Dennis Trillo is enjoying his ‘TikTokerist’ era

CEBU, Philippines — In Dennis Trillo’s more than 20 years in show business, the Fil-Chinese actor has been known for his reserved, silent waters-run-deep demeanor.

It came then as a surprise to his followers when he began posting funny videos on TikTok that would go viral, eventually amassing more than a million followers for his antics.

“Masaya! Tahimik lang talaga ako. Pero sa TikTok, I’m all-out. I feel like the public should also see something different,” the “Love Before Sunrise” star told Cebu media during a recent press conference.

“Kung puro seryoso lang yung nakikita nila na image ko, time might come that they will be bored. So I thought, why not share this side of me. Eto talaga ako eh, tahimik ako, pero meron akong kulo sa loob.”

Trillo, 42, said those handling his career had long suggested that he utilize the popular app to enliven his social media presence – a must for today’s celebrities, many of whom have branched out as YouTubers and Instagram influencers – but he couldn’t muster the guts to dance or “magpa-cute” as is prevalent on TikTok.

“I thought, if I do TikTok, gagawin ko nalang na nakakatawa para madaling tanggapin ng mga tao,” he said. “Hindi cringey panoorin.”

And so the Kapuso Primetime Drama King often locks himself in the bathroom at home as he records exaggerated lip syncs and other humorous clips, with his wife Jennylyn Mercado one time catching him unawares.

For now, Trillo said he still doesn’t have the guts to collaborate with other stars for content.

“Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko kasi ako lang talaga mag-isa. Nahihiya ako kung may kasama ako. Maybe eventually if I can’t think of anything else,” he said.

Encouraging feedback has motivated Trillo to carry on and make good with his ‘TikTokerist Era.’

“I’m fond of reading comments. And the reason I continue doing this, I see a lot of comments from depressed people who say that they were breaking down but after seeing my TikTok, their tummies were almost in pain from laughing.”

He added, “It’s a great feeling to make others smile and feel happiness. Lalo na makapagpatawa di ba?”

Squeezing every syllable

In the GMA Network and Viu Philippines series “Love Before Sunrise”, Trillo is Atom, a “sad character” because he grew up away from his parents. As the actor described, Atom wanted to fix his life, and find that person who will right his wrongs and truly make him happy.

Bea Alonzo’s Stella will become his girlfriend but they won’t end up together. It’s Atom and Andrea Torres’ Czarina who get married, and that’s when the conflict among the three characters begin.

On reuniting with his Star Magic batch mate, Trillo shared of Alonzo: “Matagal yung 20 years eh na hindi kayo nagkatrabaho so at first, hindi maiwasan yung pagka-ilang. Starstruck ka kasi ngayon mo lang siya ulit nakita. Sabay kami nagsimula so nakita ko talaga kung papano siya dati. When I saw how she progressed as an actress, how she matured as a person, nakakatuwa.”

“Mas lalo ka ginanahan because you saw that growth. She’s the one who reminded me of the time na sinasabay ko pa sila kasi meron akong kotse noon when we were doing workshops. Binababa ko lang sila somewhere kasi sobrang simple lang niyan dati that’s why I’m so happy to have witnessed her career and personal evolution.”

If he admires Alonzo’s ascent to A-lister, Trillo himself is held in high esteem among industry peers.

Nineties heartthrob Mark Anthony Fernandez, when asked by Ogie Diaz in his vlog which actor he thought could follow in the footsteps of his former Guwapings days, the son of late action star Rudy Fernandez singled out Trillo.

“Ako paborito ko si Dennis Trillo,” Fernandez remarked. “Halos ka edad ko, mas bata ng tatlong taon siguro. The way I see his career, it’s so clean, walang discrepancy, walang bayad. Basta nag-hit lang siya, tapos yun na, tuloy-tuloy na.”

Sid Lucero, a co-star in “Love Before Sunrise”, also told Boy Abunda in an interview: “I notice that Dennis is very smoldering, and everything’s impulsive, everything’s inside. He talks with his eyes. He likes to squeeze every syllable out of every word. He likes very syllable.”

Ever the cool cucumber, Trillo reacted: “Nakakatuwa kasi bihira yung mga co-actors na nagko-compliment or those who describe your technique. We do put in the effort, and for a co-worker to notice that is a bit flattering.” — (FREEMAN)