Dennis Trillo (MNS Photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Dennis Trillo admitted that he received his highest talent fee to date for the biopic of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) leader Felix Manalo.
The actor said this was the reason he meticulously prepared for his role in the upcoming movie “Felix Manalo, Ang Talambuhay ng Sugo ng Iglesia ni Cristo.”
“Sa preparasyon, marami po kaming pinagdaanan. Nag-immersion po kami, kinausap po kami ng mga ministro, ni-lecture-an po, backgrounder, binigyan po kami ng mga babasahin and siyempre po, pinag-aralan namin ‘yung script,” Trillo said.
Trillo said he also did his personal homework to learn more about his character.
“Maaga pa lang, noong nalaman ko po na ako po ang gaganap, nag-research na ako sa YouTube. Tinignan ko kung may mga videos ba para makita ko ’yung hitsura niya, kung paano siya nagsasalita, ’yung pamamaraan ng tono ng pananalita niya,” he said.
Trillo admitted that the among the biggest challenges in portraying Manalo is that he had to memorize long lines.
“Mahahaba talaga ‘yung linya. Kailangang mag-memorize ng maraming pages sa script. Mabuti naman, kahit papaano nakayanan ko. Ang mahirap pa po doon, ‘yung pagiging Ka Felix Manalo mismo dahil isa siyang napakaimpluwensiyang tao,” he said.
It took them two months to finish the whole movie. Contrary to the original plan, Trillo was also the one who played the old Manalo, which was originally offered to Albert Martinez.
“May separate contract naman po kaya okay lang,” he said. “Medyo mahirap lang yung matandang Ka Felix kasi matagal ikabit yung fat suit at matagal ding tanggalin and mainit. Pero lahat naman ‘yun kayang tiisin dahil alam ko naman na maganda ‘yung proyektong ginagawa ko.”
Directed by Joel Lamangan and produced by Viva Films, “Felix Manalo, Ang Talambuhay ng Sugo ng Iglesia ni Cristo” will be released in theaters on October 7.
It will have its premiere screening at the Philippine Arena on October 4. (MNS)