Noel Trinidad: Treat everyone fairly

Comedy icon Noel Trinidad created the multi-award winning television show Champoy, which remains to this day a classic.  He has done it all — movies, television and stage.  He returned to performing on stage in Xanadu after a 10-year absence.  Noel plays the role of Danny Maguire, a former musician who trades in his passion for arts for big business.  It was the role Gene Kelly played in the feature film version of the stage musical.  Noel joins Rachel Alejandro and Felix Rivera in the magical madcap roller skating musical comedy. Directed by Bobby Garcia, Xanadu will have repeat performances on Nov. 19 to Dec. 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.  

1. What other talent would you like to have aside from music and acting and why?

Playing a musical instrument — preferably a piano or a guitar. It would be great and highly therapeutic to be able to accompany myself while singing.

2. What is the worst thing about being an actor?

Actors can be self-centered and self- absorbed to the point of being unconcerned with other people’s feelings. The best? You create art. 

3. What was the best thing said about you?

I’m very professional when I work.

4. When do you consider ambition healthy?

When you don’t let failure stop you from achieving your goal but rather spurs you to try harder.

5. What is the question you have been asked most often?

Why aren’t you on television anymore?

6. And the question you hate most?

Why aren’t you on television anymore? (since I am in fact still on television).

7. How well do you understand women?

Nobody can understand women. And anyone who says otherwise is either a liar or a fool.

8. What childish thing do you still do as an adult?

I have grandchildren so I play any childish game with them. 

9. How do you pray?

I use my own words but silently and in private. That’s why I am never comfortable when asked to say a prayer within a group — I almost always beg off. 

10. How would you describe your state of mind?

At peace.

11. If you are Superman, who is your Superwoman?

My wife. She can do it all, and with great efficiency.

12. What is your greatest fear?

Dying in pain after a lingering illness. It’s a terrible experience both for the sick and for his family.

13. What makes you laugh?

Gary Lising — even if I’ve heard his jokes a thousand times.

14. Who are your top and best film actors of all time?

International — De Niro, Pacino, James Dean, etc.

Local — Vic Silayan.

15. What is the most romantic place on earth for you and why?

Any quiet place where I can be alone with my wife.

16. What role would you not play?

A gay with a lips-to-lips kissing scene.

17. Who is your favorite singer? Why?

Sinatra. No one can sing a romantic song like ‘Ol Blue Eyes. And his phrasing is impeccable. My least favorite? Any metallic band. They’re just noise.

18. What is your philosophy in life?

Treat everyone fairly and honestly.

19. Your biggest regret?

Not necessarily the biggest but I regret not learning to play the piano. Also not taking Spanish seriously in school.

20. Where do you think you would go? Heaven or hell? Why?

Heaven. I don’t think I’ve done anything so grievously bad that the gates of heaven would be closed to me.

21. Who is the most beautiful person in the world and why?

My wife. She’s beautiful not only on the outside but more importantly, on the inside.

22. Write your epitaph?

I tried my best and I hope that is good enough.

23. If you were to go to hell, who would you bring with you?

No one. I don’t hate anybody that much.