Jennylyn Mercado may be known for her award-winning performances and chart-topping hits, but her latest single, “Paulit-ulit Kitang Pipiliin,” holds a special place in her heart—not for its commercial success, but for its deeply personal message. The song, co-written with OPM icon Jonathan Manalo, is a love letter to her husband, Dennis Trillo.
“Gusto ko siyang maging parte ng album na ’yun kasi espesyal ‘yung album na ’yun,” Jennylyn shared. “Espesyal dahil katrabaho ko si Jonathan Manalo, at lalo na dahil para kay Dennis ‘yung kantang ito.”
Unaware of the surprise, the Kapuso Drama King was visibly moved. “Nakaka-surprise, lalo na medyo personal ‘yung narinig ko sa lyrics. Parang designed talaga ‘tong kantang ‘to para sa akin… asawa ko ‘yung gumawa eh,” Dennis said with a soft smile.
The couple’s journey—marked by a brief separation before ultimately choosing each other again—resonates in every note of the song. But beyond their reel and real-life love story, Jennylyn and Dennis continue to inspire by how they nurture their blended family with intentional love, discipline, and respect.
In an emotional conversation with Boy Abunda on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the couple opened up about raising their three children: Jazz (Jennylyn’s son with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia), Calix (Dennis’ son from a previous relationship), and their youngest, Dylan.
“Napakaimportante na maparamdam namin sa bawat isa sa kanila ‘yung pagmamahal namin—pantay-pantay,” Dennis explained. Jennylyn emphasized that discipline plays a central role in their parenting. “Walang magso-spoil. Pinaghihirapan lahat ng bagay,” she said firmly.
Despite Jazz having special needs, Jennylyn makes sure he carries responsibilities. “Kaya niyang maghugas ng pinggan. Sinasabi namin palagi na lahat ng bagay, pinaghihirapan,” she said. Dennis, who has been present since Jazz was a toddler, agreed: “Si Jazz lumaki nang kasama ako talaga.”
When it comes to Calix, who only began living with them recently, Jennylyn ensures the same discipline applies. “Hindi puwedeng sa dalawang bata lang. Dapat pareho ang treatment,” she explained.
Their youngest, Dylan, is already showing signs of artistic curiosity. Jennylyn shared that at just three years old, Dylan is fond of dressing up, playing with her makeup, and mimicking performances. “Gusto rin niya mag-lipstick, mag-accessories, umaarte, sumasayaw, kumakanta,” she laughed.
Balancing parenting and work, especially while filming their GMA action series #SanggangDikitFR, has been made easier by their strong bond. “Masarap ‘yung feeling na magkasama kami sa set. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na kasama mo ‘yung mahal mo sa buhay pati sa trabaho,” Jennylyn said.
Dennis added, “Kumportable na kami sa isa’t isa. Malaking bagay ‘yun sa trabaho. Nakakapag-usap kami kung paano pagagandahin ‘yung mga eksena.”
In the final segment of their Fast Talk interview, the couple was asked why they see themselves as “sanggang-dikit.”
Dennis answered, “Sanggang-dikit tayo dahil kahit buhay ko, ipagtitiwala ko sa’yo.”
Jennylyn, with emotion in her voice, replied, “Sanggang-dikit tayo dahil hindi tayo mapaghihiwalay kahit kailan.”