Raul Fenstad Trinidad, Jr. is more popularly called TJ Trinidad in the Philippine entertainment industry. He was born on January 22, 1976. He studied a Bachelor Science in Commerce major in Marketing and graduated at De La Salle University in 1999 after which he furthered his studies in Marketing at the University of California. TJ started his acting career way back 2002 in ABS CBN’s “Basta’t Kasama Kita,” but later transferred to GMA in 2009 where he was cast in “Zorro.” He has also various TV commercials and modeling stints that made him more popular as a star. It was typically Edu Manzano who brought him to June Torrejon who helped manage his acting career.
His appearance in a toothpaste commercial Close-up, Tivoli chocolates, Swatch and San Miguel was an advantage. Before he joined showbiz world, he was already visible. Furthermore, TJ was already attending different acting workshops at an early age of 10. Privately, he loves playing tennis and football, and cherishes spending his free time with friends and family.
One of his memorable performances was in “Keka,” with actress Katya Santos in which he portrayed a role as one of the frat boys who murdered Katya’s boyfriend. In Regal’s movie “I Will Survive” he was proud to be directed by the multi-awarded Joel Lamangan, wherein he played the role of Judy Ann Santos husband and an Overseas Filipino Worker. He also starred in the movie “Aishite Imasu 1947,” “Uno,” “The Promise,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll Part 8,” “Tiyanaks,” “A Love Story,” “Resiklo,” “Desperadas,” and “Kulam.”
His transition from a commercial model to an actor was easier than his manager thought. TJ appeared and co-starred with various television shows and series like “Krystala,” “Gulong Ng Palad,” and “Walang Kapalit,” “Your Song,” “Maalala Mo Kaya,” “Pedro Penduko,” and “Rounin.” The highly acclaimed film “The Road” is TJ’s first international movie break.
In some other instances, TJ sings with his band called Mofo, where he is the lead vocalist. He had a girlfriend named Marga Valdes for four years whom he later married last December 28, 2011, in a private wedding ceremony at her residence in Tagaytay. Marga is the younger sister of Bea Valdes who is an international bag designer magnate. On July 26, 2012, a son was born to them whom they named Alfonso Guillermo via caesarian section.
TJ Trinidad is gradually making his own name in this industry. He has the talent and the potentials and one can easily notice the depth in his acting skills. The love of acting is what really drives him to be the best in whatever roles he portrays. But his character of humility remains an asset to him, because he has never changed a bit even though he is fast becoming famous in his chosen career.
Aware of the many temptations, intrigues and controversies in this industry, he practically lives on the basis of faith. He believes that life is too short to contain angers in our hearts. It is better to be yourself and just do the right thing at all times, he says.
