When Dennis, gets dirty

Despite the many roles where Dennis Trillo displayed his ability to plunge into his characters and lose himself inside of them  some of his portrayals even won him acting nods from different award-giving bodies  who would think jittery feeling still envelops him whenever a new one comes along?

“I‘m nervous usually at the start of taking a new role,” Dennis says. “Nangangapa ako but once I get the rhythm (of the character), I slowly begin to feel comfortable. You see, it’s tough to play different characters because sometimes I need to shake off in my system the previous one.”

But that doesn’t mean Dennis hasn’t shaken off yet his rich guy persona Andrew in the TV tearjerker Endless Love which ended months ago. In fact, being just a “simple, plain guy” makes him more at ease in front of the cameras.

He, too, believes every portrayal, though it’s just a make-believe, should show the harsh reality that not everyone is blessed with a good life. Take a look at scrap material collector Lyndon, Dennis’ character on GMA 7’s Dwarfina, to air weeknights beginning Jan.10.

 “That’s why you will see ‘a dirty me’ this time but with a big heart.”

With co-star Heart Evangelista— Photo by ENIE REYES

Dwarfina kicks off GMA 7 shows for 2011. It topbills Heart Evangelista where she plays the title role with Dennis as Lyndon who is Dwarfina’s friend in the mortal world. The fantasy series follows the majestic and magical adventures of a girl barely the size of a finger, and how she finds her place in the mortal and supernatural realms.

Doesn’t Dennis find a hard time shifting from rich to rags role?

“Truth is, it is harder for me to play rich, mas gusto ko mag-portray ng ganito, at mas malapit sa puso ng manunuod pag simpleng tao lang,” he replies.

Besides, Dennis shares, Lyndon reflects similarity personality-wise. One, he’s outgoing before doors of showbiz opened up for him decades back. Two, both are kind-hearted and quiet.

“I have many friends na taga kalye so binabalikan ko lang yung dati kong roots,” tells Dennis whenever he is required to transform physically as Lyndon.

 And what else does he expect this new year?

“I’m thankful for this series with Heart (Evangelista) because I’ve been longing for this kind of show and I feel blessed because Dwarfina is GMA’s new year show opener. I hope tuloy-tuloy na ang mga shows.”

And while he only tapes three times a week for Dwarfina, Dennis gets to relax on his free time. Find out how:

10 a.m. — Wake up, get up and go to the bathroom. Most of the time, I exercise every morning. I installed an iron bar near the door so I do pull ups until 11 a.m. then rest.

12 noon — Prepare brunch usually microwavable stuff or hamburger lang, bawi na lang ako sa next meal or dinner.

2 p.m. — Fetch Calix (his three-year-old son with Carlene Aguilar) to school and we go back to my place in Mandaluyong.

3 to 6 p.m. — I spend quality time with my son, we usually play together.

7 p.m. — Prepare dinner and after eating, it’s storytelling time with Calix. Then, I’ll bring him home to his mom.

9 or 10 p.m. — Time for myself. Sometimes, I invite my friends to come over and we either watch movies or play video games. Or I exercise again before going to bed.

12 midnight — I sleep.

Dennis spends time with flame Jennylyn Mercado whenever they are free. He is not fond of social networking sites because according to him, “madaming away d’yan.”