TRILLO. True-to-life thespic challenge.
DENNIS TRILLO portrays a true-to-life character in the biopic, “Felix Manalo,” directed by Joel Lamangan. The movie traces the origins and growth of the Iglesia ni Cristo, established in the Philippines in 1914.
It dramatizes the life of its first executive minister, Felix Manalo, from his birth in l886 to his demise in l963, chronicling Ka Felix’s trials as an ordinary person, dutiful husband, doting father and the religious group’s dynamic leader.
Trillo says he doesn’t mind being the second choice for the coveted role because, after all, how often can an actor portray a larger-than-life character? The role required extensive research. He observed Manalo’s mannerisms in videos and listened to voice tapes.
Portraying Felix’s wife, Honorata, is Bela Padilla, while Gabby Concepcion plays the older Ka Eraño (Erdy) Manalo. Cast in cameo roles are Lorna Tolentino, Jaclyn Jose, Snooky Serna, Richard Yap, Jackie Woo, Yul Servo and child actor Dale Badillo. The movie originally ran for seven hours but has been trimmed down to two and a half hours.