Dennis Trillo learns from his mistakes

TRILLO. Portrays a matron’s boy toy in MMFF entry.

Dennis Trillo essays another challenging role – a needy matron’s crafty boy toy – in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The award-winning actor has been playing a mix of tormented good guys and nefarious baddies for about a decade now – a testament to his versatility. But, Dennis knows only too well that dirt fascinates people more than the challenging characters he portrays.

For some actors, talking about their confoundingly colorful romances is one way of keeping themselves in the limelight. Not Dennis: “Throughout my career, lagi na lang pinag-uusapan ang love life ko,” he sighs. “A good performance is what I owe the public, not the details of my romances. So, my New Year’s resolution is to guard my private affairs even more!”

More accommodating

But, the 30-year-old actor isn’t as elusive as he seems, as he proved when we met up with him recently. In fact, he got more accommodating as he warmed up to our conversation, because he knew we weren’t out to “get” him.

Is he as silent as he is secretive? Dennis explains, “Being still is my way to preserve my energy, so that when I’m in front of the camera, I’m focused. Silence gives me time to think about what I need to do (for my character). I’m an observer, so nagagamit ko ang pagmamasid-masid ko sa aking pag-arte.”

Which does he find more challenging – playing lead or contravida roles? He answers, “There’s more challenge in character roles – mas masarap i-arte. I’ve been in show biz for some time now. In the beginning, I kept playing boy-next-door, matinee-idol roles – then, I got tired of them. I enjoy portraying characters that are hard to ’read’ – hindi mo nalalaman agad kung mabuti sila o masama.

“My cross-dressing role in ‘Aishite Imasu’ was significant, because it opened doors for me. It gives me great pleasure to explore and experiment – it makes me realize na ang dami ko pa palang kailangang matutunan! I don’t want to be stereotyped in a certain role – I want people to say, ‘Ay, kaya rin pala n’yang maging ganyan!’”

Gym rat

He plays a hunky gym rat in his MMFF entry. How does he stay in shape? He replies, “Nagte-train ako sa mixed martial arts boxing. The gym is near my place, which makes it accessible and convenient for me.”

Let’s get a little personal: What attracts you in a girl? He beams, “I’m drawn to women who are true to themselves – gusto ko ‘yung carefree at hindi masyadong self-conscious.”

How does he deal with intrigues? Dennis quips, “I’ve been through a lot. I value my privacy, pero hindi maiwasang maungkat ang personal issues because of the nature of my job. I tell myself to be tough and stay focused when controversies come knocking – and I make sure I learn from my mistakes!”