Acting reenergizes Noel Trinidad
TURNING 83 this year, thespian Noel Trinidad always looks forward to going to the movie set of every new project.
“Every new role I get to do, I always get really excited. I treat every new project like it’s my first time—the eagerness, the anticipation, the opportunity to give life to my assigned character, the spontaneity of the movements on the set, the chance to work with actors both old and new —these things stimulate me,” Trinidad told us during a recent gettogether.
He shared, “I just finished work for an advocacy movie, titled Senior Moments, and I had a good time working with the small cast and crew. It’s very similar to a set for an indie film and everybody gets to hobnob with everybody. I am amazed by the immense talent and professionalism of my younger coactors, specifically Liza Diño and Sid Lucero, who play my daughter and son-in-law in the movie.”
Trinidad is one of three lead actors in the movie that delves into the highs and lows and the many in-betweens of the lives of octogenarians and septuagenarians in modern Philippine society and it gives him happy emotions that a movie aims to tackle this and give importance to the seniors. He shares stellar billing with veterans Tessie Tomas and Nova Villa.
“As we age, society in general tends to set us aside since we can no longer be as productive as we used to. Well, they give us little perks like discounts if we bring our senior’s card. I am glad that the entertainment industry still allows us—old actors as they call us—to work and do what we love doing because in our industry, there is no retirement age. Every new assignment re-energizes me, and that is precisely why I am happy every time I get a confirmation that I will work on a project, despite the many physical limitations actors my age are faced with.”
Trinidad courageously admits that his sense of hearing has waned through the years. “It is difficult to live when your hearing is challenged, moreso when you are an actor. That is why I feel so grateful that people I work with are so patient with me on the set. Like this movie that I just finished, our director Buboy Tan, our producer Sucil Nipa are so nice and respectful, and their team also works fast and wastes no time, so we can finish our scenes early.”
We asked Trinidad if he still has dream roles. His reply: “Not exactly dream roles but I want to experience playing the bad guy, the villain, the one who causes major conflicts and who the audience will hate. I guess that I miss doing those kind of roles, because in recent past I always play the goody-goody dad or lolo. I hope I get to do a nasty one soon, not necessarily loud but someone scheming, and evil, quiet but scary. Kaya pa natin ’yan!”
Trinidad says he eats in moderation, drinks his vitamins and exercises about half an hour a day. “I make time to exercise. I am lucky my mind is still sharp and I can still memorize lines and dialogues.”
Trinidad’s actor-son Joel has moved to New York to explore work possibilities in the acting business and the proud dad is happy that his son has started to work on theater productions. “I’m happy that he got some of my genes and that he finds joy in being an actor!”
Noel Trinidad is one perfect example of an actor who never lost his artistic calling. He continues to inspire others and show everyone what a true thespian should be—passionate, professional, persevering, personable and pleasant.