Birth name Ariel Aquino Muhlach NationalityPhilippines Birth 12 august 1969 (54 years) at Manila City (Philippines) Awards Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Award, Gawad Urian Awards
Ariel Aquino Muhlach (born August 12, 1969), commonly known as Aga Muhlach, is a multi-award winning Filipino actor and product endorser. He is considered as one of the top dramatic actors in the Philippines.
He was introduced to the entertainment industry using his real name "Ariel Muhlach" at the age of seven when he appeared in the 1975 film May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi and the 1976 film, Babaing Hiwalay Sa Asawa, but he only became well known (under his new screen name "Aga Muhlach") with the success of the 1984 film Bagets, after which he became a popular matinee idol.
Biography
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.
Acting career
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, J.C. Bonin, 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 hisfinances and was often without money.
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 prenancy 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 was the sixth-placed contestant. 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.
Directed byJoyce Bernal OriginPhilippines GenresComedy, Romantic comedy, Romance ActorsRégine Velásquez, Aga Muhlach, Rachelle Ann Go, John Lapus, Mark Bautista, Nikki Echieverri Bacólod Roles Umboy Rating74% Muhlach plays the role of Umboy, a notary public attorney who earns a living by notarizing important documents and other papers. Velasquez plays the role of Berns, a professional documents fixer. Every time Berns needs a notary public, she goes to Umboy to "legalize" her documents. Umboy is not a fan of Berns fixing documents. Their different ideology and principles in life are the causes of friction between the characters. However, with friction came attraction. How will these two get along? How will they deal with the tense attraction? See the movie and find out.
, 2h2 Directed byOlivia Lamasan OriginPhilippines GenresDrama ThemesDance films ActorsAngel Locsin, Aga Muhlach, Jake Cuenca, Carmi Martin, Ryan Eigenmann, Kat Alano Roles Emman Toledo Rating64% With barely anything to live for, Emman Toledo (Aga Muhlach), a former dancer, is just about to start his life all over again. He holds the good memories of his past dearly, knowing he will never be able to bring back his better days. An unlikely opportunity comes up when he is assigned to be the dance instructor for the upcoming Governor's Ball of the powerful political family of the Evelinos, a chance for him to rekindle his lost passion.
, 1h45 Directed byJose Javier Reyes OriginPhilippines GenresDrama, Romance ActorsAga Muhlach, Anne Curtis, Boots Anson-Roa, Jon Avila, AJ Dee, Christopher de Leon Roles Ben Caballero Rating50% Benedicto "Ben" Caballero is an environmentalist who disapproves of deforestation for villages in mountainous regions in the country. He is more concerned of the environment than that of getting along with his siblings. It is revealed that he was a former lawyer and that he quit because of a matter between right or wrong, and not about winning or losing. He focuses on nature-for him, it's all about saving the planet.
Directed byRory Quintos GenresDrama, Romance ActorsAga Muhlach, John Lloyd Cruz, Claudine Barretto, Ana Capri, Michael De Mesa, John Manalo Roles Raffy Rating62% Raffy and Andrew were orphaned as kids and had only each other to depend on. Raffy has spent the last nine years of his life working in Dubai. His ultimate goal is to fulfill a lifelong dream: to eventually move to Canada with his younger brother, Andrew. The Alvarez brothers are finally united when Andrew goes to Dubai.
, 1h50 OriginPhilippines GenresDrama, Romance ActorsAga Muhlach, Kristine Hermosa, Ricky Davao, Ces Quesada, Dimples Romana, Bernard Palanca Roles Sam Rating68% Sam and Louie meet aboard the Star Cruise. Despite being strangers and complete opposites, with Sam (Aga Muhlach) being carefree and Louie (Kristine Hermosa) being obsessive-compulsive, they become unlikely acquaintances and eventually friends. Both pained on carrying life’s baggage before they took the cruise, Sam and Louie will never be the same person again after. For once in Louie’s rigid life, she is living for the moment and Sam lets his free spirit enjoy the ride. But once back to their usual lives, fate sets in.
Directed byRory Quintos OriginPhilippines GenresDrama, Romance ActorsClaudine Barretto, Aga Muhlach, Jericho Rosales, Johnny Delgado, Liza Lorena, Dante Rivero Roles Carl Diesta Rating70% New York-based celebrity chef Carl Diesta is coming home to the Philippines after being away for seventeen long years to marry his fiancee, supermodel Chrissy Duran, in her hometown of Albay province in the Bicol region. With Chrissy still being held up somewhere in Europe for a photo shoot, Carl has to meet her family by himself and instantly impresses everyone except for Chrissy's father, Papay Rogelio. Here Carl gets to meet Chrissy's other sister - Lena. Through Lena, Carl has now come to terms with his forcibly forgotten identity - both as a son and as a Filipino. Lena has also awaken a love in Carl that he has never felt before.
Directed byOlivia Lamasan OriginPhilippines GenresDrama, Romance ActorsLea Salonga, Aga Muhlach, William Martinez, Rosemarie Sonora, Cherry Pie Picache, Tommy Abuel Roles Jerry Rating71% Agnes is a meek and dependent girl living with her long-time boyfriend Jerry. When she is invited to live with her estranged mother in California, Jerry pushes her to go through with the trip despite her protests, for him to focus on his work and build his career as an advertising executive. Agnes struggles to survive in the US and tries several times to return to the country, but Jerry insists on prolonging her stay as he struggles to save up for their marriage and support his parents and siblings. He encourages her to get a job and Agnes starts working as a caregiver. Agnes tries to convince Jerry to let her return again and reasons that she has the money to support herself but Jerry insists that as the man of the relationship, he should be capable of supporting her. Jerry starts to avoid Agnes, stressing Agnes out more. The long distance puts a strain on their relationship and ultimately ends when a scared and distraught Agnes is unable to contact Jerry after being put in danger one night. Time passes and Agnes becomes more independent and outgoing, working hard until she lands a job as a real estate agent. Meanwhile, Jerry travels to the US and visits Agnes, with the intention of getting her back. Jerry is overwhelmed by the cultural difference of the US and the Philippines, Agnes' success in her career, and the changes in Agnes herself. Despite this, they still manage to mend their relationship, but Jerry accepts that he is simply unsuited for the kind of lifestyle they have in the US. He leaves Agnes and decides to come home.
Directed byJose Javier Reyes OriginPhilippines GenresDrama, Romance ActorsAga Muhlach, Aiko Melendez, Boots Anson-Roa, Ronaldo Valdez, Agot Isidro, John Estrada Roles Carlitos Rating70% Only son, Carlitos, suddenly finds himself the man of an all-female household when his father dies of a heart attack. He falls in love with an offbeat girl and is forced to make a choice between following his heart or risk losing the love of the family which has nurtured him all his life.
OriginPhilippines GenresDrama, Comedy, Romance ActorsWilliam Martinez, Herbert Bautista, Raymond Lauchengco, Aga Muhlach, Eula Valdez, Yayo Aguila Roles Adie Rating70% The movie focuses on the lives of five young boys - boy next door Adie, "overstaying" Tonton, the geeky Gilbert, the martial arts buff Toffee, and rich guy Arnel - as they try to pass senior year in a different high school (they were kicked out from their previous school). Along the way, they encounter some of the typical adventures and misadventures common to adolescents - young love, family problems, and sexual hijinks.