Though he has made his mark as an actor in a variety of TV series for ABS-CBN and GMA-7, TJ Trinidad is not closing his doors on his first love—rock music.
 
Trinidad used to sing for a number of underground bands in the ‘90s doing alternative/classic rock covers until a career in modeling and acting beckoned.
 
“There is still a part of me that longs to write and perform songs,” said he. “I actually still play my guitar and sing…at home at least.”
 
Trinidad still write songs but not as often as he would want to. And although he is not complaining, he would want to be able to write songs and perform live again “but not to the point that I have to let go of my acting career.”
 
But can he at least promise his fans that he’ll record an album of original music in the near future?
 
“No, I don’t want them to expect something like that…I barely have the time. It may or may not happen. No promises..”
 
Trinidad finds acting more challenging than creating music.
 
“Music is more laidback. I remember I used to just go up onstage and rock out in my street clothes.
 
“But now, with acting, especially for TV, there’s so much more…there’s a whole lot of preparation, so much to think about…lots of expectations, and pressure so… it’s more demanding. And I like that. It keeps me on my toes.”
 
Trinidad will soon be seen on “Dear Friends Presents: Almost A Love Story,” a bittersweet drama dealing with forbidden romance. The show will debut on GMA on Jan. 31.
 
“Dear Friends Presents: Almost A Love Story” is Trinidad’s first show for 2010 after having capped a successful career surge last year when he changed managers and transferred to GMA.
 
According to Trinidad, there is no bitterness involved with the shift. \
 
“No. [There was] no animosity at all. I am grateful for the opportunity ABS-CBN gave me, but I can’t say that GMA is not as supportive…they are supporting me wholeheartedly. My current stint with GMA so far has been very encouraging. I couldn’t ask for more,” he said.
 
On “Dear Friends Presents: Almost A Love Story,” the 34-year old actor plays the role of 24-year old Rommel who falls for 15-year old Hannah as played by Rhian Ramos.
 
“The story line is very interesting. It’s something different. It’s a story about two individuals fighting for something they believe in despite everybody being against it. It sounds heavy but actually the treatment is a bit softer, lighter---at least, lighter than [what we did in] ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ but it’s quite touching too. I think, for this one, we were able to get the right balance.”
 
Working with Ramos is a no-brainer for Trinidad. 
 
“She’s a great actress and really, at this point I want to work with people who inspire me to do better. Besides, I’m very comfy with her. We’ve known each other for sometime already…so having that chance [to work together] is always welcome.”