,” he acknowledged. “Nagbago ang ihip ng hangin because of MHL.”
That was precisely why he chose to stick it out with his network, he remarked. “I’ve been with GMA 7 for 11 years. They’ve always given me unconditional love, their full trust … not to mention important projects. They’ve always supported me despite the controversies that came my way.”
He said bigger projects were in the offing. “For sure, my next TV projects will be as good as, if not better than, MHL. I will do movies for Regal, too.”
Lighter fare
If he had his way, he would act in a light romantic-comedy for a change of pace, on either the big or small screen.
“I just came from a heavy drama soap like MHL, so I’d like to do the exact opposite next,” he pointed out. “I want to keep doing different, exciting projects.”
The TomDen tandem will be featured in tomorrow’s episode of “Magpakailanman,” where they will play mixed martial arts fighters.
Although he doesn’t really meddle in production decisions, he is not afraid to share his input. “I give suggestions. I’m lucky that they listen to me.”
Dennis and costars Carla Abellana and Tom embarked on the MHL concert tour in the United States late last year.
Dennis recalled that US-based Filipinos welcomed them with open arms throughout the five-city tour of the West and East coasts.
“Turned out, they really watched MHL,” he recounted. “Some foreigners actually recognized us. They got to follow the show because they were married to Filipino women. They didn’t understand the language, but they became our fans.”
Fan response
Their most ardent followers showered them with all sorts of gifts as well.
“I brought home an entire balikbayan box of scents, shirts, books, gadgets,” he related. “They researched on our favorite things and made sure to buy them for us. It’s heart-warming because we know that they bought these presents with hard-earned money.”
Tom got to meet Dennis’ parents during the premiere of the latter’s movie “Sapi” in SM Megamall last year. Dennis, for his part, met Tom’s entire family in the US.
“They watched our concert. It’s great to see Tom with his family. We got to hang out with them,” he said.
(E-mail: bayanisandiegojr@gmail.com)