It is without question that Dennis Trillo has firmly established himself as a versatile actor. His filmography is quite incomparable among his peers, never allowing his matinee idol-good looks to get in the way of taking on grittier and more off-beat roles.

Thanks to this attitude and, of course, the acting prowess he develops with each new challenging portrayal, Dennis has earned the trust of his home network, GMA, to deliver some of the most, if not the most, important roles in their biggest and most groundbreaking projects to date.

Indeed, who can forget Dennis' portrayal of national hero Jose Rizal's alter ego Crisostomo Ibarra in GMA Network's widely successful series adaptation of the former's seminal novels "Noli me Tangre" and "El Filibusterismo" in 2023's "Maria Clara at Ibarra?"

It is no wonder that Dennis has been cast anew in another epic period drama series by GMA, "Pulang Araw," which has become the talk of the town since premiering on Netflix and across the Kapuso platforms at the end of July.

While the series leads are portrayed by Alden Richards, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, and Barbie Forteza — four childhood friends who grow up to endure the challenges and atrocities of the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines during World War II — GMA and "Pulang Araw" director, Dominic Zapata only had one actor in mind for a very critical role in this fictional drama set against one of the darkest times in the country's history.

Yet to appear in the captivating production come August 21, Dennis will portray "Pulang Araw's" major villain, the ruthless Japanese officer Colonel Yuta Saitoh. His first foray into playing a villain role, it is one that promises to be as complex as it is chilling.

At a media conference on Thursday organized just for Dennis, The Manila Times prompted the serious actor to reflect on his consistent inclusion in GMA's landmark historical projects.

Very openly, he shared, "It feels really good to be given this importance — to always be placed in the cast of the network's most important projects."

Revealing he wasn't expecting to be part of the show, Dennis continued, "I first heard about 'Pulang Araw' maybe 10 years ago or more when it was still being developed. Back then, I already felt that if this happened, it would be one of GMA's most important projects because it's a story about the bravery of the Filipino people."

He admitted, "I dreamed of being a part of it, but when I saw that the cast was complete, I was OK with it and still said to myself that I would definitely watch the show when it comes out."

Eventually, the compelling yet ever-humble actor was happy and surprised to receive a call asking him to join the series. Smiling at the recollection, he expressed, "I almost couldn't believe it. This is a role of a lifetime, and I feel grateful that GMA Network always gives me these opportunities. It's a privilege to be part of this epic production."

Dennis's gratitude for being cast in "Pulang Araw" is mutual for his director, Dominic Zapata. From the sidelines of the same media gathering, Direk Dom revealed he couldn't imagine any other actor delivering the crucial role of Col. Yuta but Dennis.

"The first time I worked with Dennis was in his first show on GMA, 'Kahit Kailan,' and he was the consummate professional back then. Now, if being a consummate professional is a bad thing, then he's gotten much worse because [today], he immerses himself in every role he takes on beyond expectation."

Direk Dom went on to describe the extensive research and preparation Dennis undertook for the demanding role of Col. Yuta. From working diligently to develop an authentic Japanese accent for delivering the soldier's lengthy lines in Japanese, Filipino, and English to performing his own high-intensity action stunts, along with the many other rigorous demands of the role, Dennis did not hold anything back.

"I can't think of any other actor who would commit to this role as much as Dennis does. [His portrayal of Col. Yuta] gives us all goosebumps, so for his effort, patience and skill, [the production] is truly grateful to Dennis."

Asked what viewers should expect of his character once Col. Yuta steps into the story of "Pulang Araw," Dennis replied, "For sure, in the beginning, the audience will really feel angry towards him because Col. Yuta Saitoh will be nothing but evil. But I think, in some way, my character will experience redemption, and that's important. No one just becomes a villain out of nowhere. Col. Yuta [has a back story, too] and harbors anger towards Filipinos because when he was growing up in the Philippines, thieves broke into their house and killed his family. Everything has a cause, and even evil has a chance to change."

As "Pulang Araw" continues to draw audiences for its grand set designs, period-accurate costumes, and gripping storyline, Dennis finally shared his thoughts on why those who haven't tuned into the show should not miss the historical drama: "Not everyone knows what happened during the Japanese era. It's important for everyone, especially the young, to watch this so they can understand their roots and become more proud of being Filipino. They will also see the bravery of Filipinos back then and how difficult the war was — something we don't want to experience again, which is why we should all advocate for peace no matter what."

"Pulang Araw" airs Mondays to Fridays at 8 p.m. on GMA Prime, Kapuso Stream, and GTV. It is available globally via GMA Pinoy TV and Netflix.