Aga Muhlach

Early life

Aga Muhlach was born at 2:30 PM on August 12, 1969, at Galang Maternity Clinic in Santa Cruz, Manila. The rest of his family consists of two sisters, Arlene and Almira, a half-brother named Aj, and his parents Alvaro Amador Muhlach and Anita Adies Aquino. He finished high school at the Aquinas School and entered the San Beda College to study Commerce. He discontinued his studies when he began to concentrate on his acting career.

Muhlach's family has other connections to show business. His father is a younger brother of the former leading dramatic actress Amalia Fuentes; his cousin, Niño Muhlach, was the leading child actor of the 1970s; his brother Aj Muhlach was a member of boy band XLR8; and his two sisters are also actresses.

His family has Spanish, German, and Chinese roots. His family tree can be traced back to Santander, Spain; the name "Muhlach" was originally "Mühlacker". Muhlach's wife Charlene Gonzales is also part Spanish.

1970s–1980s: Teenage years

He began his career as a child actor in the 1975 film, May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi and 1976 film, Babaing Hiwalay Sa Asawa; his aunt Amalia Fuentes was the lead in the latter film. At this point he was still using his real name in the credits. He also appeared in the 1980 film Aguila which starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Christopher de Leon.

At fourteen, Muhlach was cast as one of the male leads in Viva Entertainment's 1984 film, Bagets. The film, which is about typical teenage life in the 80s, also starred William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, and Raymond Lauchengco. As the majority of the target audience could relate to the story, the film was a success, and Muhlach became a popular matinee idol.

As a result of his popularity, he was cast in the title role in Miguelito, Ang Batang Rebelde, in which he portrayed a rebellious teenager in conflict with his mother. He was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" in the FAMAS Awards, and "Best Actor" in the Gawad Urian Awards.

He was paired with Janice de Belen in the 1986 film, Super-Wan-Tu-Tri, alongside Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon. The next year, he received his first acting award at the 1987 Gawad Urian Awards for "Best Supporting Actor" for his performance in the 1986 film, Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie.

1990s: Mature roles

With a younger generation of actors emerging, Muhlach took on the challenge of more mature roles, increasing his stock as one of the top matinee idols. Hiring publicist Ethel Ramos as his manager, he developed into one of the top dramatic actors of the 1990s.

He was the male lead in light-hearted chick flick films Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992) and Sana Maulit Muli (1995) with leading lady Lea Salonga, Bakit Pa Kita Minahal (1994) with Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez, Basta't Kasama Kita (1995) with Dayanara Torres, Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Iibigin (1998) with Aiko Melendez, and Dahil May Isang Ikaw (1999) with Regine Velasquez, as well as starring in more serious dramas: Nag-Iisang Bituin(1994) with Vilma Santos, Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992) with Gabby Concepcion, Bayarang Puso (1996) with Lorna Tolentino, and Sa Aking Mga Kamay (1996) with Christopher de Leon among others.

He also branched out into television sitcoms including his first as a lead in ABS-CBN's Oki Doki Doc from 1993 to 2000. The series had a film spin-off entitled Oki Doki Doc: The Movie produced by Star Cinema in 1996.

2000s–present: A "leading man" of his generation

In the 2000s, Muhlach appeared in a number of television series such as Da Body En Da Guard (2001), Da Pilya En Da Pilot (2001), OK Fine Whatever (2003), and the continuation of Oki Doki Dok, That's My Doc (2007).

After 18 years at ABS-CBN, Muhlach transferred his home network to TV5 in 2011 to focus on his television projects. His last project with ABS-CBN was M3: Malay Mo Ma-develop in 2010, and In the Name of Love with Star Cinema.

In 2013, there were discussions about Muhlach teaming up with his former leading actress, Lea Salonga for the third time.

Political pursuits

Public service doesn't require seeking an elective post. You can do good and start with your own family. You can set the right direction. That way, you're also setting a good example to other people in the hope that they will do the same. — Aga Muhlach

In August 2012, Muhlach announced that he would run for Congressman in the fourth district of Camarines Sur (or 1st district of Nueva Camarines if it becomes a province) in the May 2013 elections. He was to run under the administration Liberal Party of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, allied with LRay Villafuerte and Lenie Robredo, and opposing the incumbent representative Arnulfo Fuentebella's son, Felix William "Wimpy" Fuentebella of the Nationalist People's Coalition through the United Nationalist Alliance. On December 21, 2012, however, the Commission on Elections annulled Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales registration in San Jose, Camarines Sur due to lack of residency status. Although Muhlach tried to appeal to the local court, the plea was denied. Nevertheless, on January 15, 2013, the Philippine Court of Appeals in Manila ordered the Election Commission to include Muhlach and Gonzales in the list for San Jose, Camarines Sur, as they were both registered voters in the province. This allowed Muhlach to run for a congressional seat in the Partido area. The elections in May 2013 resulted in Muhlach's opponent being declared the winner by more than 2,500 votes. Muhlach and his supporters tried to protest, claiming that they were being cheated, but their protests were turned down. Muhlach eventually accepted the results, and decided to focus on his acting career.

Personal life

In the early days of his acting career, he was often turned down for roles. For example, Lily Monteverde, a Regal Films producer turned him down many times after Douglas Quijano, talent manager, had introduced Muhlach and the film Bagets to her. Muchlach also had problems managing his finances and was often without money. in the early 90s he was given upbeat projects In 1992, Lily Monteverde produced Sinungaling among Puso with Vilma Santos which gained Aga Muhlach his Best Supporting Actor he gained notoriety for his on and off again relationship with Janice De Belen as they started in Pakasalan Mo Ako with co actors John Estrada and Gabby Concepcion. In 1990-1999 he was the most paid actor he was paired with Aiko Melendez, (1994, 1997) Kris Aquino,(1993, 1994) Ruffa Gutierrez, Giselle Toengi. (1999) Mikee Coujangco, (1994,1998) Regine Velasquez, (1999, 2001, 2012) Lorna Tolentino, (1996) Carmina Villaroel, (1994, 1996) Maricel Laxa, (1994) Dawn Zulueta, (1993) beauty queen Dayanara Torre,s (1995) Lea Salonga, (1992, 1995) Alice Dixson and Snooky Serna (1991). In the 2000s he worked with then controversial sex goddess Joyce Jimenez in 2001 on sitcom TV in Da Body en Da Guard and even in romantic com film in Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang Latest? In 2001 he starred in the box office hit Pangako Ikaw Lang with Velasquez In 2002 he starred with future box office actresses Claudine Barretto in Kailangan Kita in 2002, and Dubai 2005, Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003) with Sharon Cuneta Kristine Hermosa in All My Life 2004, A Love Story with Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban in 2007, and 2008 with Anne Curtis in When Love Begins. And 2011's In The Name Of Love with Angel Locsin. To date he is the most influential leading man whose career spends a three-decade box office hype to movie goers from drama to romantic comedy.

Romantic relationships

In 1986, 17-year-old Muhlach got Janice de Belen pregnant after being paired up in the film, Super-Wan-Tu-Tri. De Belen announced her pregnancy on a primetime television and said that Muhlach had asked her to marry him, but that she had refused as they were still young. Muhlach's father was also against the marriage because of their ages. De Belen gave birth to Luigi "Igi Boy" Muhlach, Muhlach's first child.

In 1993, he was linked romantically with Puerto Rican former Miss Universe and 1995 film Basta't Kasama Kita leading actress Dayanara Torres. Reports said that Muhlach had been intending to follow Torres to Puerto Rico and marry her, but did not because he chose his acting career over personal matters. The couple dated for about three to four years.

Married life

Muhlach married Charlene Gonzalez in 2001. They started dating only after he asked for her parents' permission to get engaged to her. They met through Gonzalez's cousin and his former co-star, J.C. Bonnin, when he was 16 years old. They met again during the 1994 Binibining Pilipinas pageant in which he was the judge and she won as Binibing Pilipinas–Universe. She was also his co-star in Oki Doki Doc, where they became friends. They got married on May 28, 2001, in St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Pacdal, Baguio City, less than a year after their engagement. They have twins named Atasha and Andres.

Legacy

When I do a project, I give it my all...I don't want to pressure myself with the idea of awards. Neither do I want to be complacent because I won one recently. After winning, I try to forget about it and treat each project like it's my first. — Aga Muhlach

Muhlach is considered as one of the most bankable actors in the Philippine entertainment industry. He is known for being one of the Philippine cinema's leading men of romantic dramas, being partnered up with well-known leading ladies such as Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta, Claudine Barretto, Maricel Soriano, Angel Locsin, Regine Velasquez, and Anne Curtis. He is also claimed as a multi-media product endorser, a role model to Filipinos of all ages, a supporter of underprivileged children, a matinee idol, and multi-award winning actor.

Television

Endorsements

He is one of the male celebrities who are in-demand for advertising contracts. One of his advertisements is with Jollibee, in which he is a longtime commercial endorser of the fast food chain. In addition, he is the founder of MaAga Ang Pasko, an annual Christmas gift giving event of Jollibee starting in 1994, wherein people can donate things such as toys and clothes.

The following is an incomplete list of his former and present commercials and product endorsements:

Awards and nominations

FAMAS Awards

2012 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award In the Name of Love (2011)

2009 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award When Love Begins... (2008)

2008 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award A Love Story (2007)

2006 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Dubai (2005)

2005 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award All My Life (2004)

2004 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Kung ako na lang sana (2003)

2000 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Dahil may isang ikaw (1999)

1997 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Bayarang puso (1996)

1996 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Sana maulit muli (1995)

1994 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award May minamahal (1993)

1993 Won Best Actor FAMAS Award Sinungaling mong puso (1992)

1986 Nominated Best Supporting Actor FAMAS Award Miguelito: Batang rebelde (1985)

FAP Awards, Philippines

2013 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award Of All the Things (2012)

2009 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award When Love Begins... (2008)

2008 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award A Love Story (2007)

1996 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award Sana maulit muli (1995)

Gawad Urian Awards

2004 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Kung ako na lang sana (2003)

2003 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Kailangan kita (2002)

1996 Won Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Sana maulit muli (1995)

1994 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award May minamahal (1993)

1993 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Bakit labis kitang mahal (1992)

1992 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Akin ka magdusa man ako (1993)

1987 Won Best Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Napakasakit, kuya Eddie (1986)

1986 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award Miguelito: Batang rebelde (1985)

Golden Screen Awards, Philippines

2013 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy) Golden Screen Award Of All the Things (2012)

Won Dekada Award

2012 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Golden Screen Award In the Name of Love (2011)

2006 Nominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Golden Screen Award Dubai (2005)

2004 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Musical or Comedy) Golden Screen Award Kung ako na lang sana (2003')

Maria Clara Awards

2006 Won Best Actor Maria Clara Award Dubai (2005)

Metro Manila Film Festival

1993 Won Best Actor Festival Prize May minamahal (1993)

1992 Won Best Actor Festival Prize Bakit labis kitang mahal (1992')

Star Awards for Movies

2013 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year Star Award Of All the Things (2012)

Nominated Darling of the Press Special Award

2012 Won Movie Actor of the Year Star Award In the Name of Love (2011) Tied with Jorge Estregan for Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011)

2009 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year Star Award When Love Begins... (2008)

2008 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year Star Award A Love Story (2007)

2006 Won Movie Actor of the Year Star Award Dubai (2005)

Young Critics Circle, Philippines

1996 Nominated Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role YCC Award Sana maulit muli (1995)

1994 Won Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role YCC Award Hindi kita malilimutan (1993)

1992 Won Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role YCC Award Joey Boy Munti, 15 anyos ka sa Muntilupa (1991)

Box-Office Entertainment Awards (Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation)

2008 Won 38th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Film Actor of the Year