Dennis Trillo on bonding with his kid and why he ‘spoils’ him a bit
DENNIS Trillo would give the world to his 8-and-a-half year-old son if the kid asks. That’s because the actor is admittedly the type of father who, in Filipino speak, “spoils” his child just a little bit.
The actor said he wants Calix to think of him as a good provider so he gives whatever the youngster needs or wants, especially because they don’t see each other on a daily basis.
“Calix is a very smart kid. Sweet. He’s very playful. He loves video games. But I’m happy that even though he likes games and techy stuff, he’s doing great in school (he’s in the A section), so whatever I give him is kind of like a reward for his good work,” Dennis told the Inquirer.
Dennis thinks his kid has inherited his artistic side, as Calix is showing interest in music and arts. It’s a good thing that they both seem to love the same things because it serves as instant father-son bonding.
“He’s also very malambing, which I think he got from me. If he knows he did something wrong, he’d really feel bad and say sorry. Basically, he’s like me attitude-wise,” said the actor, who plays Juan dela Costa Jr. on the romantic comedy-drama TV series “Juan Happy Love Story” with Heart Evangelista on the GMA Network.
Fatherhood has had a positive effect on Dennis. He has become more conscious about what he has to do in life. Dennis knows he needs to be a good role model for his son, so he really made efforts to shun hobbies or activities that don’t bring anything good on the table.
Despite his busy schedule, Dennis makes it a point to attend Calix’s school activities. He even gets to attend some of the parent-teacher meetings. When he has the time, Dennis brings his kid to school himself.
As much as possible, Dennis wants to be a hands-on dad. When they’re together, usually on the weekends when there’s no school, they sleep on the same bed. And Calix won’t sleep until his dad tells him bedtime stories.
“Sa totoo lang, nakakahiya mang sabihin, pero sabay pa rin kaming maligo hanggang ngayon. (laughs)! Minsan ako pa rin ang naghuhugas ng pwet niya! Ganon ako ka- close dun sa anak ko,” he said.
Being a dad hasn’t really affected his acting career or the way he chooses his on screen roles. Calix gets it—that what his dad does on television or the movies are make believe. Once Dennis explained to him that acting is his work, Calix picked it up right away.
The kid has repeatedly said that he wants to be an actor, too, like his dad. Dennis is cool with it, saying that Calix can do anything he wants to do as long as he finishes his studies first.
“It’s important that he gets to do what his heart desires. I don’t want to impose anything on him. If he wants to be an actor, I’ll support him. But my only condition is for him to finish school,” he said.
As for Father’s Day (and any special occasion), Calix would often write him a letter with all sorts of drawings as a gift. With such a happy and talented child, the actor could only be thankful. Whatever happens, Dennis said he’ll do his best to be the greatest dad that he can be.