Like any working parent, GMA-7 actor Dennis Trillo faces the common challenge of balancing work and family time.
He is having a particularly challenging time, since he and his wife Jennylyn Mercado now have a one-year-old daughter named Dylan, who is now becoming curious about everything.
Read: Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado's daughter turns 1 in dreamy "canDYLANd"
Not wanting to miss a moment of this precious phase, the Kapuso actor goes the extra mile to be fully engaged as a father to Dylan.
"Ibang experience kasi ngayon talagang hands-on kami," Dennis tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an interview on Tuesday, August 8, 2023.
Dennis is ensuring he gives his best as a dad to Dylan, as he recognizes that this was something he couldn't entirely embrace when his son Calix, born in 2007 from his past relationship with Carlene Aguilar, entered his life.
"Never ako naging ganun dun sa una kong anak. Kaya ngayon, talagang ini-enjoy ko bawat oras, bawat araw.
"Meron ako [time] para samahan siya [Dylan], alagaan. At i-enjoy yung paglaki niya. Panibagong experience."
DENNIS TRILLO: PARENTING CHALLENGES
One of Dennis and Jennylyn's main challenges as working parents is finding time for family.
Dennis reveals that they don't get to see each other much at home due to their hectic schedules. However, they are actively striving to make it work.
He says, "Nahihirapan kami ngayon kasi nagte-taping na din siya. So, every other day yung [salitan namin].
"Ako, M-W-F-S taping ko. Siya naman, T-TH-S. So, bihira na lang kami magkita, minsan sa gabi na lang.
"Pag kagising ko, siya naman aalis. Pero minsan, pagka may mga tapings na hindi kami involved, mina-maximize namin yun."
Dennis also notes that Jennylyn had considered taking a break from showbiz to look after their daughter. However, they eventually chose to keep working for the future of their family.
"Noong una, parang hindi niya alam kung babalik pa siya sa showbiz.
"Dahil kasi nga [mahirap] talaga mag-hands on. Hanggang sa certain point na malaki [na siya] na parang... Pero, syempre, di naman pwedeng biglain yung ganun...
"Sabi ko, 'Pag-isipan nating maigi iyan.'"
PROTECTIVE KUYAS
Dennis is grateful that they have a strong family support system to help with taking care of Dylan.
He says, "Kailangan talaga... kasi, minsan hindi namin magagawa na kaming dalawa lang e."
Dennis proudly shares that their sons, Calix and Alex Jazz, play a significant role in looking after Dylan.
Alex Jazz is Jennylyn's 15-year-old son from her previous relationship with Patrick Garcia.
The Kapuso dad says both Calix and Alex Jazz are protective of their younger sister.
He says, "Okay naman. Maalaga sila pareho. Pareho silang excited din.
"Kasi babae naman yung kapatid nila. Ngayon lang sila nagkaroon ng babae na kapatid.
"Alam nila na mas kailangan alagaan dahil ayun nga, babae."
READ MORE:
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- Dennis Trillo on Jennylyn Mercado: "Overprotective." Jennylyn: "Sorry."
- Dennis Trillo joins wife Jennylyn Mercado in Aguila Entertainment; parts ways with Popoy Caritativo
- Dennis Trillo pens appreciation post for wife Jennylyn Mercado