Dennis Trillo

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Dennis Trillo
Green Bones actor Dennis Trillo12.jpg
Trillo in 2024
Born
Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho

(1981-05-12) May 12, 1981 (age 44)
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Alma mater Miriam College, (BA)
Occupations
Years active1999–present
Agent(s) Sparkle GMA Artist Center
(2003–present)
Notable work
Spouse
​
(m. 2021)​
Children3
Musical career
Genres Pinoy pop
Labels GMA Music

Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho (born May 12, 1981), known professionally as Dennis Trillo (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈtɾiljo] ), is a Filipino actor, singer and model. He is also known as the Drama King for his acclaimed performances and wide range of roles in GMA Network drama series. [1] He is the latest actor to achieve movie grand slam in the Philippines 4 major acting awards with four PMPC Star Awards for movies, three FAMAS Awards, one Luna Award and one Gawad Urian Award. Internationally, he also received Seoul International Drama Awards Asian Star Prize award, Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Actor and Best Actor at the International Golden Summit Award in Vietnam.

Contents

Trillo is known for his role as Eric del Mundo in the first ever gay-themed series on Philippine TV, My Husband's Lover , [2] [3] Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin "Simoun" in Netflix's Maria Clara at Ibarra , [4] and Colonel Yuta Saitoh in Pulang Araw aired on GMA Network and on Netflix . [5] He played a cross-dressing spy in the 2004 war film Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita . [6] In May 2016, he appeared in another primetime television series, Juan Happy Love Story , opposite his Dwarfina co-star Heart Evangelista. [7]

Personal life

Dennis Trillo, born as Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho on May 12, 1981, in Quezon City, is the son of Abelardo Leslie Ho, a Chinese Filipino from Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, and Florita Florencio, a Filipino. He completed his high school education at Jose Abad Santos Memorial School in Quezon City and attended grades 1–7 at the Ateneo De Manila University. For his college education, he enrolled at Miriam College, earning a B.A. in International Studies. [8]

He has a son with his ex-girlfriend, Carlene Aguilar, born in 2007. Cristine Reyes and Trillo began dating in 2007 and later broke up in May 2009. [9]

On November 15, 2021, Dennis Trillo married his longtime girlfriend, Jennylyn Mercado. Together, they have a daughter named Dylan Jade, born on April 25, 2022. [10]

In December 2024, Trillo and Mercado relaunched and re-branded their lounge, beauty salon and nail spa, with the new name DYLN Style Lounge at Barangay U.P. Campus, Quezon City. [11]

Career

Early years

Prior to starting his career in show business, Trillo was once a member of the band Moyg. For a short period, he played the drums for the DIY band in Baguio. [12] His career in entertainment started on ABS-CBN in 2001 when he was introduced as part of ABS-CBN's Star Circle (now known as Star Magic) batch 10 along with Bea Alonzo, Alfred Vargas and TJ Trinidad.[ citation needed ] He had minor roles in ABS-CBN's hit television soap operas Pangako Sa 'Yo and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan .

2003–2005: Breakthrough as Kapuso

After transferring to GMA Network and becoming a contract star, he landed his first role for the network in the youth-oriented drama Kahit Kailan where he played a supporting character named David. He was also cast in several outings like Twin Hearts and Love to Love .

In 2004, was cast in his first main character role in the fantasy show Mulawin as Gabriel, a half-human and half-Ravena. In film, Trillo landed his breakthrough performance when he starred in the Metro Manila Film Festival official entry Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita as a transgender woman during World War II. In this film he received his first acting award as Best Supporting Actor in the 30th Metro Manila Film Festival. [13]

Following this recognition, he received five more Best Actor trophies from the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences, the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, Golden Screen Awards and the Young Critics Circle. He was also included in the third installment of Mano Po. [14]

The following year, 2005, Trillo was paired with Angel Locsin in the 2005 television adaptation of Darna . He also starred in the afternoon family drama Now and Forever: Agos where he received a Best Drama Actor nomination from PMPC Star Awards for TV. That same year, he reprised his role for Mulawin: The Movie , and appeared in the film Blue Moon . [15]

2006–2010: Kapuso leading man and music debut

In 2005, Trillo was cast as lead character in Etheria , where he portrayed the Sapirian prince, Raquim. Midway through the series, GMA announced that Trillo would be pulled from the show to once again star in another fantasy-themed television series Majika . In the end Trillo was allowed to complete Etheria . He also starred in the horror-suspense film Pamahiin and was included in the network's noontime show SOP as a co-host where he also played drums as part of the show's "Starband".

Trillo released his self-titled debut album in 2007 under IndiMusic. [16] That same year, he made his fourth Lenten drama special for GMA Network under APT Entertainment entitled Unico Hijo. On August 21, 2007, he started taping for the fantasy series Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan with Aljur Abrenica and Marky Cielo. [17]

On April 27, 2008, five thousand spectators witnessed the Battle of Mactan play, with Trillo playing Ferdinand Magellan at the Mactan, Cebu Shrine. [18] The same year, Trillo joined the cast of Magdusa Ka , an afternoon soap opera which later earned an International Emmy nomination. Trillo also starred in the comic-based superhero series Gagambino . [19] After Gagambino, he starred in two more primetime dramas: Adik Sa'Yo and the 2009 remake of Darna . [15]

Trillo's hosting roles continued when he replaced Dingdong Dantes as a co-host in Season 5 of StarStruck in 2009. [20] In 2010, he also began co-hosting the variety show, Party Pilipinas . He appeared in Sine Novela Presents: Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak opposite Jennylyn Mercado and portrayed Andrew Tantoco in the Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean series Endless Love . [21]

2011–2021: GMA's Drama King; My Husband's Lover

In 2011, Trillo appeared in the romantic-fantasy series Dwarfina with Heart Evangelista. After playing the lead role in the Philippine adaptation of Temptation of Wife , Trillo was cast in his most controversial role to date as Eric del Mundo in the gay drama series My Husband's Lover . Trillo received one acting award from two nominations and a commendation from the Asian TV Awards. [22] [23]

After the success of the series, the cast of My Husband's Lover held a concert at the Araneta Coliseum named "One More Try: My Husband's Lover The Concert". [24] The same year, Trillo and his screen partner Tom Rodriguez released their album titled TomDen, which is now a certified Platinum record according to the PARI with over 15,000 copies sold. [25]

In 2014, he top-billed the primetime drama series Hiram na Alaala with Kapuso actress Kris Bernal. He also co-starred in the weekly medical drama Sa Puso ni Dok under GMA News & Public Affairs. Trillo visited ABS-CBN via his guesting in Kris TV to promote his 2015 movie You're Still The One alongside Maja Salvador, Ellen Adarna and Richard Yap under Regal Entertainment Inc. and Star Cinema. The same year, Trillo launched his first VIVA Films movie, Felix Manalo , where he received a Movie Actor of the Year award from the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. [26]

After doing several heavy drama soap operas, Trillo starred in 2016 in the light drama series Juan Happy Love Story . [27]

In 2021, Trillo starred in the cultural drama series Legal Wives where he played the role of a Maranao Muslim with Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres, and Bianca Umali as his wives. [28] [29]

Trillo starred in Erik Matti's crime thriller film, On the Job: The Missing 8 in 2021. He played the role of Roman, a prisoner temporarily released from prison to perform assassinations. [30] For this film, Dennis wore a prosthetic over his nose, making it appear disfigured to immerse himself in his character. [31]

2022–present: Television shows Maria Clara at Ibarra, Voltes V: Legacy

In 2022, Trillo starred as Crisostomo Ibarra, the main character in Jose Rizal's novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in the TV drama Maria Clara at Ibarra .

In 2023, Trillo renewed his exclusive contract with GMA Network on 20th anniversary with the network. He stars in a reunion movie with his wife Jennylyn Mercado, titled Everything about My Wife, a romcom movie in February 2025 [32] [33]

In 2024, he joined Pulang Araw , a war-drama series directed by Dominic Zapata with an ensemble cast of Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco and Sanya Lopez. Trillo played the role of Col. Yutah Saito, a leader of Japanese Imperial army. The series was aired on Netflix from July-December 2024. [34]

Trillo returned to big screen with a prison-drama movie, Green Bones , directed by Zig Dulay with co-stars Ruru Madrid, Michael de Mesa, Dingdong Dantes and Wendell Ramos. Green Bones was an official entry of GMA Pictures to Metro Manila Film Festival 2024. For his role as Dom Zamora, he won Gawad Urian Award Best Actor award, Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Actor, Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actor at the International Golden Summit Excellence Award in Vietnam.

In June 2025, he starred in the action-drama series Sanggang-Dikit FR , directed by L.A Madridejos with Jennylyn Mercado, his wife. Trillo played the role of Antonion Tonio Conde, one of the police officer. [35]

Philanthropy and activism

In 2024, Trillo donated his P100,000 MMFF Best Actor award (sponsored by Playtime PH) to persons deprived of liberty as requested by Jennylyn Mercado. Trillo's road manager Jan Enriquez handed the amount to Green Bones' content creator Joseph Conrad Rubio for the General Trias PDL's "Wish tree" facility. [36] The GenTri jail's real Tree of Hope inspired Rubio to conceive the theme of the Metro Manila Film Festival Award for Best Picture, [37] in memory of his late father Zaldy. [38]

Filmography

Selected filmography

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

Collaboration albums

Compilation appearances

  • Seasons of Love (2014, GMA Records)
Track 6: "Tibok ng Puso"

Singles

Accolades

Trillo's accolades includes 30 total wins of 2x MMFF Best Actor Award, [39] [40] 1x MMFF Best Supporting Actor Award, [41] 1x Asian TV Awards Best Actor Award, [42] 1x FAMAS Best Actor Award, [43] [44] 1x LUNA Best Actor Award, [45] 2x PMPC Movies Best Actor Award, [46] [47] 1x FAMAS Best Supporting Actor Award, [48] 2x Golden Screen Movies Best Supporting Actor Award, [49] 2x Golden Screen TV Best Actor Award [50] and a Seoul International Drama Award. [51] Dennis Trillo wins Best Actor at 2025 Gawad Urian.

References

  1. ↑ Arniel C. Serato (September 12, 2014). "Dennis Trillo hailed by GMA as 'Drama King'". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on September 3, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  2. ↑ "My Husband's Lover Storm Surge the Country from TV to Concert Thanksgiving". Philippine Entertainment Portal .
  3. ↑ "Dennis and Tom overwhelmed by success of their 'loveteam'". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  4. ↑ "The Number 1 TV Show both Online Views, Ratings and Local and International Awards, Maria Clara at Ibarra is now streaming exclusively on Netflix". Philippine Entertainment Portal .
  5. ↑ "Netflix and GMA partnership for Pulang Araw". Philippine Entertainment Portal . Archived from the original on December 31, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Dennis Trillo applies past lessons learned to his present relationship with Jennylyn Mercado". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Heart Evangelista, Dennis Trillo to star in naughty rom-com series 'Juan Happy Love Story'". GMA News. Archived from the original on October 23, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Dennis Trillo Biography". PinoyStop. Archived from the original on December 27, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  9. ↑ "From Dennis Trillo to Marco Gumabao: Cristine Reyes' relationship history". Rappler. February 2, 2024. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Watch: Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo finally show baby's face". Inquirer. June 21, 2022.
  11. ↑ Javier, Kristian Eric (December 5, 2024). "Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado rebrand salon and nail spa business". GMA Network . Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Philippine Music Registry". Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  13. ↑ Jephte. "Dennis Trillo plays it straight with gay roles". FilamStar.net. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Filmography: Mano Po III: My Love (2004)". starforallseasons.com. November 13, 2009. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  15. 1 2 "Dennis Trillo profile". filmacademyphil.org. Film Academy of the Philippines. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  16. ↑ Jocelyn Dimaculangan (March 14, 2007). "Dennis Trillo releases his self-titled debut album". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  17. ↑ Calderon, Noel (August 23, 2007). "Dennis Trillo stars with Marian Rivera and Judy Ann Santos in two Regal films". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Lapu officials dedicate 'Kadaugan' to Pacquiao". SunStar. Sun Star Cebu. April 19, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  19. ↑ "PEP: Gagambino's high ratings elates Dennis Trillo". GMA News. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
  20. ↑ "It's confirmed: Dingdong Dantes will replace Richard Gomez on Family Feud". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Dennis Trillo does not mind playing second lead to Dingdong and Marian in Endless Love". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  22. ↑ "Dennis Trillo nominated in 19th Asian Television Awards". Rappler. Archived from the original on November 30, 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Awards - Nominees - International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences". Iemmys.tv. Archived from the original on December 25, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  24. ↑ "One More Try: My Husband's Lover The Concert spins up a storm". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Articles". PARI.com.ph. Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  26. ↑ "Dennis Trillo and Piolo Pascual share Best Actor award; Bea Alonzo wins Best Actress". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  27. ↑ "Heart Evangelista at Dennis Trillo, balik-tambalan sa Juan Happy Love Story". GMA Network. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  28. ↑ Malig, Kaela (November 10, 2021). "Dennis Trillo on lessons he learned from 'Legal Wives': Respect for culture, religion, people". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Legal Wives: Anatomy of a Cultural Teleserye". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on March 31, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  30. ↑ Salterio, Leah C. "Dennis Trillo hopes OTJ: The Missing 8 will inspire film industry players". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  31. ↑ Cruz, Marinel (September 14, 2021). "'Fake nose': Dennis Trillo's biggest challenge while shooting 'OTJ2'". inquirer.net. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
  32. ↑ Balbuena, Vanessa BB (March 29, 2024). "Dennis Trillo celebrates 20th year as Kapuso, renews exclusive contract with GMA Network". GMA Network . Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  33. ↑ Balbuena, Vanessa BB (March 29, 2024). "Dennis Trillo renews exclusive contract with GMA Network". GMA Network . Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  34. ↑ Songco, Pauline (June 10, 2024). "Historical action-drama Pulang Araw coming to Netflix". Daily Tribune . Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  35. ↑ "Sanggang Dikit FR' starring Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo is extended until 2026". GMA Network. Retrieved October 29, 2025.
  36. ↑ Kang, Kristine (December 19, 2024). "Yani Villarosa, nais panoorin ang 'Green Bones' kasama ang kanyang tatay na dating pulis". GMA Network . Archived from the original on December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  37. ↑ Deveza, Reyma (December 30, 2024). "Dennis Trillo donates MMFF prize". ABS-CBN . Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  38. ↑ Rubio, Joseph Conrad (December 18, 2024). "'Green Bones' is creator's love letter to his late father". GMA Network . Archived from the original on December 30, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  39. ↑ "Dennis Trillo wins Best Actor in MMFF 2018". Archived from the original on December 31, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  40. ↑ Reyes, Juno (December 28, 2024). "FULL LIST: Winners, 2024 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal Best Actor Dennis Trillo beat Piolo Pascual, Vic Sotto, Vice Ganda". Rappler . Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  41. ↑ "Mano po 6: A Mother's Love - IMDb". IMDb .
  42. ↑ "2014 Winners". Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  43. ↑ "Dennis Trillo wins his FAMAS Best Actor Award, thanks GMA-7". Philippine Entertainment Portal .
  44. ↑ "Dennis Trillo beat Kapamilya actors". Philippine Entertainment Portal .
  45. ↑ "FAP Awards, Philippines (2005)". IMDb . Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  46. ↑ "32nd Star Awards for Movies nominees unveiled". PEP.ph. February 24, 2016. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  47. ↑ "Piolo, Dennis tied for Best Actor; Bea wins Best Actress in 32nd Star Awards for Movies". Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  48. ↑ "FAMAS Awards (2006)". IMDb .
  49. ↑ "Golden Screen Awards, Philippines (2005)". IMDb . Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  50. ↑ "Golden Screen Awards, Philippines (2010)". IMDb .
  51. ↑ "Dennis Trillo wins Asian Star Prize (Outstanding Performance by An Actor) at 2016 Seoul International Drama Awards. Results were selected by the judges and chosen by panelists". Philippine Entertainment Portal . Archived from the original on December 31, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
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