Dennis Trillo, isiniwalat kung bakit hindi niya hinabol ang kasikatan sa showbiz

• Dennis Trillo recalled his challenging role in the 2004 film Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita
• He played Ignacio “Igna” Basa, a transgender woman who served as a spy against the Japanese
• Trillo revealed how he transformed his appearance, movements, and physique for the role
• The actor said he values being an artist more than becoming a superstar

Dennis Trillo has looked back on one of the most challenging and memorable roles of his career, revealing the extent of preparation he underwent for his first film, Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita.

Released in 2004, the film gave Trillo the opportunity to portray Ignacio “Igna” Basa, a transgender woman who worked as a spy against the Japanese during the war. For the actor, the role required more than simply memorizing lines and performing scenes.

During his appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on Monday, August 10, Trillo recalled how he approached the project as a newcomer who wanted to make sure he would meet the expectations of director Joel Lamangan.

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Trillo said he had heard stories about Lamangan's reputation as a demanding director, which pushed him to take his preparation seriously.

“Ang pinakadireksyon ni Direk Joel dun ay, 'Babae ka, hindi ka lalaki dito.' So ganun yung mindset ko, talagang mahinhin, talagang babae ako, talagang walang makitang bahid ng machismo.

“Parang lahat ng sabihin niya, talagang ina-absorb ko lang talaga lahat para 'wag akong magkamali at matuwa siya sa mga trabahong gagawin ko,” sabi ni Dennis.

To embody Igna convincingly, Trillo said he relied heavily on internalizing the character. His transformation also involved makeup, changes in movement, and making his gestures smaller to create a more feminine presence.

He also worked on his physique for the part, including losing weight to reduce the appearance of his shoulders.

The experience became one of the reasons Trillo developed a stronger appreciation for acting as an art form. Rather than focusing on fame, he said he has always been more interested in making the most out of the opportunities given to him.

“Gusto ko lang pagbutihan 'yung mga opportunities na binibigay sa 'kin. Noong simula pa lang, isa sa mga pinakauna kong roles ay isang cross-dressing na spy noong panahon ng mga Hapon. So du'n pa lang, parang kung gusto mo maging superstar siguro, parang hindi 'yun 'yung mga klase ng proyekto na tatanggapin mo,” sabi ni Dennis.

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His experience in Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita ultimately became an early indication of the kind of projects Trillo was willing to take on—roles that challenged him as an actor rather than simply those that could make him more popular.

For Trillo, the memorable character remains a significant part of his journey from a young actor into one who values the craft and the opportunities that allow him to explore different sides of his artistry.

Dennis Trillo (born Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho) is an acclaimed Filipino actor, model, and recording artist, widely recognized as "Asia's Drama King" for his versatile performances across Philippine television and cinema. Celebrated for his standout roles in landmark series such as My Husband's Lover and Maria Clara at Ibarra, he is one of the country's most decorated leading men with numerous local and international accolades to his name.

In another report, Dennis Trillo shared that he is supportive of his son Calix Andreas Ho exploring a future in the entertainment industry. The actor revealed that Calix has already shown interest in preparing for showbiz by asking about acting workshops and voice lessons.

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Meanwhile, Dennis Trillo looked back on the early days of his acting career and recalled how he once aspired to receive a ₱15,000 talent fee. He credited his move to GMA Network as a major milestone that helped transform his career and personal life.

Source: KAMI.com.gh