Dennis Trillo
Screen name: Dennis Trillo
Real name: Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho
Born: May 12, 1981
Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
Profession: Actor
Affiliation: Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho, professionally known as Dennis Trillo, is one of the Philippines’ most lauded actors, nicknamed the “Drama King” of GMA Network. Since his breakthrough in the early 2000s, Trillo has built an extensive body of work spanning film, television, and stage, earning critical acclaim and a slew of awards for his versatile performances.
This article provides an in-depth look at Dennis Trillo’s filmography and awards, highlighting his most popular works, recognitions, and latest projects that continue to solidify his status as a prominent figure in Philippine entertainment. Whether you’re researching his early roles or his recent hits like Sanggang Dikit and Green Bones, this comprehensive guide will give you everything you need to know about Dennis Trillo’s career achievements and accolades.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Dennis Trillo began his showbiz journey in 1999, initially appearing in minor roles on ABS-CBN soap operas such as Pangako Sa ‘Yo and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan before transferring to GMA Network in 2003. His first major television role came in the youth-oriented drama Kahit Kailan, but it was his cinematic portrayal of a transgender woman in the 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita that truly marked his breakout, earning him the MMFF Best Supporting Actor Award that year. This performance not only showcased his range but also set the stage for his ascent to leading-man status in both film and television.
Notable Works and Popular Projects
Over two decades, Trillo has headlined an array of memorable projects across genres:
- My Husband’s Lover (2013): As Eric del Mundo, Trillo tackled the Philippines’ first gay-themed primetime drama, earning critical praise and an Asian Television Awards commendation.
- Felix Manalo (2015): Portraying the eponymous religious figure, he won the PMPC Movie Actor of the Year Award for his nuanced performance.
- Maria Clara at Ibarra (2022): As Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun, Trillo led Netflix’s adaptation of Jose Rizal’s classics, further expanding his international audience.
- Pulang Araw (2024): Cast as Colonel Yuta Saitoh, he continued to demonstrate his versatility in a high-stakes drama airing on GMA and Netflix.
These roles, among others like Mulawin, Darna, and On the Job: The Missing 8, illustrate Trillo’s ability to shift seamlessly between action, fantasy, drama, and historical narratives.
Filmography Overview
While a full breakdown of every title is extensive, below is a categorized snapshot of his body of work:
Film Highlights
- Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) – Breakthrough role, MMFF Best Supporting Actor
- Mano Po 6: A Mother’s Love (2009) – MMFF Best Supporting Actor nominee
- Felix Manalo (2015) – PMPC Movie Actor of the Year
- Green Bones (2024) – MMFF Best Actor Award winner for his role as Domingo Zamora
Television Series Highlights
- Mulawin (2004) – Lead role as Gabriel
- My Husband’s Lover (2013) – Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ drama
- Legal Wives (2021) – Featured strong ensemble cast in a cultural drama
- Sanggang Dikit (2025) – Upcoming buddy-cop action series starring Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado
Please refer to his detailed filmography for a comprehensive list of his films, achievements, and contributions to the film industry.
Awards and Recognitions
Dennis Trillo’s dedication to his craft has earned him 17 wins out of 37 nominations across prestigious award-giving bodies:
| Awarding Body | Wins | Nominations |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 4 | 6 |
| FAMAS Awards | 2 | 2 |
| Gawad Tanglaw | 1 | 2 |
| Gawad Urian | 0 | 4 |
| Golden Screen Movie Awards | 4 | 6 |
| Golden Screen TV Awards | 2 | 2 |
| Luna Awards | 1 | 4 |
| PMPC Star Awards for Movies | 4 | 7 |
| PMPC Star Awards for TV | 0 | 4 |
| PEP List Awards | 1 | 2 |
| Young Critics Circle | 1 | 1 |
| Asian Television Awards | 0 | 1 |
- Seoul International Drama Awards (2016): Asian Star Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in My Faithful Husband.
- Metro Manila Film Festival: Best Actor for One Great Love (2018) and Green Bones (2024).
Latest Projects: Sanggang Dikit & Green Bones
Sanggang Dikit (June 2025)
An action-drama buddy-cop series on GMA Network, Sanggang Dikit reunites real-life couple Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado. Directed by L.A. Madridejos, the show follows two law enforcers who must “stick together” to solve a high-profile murder amid political conspiracies. It’s set to premiere on June 23, 2025 as part of GMA’s Prime lineup.
Green Bones (December 2024)
In this prison drama directed by Zig Dulay and penned by Ricky Lee, Trillo stars as Domingo Zamora, a convict facing emotional and moral trials. Released as an official entry to the 50th MMFF, Green Bones earned Trillo his latest MMFF Best Actor Award. The film also screened at the Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles on March 6, 2025.
Impact and Legacy
Through over 20 years in the industry, Dennis Trillo has continually reinvented himself, from early fantasy epics to daring dramatic roles that challenge social norms. His accolades across film and television reflect not only his acting prowess but also his willingness to tackle diverse and often unconventional characters. As he embarks on new ventures—like Sanggang Dikit and future Netflix collaborations—Trillo remains at the forefront of Philippine entertainment, inspiring both peers and audiences with his dynamic range and enduring passion for the craft.
