Dennis Trillo says ‘Maria Clara At Ibarra’ role taught him to ‘fight for what’s right’
Dennis Trillo as Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun Ibarra. Image: Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter
Playing the iconic roles of Crisostomo Ibarra and his alter ego Simoun in the highly-rated television series “Maria Clara At Ibarra” was already a reward in itself, but Dennis Trillo said the series reminded him to always stand up for what is right.
During an interview with men’s lifestyle magazine Esquire Philippines, Trillo shared that playing these characters influenced his outlook as they hold a significant place in Filipino culture and taught him not to turn a blind eye to the wrongdoing of leaders.
Crisostomo Ibarra, alias Simoun, is the principal character in national hero Jose Rizal’s novels “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” which were published at the height of abuses and excesses of the Spaniards.
“It’s an important thing to fight for what is right. Rizal saw a lot of flaws in the leaders, in the friars. As they say, what’s wrong is what’s happening, and change is needed,” he said.
The actor also pointed out that leaders should acknowledge their mistakes to help in changing the system for his peers. “I think acceptance of change is also important. It’s important to accept that you need to change so that you can create a better system that is not corrupt.”
The Kapuso star also shared that he dedicated his efforts to ensuring that he would pull off his character without a hitch, especially when it comes to doing his research.
“In Maria Clara at Ibarra, I learned a lot. I was studying and researching. People are not used to historical fantasy. Besides, it’s also a love story and drama, and you’ll learn while watching it. This is one of GMA’s big shows. I have no reason not to accept it. It’s the role of a lifetime. Finally, this is the role I feared to take on,” he said.
While giving ad-libs is normal, he admitted that improvising lines using the language of the 1800s is the “hardest part” of the role. “The dialogues are old. Making the words flow smoothly involves a lot of repetition, repeating the reading, repeating the words,” Trillo said.
“You have to do it over and over again to capture it by heart. You can’t just ad-lib,” he further explained, pointing out that he made sure that his lines are appropriate to his role. “You have to memorize it word for word. That’s the message of the time. Even if you ad-lib, make sure you still fit in with the setting of that time.”
Following his role in the hit teleserye, Trillo stars as Ned Armstrong and Baron Hrothgar in “Voltes V: Fantasy.” He is also set to reunite with Bea Alonzo in the upcoming teleserye “Love Before Sunrise.” EDV
