Dennis Trillo to play villain in Barbie Forteza-David Licauco reunion series 'Pulang Araw'
MANILA, Philippines — They were allies in the smash hit 2022 show "Maria Clara at Ibarra," but Dennis Trillo, David Licauco and Barbie Forteza will be at the opposing sides when they reunite in the upcoming Word War II-inspired drama "Pulang Araw."
Trillo has been wanting to play a major villain role, and this time, GMA-7 has awarded him the plum role of a ruthless Japanese soldier in the much-anticipated period drama.
"Matagal ko na 'tong hinihintay eh. Matagal ko nang hinintay ang ganitong klaseng project, ganitong kabigat na character. Ngayon naman as a kontrabida. May kaunting pressure pero mas nandoon ako sa importansya sa pagkakaroon ko ng challenge bilang artist, bilang artista," Dennis said during his interview with GMA reporter Cata Tibayan aired during the March 19 newscast of "24 Oras."
"Sa dami ng nagawa ko, kailangan ko ng isang mabigat na role na mag-iisip ako at pag-iisipan ko bawat kilos, bawat galaw, at bawat dialogue ulit. Excited ako sa mga ganoon," he added.
In "Maria Clara at Ibarra," Dennis played the dual roles of Crisostomo Ibarra and Simoun, the latter a tradesman who wreaked havoc on the fictional town of San Diego upon his return to avenge his and his beloved Maria Clara's (Julie Anne San Jose) fates in the hands of the Spanish friars.
In the 2022 show, his Crisostomo was allied with Barbie's Klay and David's Fidel as they fought to free the Philippines from Spanish rule. The story was inspired by the two novels of Dr. Jose Rizal, namely, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."
In the "24 Oras" report, Dennis shared his only concern when he accepted the upcoming period project.
"Sabi ko, 'Direk, sa totoo lang, hindi ako kinakabahan du'n sa pagsasalita niya ng Nihonggo or Japanese. Mas kinakabahan ako doon sa 'pag nagta-Tagalog siya baka magiging nakakatawa'," he said.
It is not the first time that Dennis starred in a WWII-inspired movie. His portrayal of a transgender woman torn between his love for country and for a forbidden love earned nods at the 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Aishite Imasu 1941." The movie also stars Judy Ann Santos, Raymart Santiago and Jay Manalo.
On TV, he also starred on live-action adaptations of popular Japanese shows or animes. In 2007, he was among the leads of the "Shaider" spin-off, "Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan." and last year, he was part of the "Voltes V" adaptation, "Voltes V: Legacy."
Apart from Dennis, Barbie and David, "Puling Araw" also stars Alden Richards and Sanya Lopez.
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