Dennis Trillo marks his comeback to Cinemalaya with "Ang Katiwala"

 Dennis Trillo tried his best to catch the gala screening of the indie Film, “Ang Katiwala” which was screened at the CCP Main Theater the other night. He missed the movie’s first ten minutes because of the heavy traffic but when interviewed by the press after the screening, the actor said he was proud of his work. “Ang Katiwala” marks his comeback to Cinemalaya. The film is entered in the New Breed category of the indie film fest.

What is the challenge in doing his role as the caretaker of the home of the former president? He attacked the role with subtlety. “I guess the challenge is how to maintain the subtleness yet give the role the needed impact without much acting,” said Dennis of his role in the film directed by Aloy Adlawan.

“I have worked with Direk Aloy before with him as scriptwriter of some of the TV shows that I did. When he gave me this script, I felt I was immediately consumed by the role because it was different from the roles that I did before,” said the actor.

“I guess the uniqueness and the totality of the whole was the reason I liked it that’s why I agreed to do it.”

How did he feel after watching the film? “When I heard the reaction of the people while they were watching and after they have watched it, it felt very rewarding. It really felt very good inside hearing instantly the reaction of the people,” he said.

Because of the good experience in doing indie films, Dennis is looking forward to doing more indie film projects. He it set to do another indie film, this time to be directed by Cannes best director awardee, Brillante Mendoza.

Is he expecting to win an award for his performance? “I am not expecting anything. I am already happy in having done this unique movie and the fact that the people liked it is like an award for me,” he said.

After doing a movie about former President Manuel L. Quezon, does he appreciate him more? “Yes, I do appreciate him more. I learned a lot from him. I didn’t know much about President Manuel L. Quezon before but after doing a movie about his life, the more I admire and what he has done for our country.”

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The stage actor Yutaka Yamakawa was first seen in a “Date” commercial which became popular because of his good acting. And because of its theme song, “Can’t Fight This Feeling Any Longer.”

“I believe my acting in the commercial came out good because of theater background.It became easy for me to portray a character,” said the stage actor.

Yutaka is a home-grown Gantimpala Theater artist – he started by joining the GTF Summer Drama Workshop, he took on doing taong bayan roles, second leads until he was given the break to be the lead actor. His experiences in theater helped his career as an actor both in movies and television.

“Sir Tony Espejo, the former artistic director of Gantimpala, gave me the break in Wanted: A Chaperone. He was my mentor. He was also the one who convinced me to join workshops. Now I am a member of Actors’ Company,” related Yamakawa.

For the second time, he is the lead role in “Florante at Laura,” although he previously portrayed the characters Menandro and Aladin in the said play.

“Now that I am doing it again, I know I will do it better,” said Yutaka. “My portrayal of Florante would be more intense. I am playing for truth here. I want the audience to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of Florante. I pray that after our show, the audience would understand more and like the poems of Balagtas.”

“For all my modest achievements, I give credit to the late and much-loved Tony Espejo, because he believed in my talent,” said Yutaka in parting.

Florante at Laura will be staged on July 29, (7pm), Concert at the Park Open Auditorium, Luneta, Manila, August 3, 4 & 5, (9am/12pm/3pm), AFP Theater, Quezon City, August 10, 11 & 12 (9am/12nn/3pm), Star City, Star City Compound, Pasay City, August 17, 18 & 19, (11am/2pm) at the SM South Mall Cinema 3, Las Piñas City.

Helping Gantimpala Theater and National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) in mounting this stage presentation is Everbilena. For tickets, please call 998-5622.