Turning a personal journey with son Jazz into a nationwide call for inclusion, the couple hosts the first-ever DenJen Family Day for children on the spectrum.
Celebrity couple Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo may live in the spotlight, but when it comes to parenting, they face the same realities as many Filipino families, especially those raising children on the autism spectrum.
The couple are proud “ausome parents,” a term used for moms and dads of children with autism. Jennylyn’s 17-year-old son, Alex Jazz—whom she shares with Patrick Garcia—is on the spectrum, making the cause deeply personal.
To promote awareness, acceptance, and community, the couple recently mounted their first-ever “DenJen Family Day,” gathering 50 children on the autism spectrum and their families for a morning of play and connection at Marquis Events Place in Taguig.
‘Ausome’ mission for autism
The event featured food carts, souvenir booths, an inflatable playground, and crowd-favorite magic and bubble shows—creating a safe, joyful space for kids and parents alike.
“Napaka-personal nito sa amin dahil si Jazz ay nasa autism spectrum,” Jennylyn shared. “Wala kaming pinagkaiba sa ibang magulang dito. Pinagdadaanan namin ang pinagdadaanan nila.”
She added that the event was as much about solidarity as it was about celebration. “Mahalaga na maramdaman nila na hindi sila nag-iisa. Nakakarelate kami sa mga kuwento nila, at hanga kami sa tatag ng bawat pamilya.” Jennylyn and Dennis have a daughter named Dylan Jayde.
For Dennis, using their platform to amplify the cause is a responsibility. “Gusto naming mas mapalawak ang kaalaman tungkol sa autism—kung paano mas mauunawaan at matatanggap ang mga nasa spectrum,” he said.
A community of support
The couple partnered with Autism Society Philippines (ASP), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Filipinos on the spectrum. April is celebrated globally as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
“Unang-una naming sinuportahan ang advocacy na malapit sa puso namin—ang kapakanan ng mga nasa autism spectrum,” Dennis added.
Kindness as a family value
“DenJen Family Day” is a natural extension of the couple’s growing advocacy work. Prior to this, they led “Startruck,” a donation drive for communities affected by natural disasters, alongside quieter, personal efforts to help those in need.
“Ngayon na may sarili na kaming pamilya, gusto rin naming maipasa sa mga bata ang values ng kindness, love, at compassion,” Jennylyn said.
The event also drew support from fellow Aguila Entertainment artists, including Mika Salamanca, who gifted copies of her children’s book “Lipad,” and Empress Schuck, along with host Eco Sala.
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Solidarity in the spectrum
Behind Aguila Entertainment are veteran talent manager Becky Aguila and its current leaders, CEO Katrina Aguila and general manager Jan Enriquez.
When asked what they would say to fellow parents raising children on the spectrum, Dennis kept it simple: “Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Tuloy lang ang laban—kailangan tayo ng mga anak natin.”
The “DenJen Family Day” event was supported by Skyro, Juan 365, MET, Jhaena Jewels, Tang, Acettafein, Beautederm, Absolute Drinking Water, Mika Salamanca, and Dr. Mace Licuanan.
With initiatives like “DenJen Family Day,” the couple proves that advocacy begins at home and grows stronger when shared with a community.
Napaka-personal nito sa amin dahil si Jazz ay nasa autism spectrum. Wala kaming pinagkaiba sa ibang magulang dito. Pinagdadaanan namin ang pinagdadaanan nila.
Jennylyn Mercado
