There are pros and cons to couples working together, but for real-life husband and wife Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, teaming up on screen has been a smooth ride.
At the press conference for their first primetime series together, “Sanggang Dikit FR,” the two opened up about how they balance their relationship both on and off camera. Dennis shared that they nurture their bond by making time for each other and keeping their couple dates.
“Importante pa rin ‘yung meron kayong time sa isa’t isa, nasa trabaho man o hindi. Importante meron kayong oras mag date paminsan minsan, lumabas para sa quick get-away,” he explained.
Jennylyn, on the other hand, was candid about being a “clingy” wifey.
“Ok na magkasama kami sa trabaho, kasi clingy ako,” she said with a smile. “Kasi pag sa bahay iba ‘yun. Nasa bahay kami bilang magulang, mag-asawa. Pagdating sa set, mga artista kami. Kahit nag-aaway kami or may problema kaming dala-dala, hindi pwedeng makita sa set. Kailangan gawin ang mga trabaho. Pag sa bahay, saka nyo pag-usapan. Ganun kami magtrabaho at ganun kami bilang tao. Kasi ang hirap pag dinala mo ang problema sa set, maapektuhan ang trabaho. Ang buong set bibigyan mo pa ng problema. Masaya na magkasama kami…. hindi ko sinasabi na hindi ok, nagkakasawaan. Masaya nga e kasi lagi magkasama.”
Dennis added, “Tsaka laging may ginagawang bago, sa trabaho man or sa personal na buhay.”
Jennylyn also highlighted one of the perks of having a spouse as a co-star: honest feedback.
“Hindi na kami nahihiya sa isa’t isa na sabihin, pwede mo itong gawin. O kaya parang hindi OK, parang dapat ganto. Kasi pag mag-asawa na kayo, hindi na nakakailang. Meron mga criticisms, madaling nasasabi sa isa’t isa na hindi nasasaktan, hindi katulad pag co-artists sabihan ng ganto medyo nakakahiya, nakaka-off.”
Another bonus? She has a personal “acting coach” on set.
“Kasi si Dennis parang naging acting coach, so swete na rin,” she said with a laugh.
In “Sanggang Dikit FR,” the “JenDen” duo not only show their chemistry in dramatic scenes but also in action sequences. Jennylyn plays Roberta “Bobby” Enriquez, a cheerful yet competitive policewoman, while Dennis is Antonio “Tonyo” Conde, a skilled officer known for his improvisational style. Both characters are dealing with personal losses and are brought together when a high-profile murder case hits too close to home.
The series also features veteran actors Roi Vinzon as Juaquin Guerrero, Al Tantay as Victor Santiago and Nova Villa as Lola Isang, along with respected character actors Allen Dizon as Rodolfo Flores, Jeffrey Santos as Roman and Marina Benipayo as Sophia Guerrero.
Adding more intrigue to the story are Joross Gamboa as Eric Garcia, Liezel Lopez as Selena Madrigal, Juancho Triviño as Glen Guerrero and Sam Pinto as Cecilia Montero.
They are joined by rising Sparkle stars Chanty Videla, Zonia Mejia, Kim Perez, Matthew Uy, Seb Pajarillo and John Vic De Guzman. The series also includes special appearances by popular social media personalities Abdul and Marsy, Chef Abi, Shernan and Zaito.
GMA’s newest action light drama, “Sanggang Dikit FR,” premieres this June 23 on GMA Prime. It is produced by the GMA Entertainment Group led by Officer-In-Charge and Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria and Senior Executive Producer Mary Joy Pili.
Directed by L.A. Madridejos with Associate Director Kevin De Vela, the series shines a spotlight on courage and loyalty in the pursuit of justice. It airs Monday to Friday at 8:50 p.m. on GMA Prime and GMA Pinoy TV.
