Aga Muhlach | |
|---|---|
 Muhlach in 2024 | |
| Born | Ariel Aquino Muhlach (1969-08-12)August 12, 1969 (age 55) Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines[1] |
| Alma mater | San Beda College, Manila |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Agent | Viva Artists Agency |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Political party | Independent (2015-present) |
| Other political affiliations | Liberal (2012–2015) |
| Spouse | [2] |
| Children | 3, includingAtasha &Andrés[2] |
| Relatives | AJ Muhlach (half-brother) Niño Muhlach (cousin) Alonzo Muhlach (nephew) Amalia Fuentes (aunt) Liezl Martinez (cousin) |
| Awards | See Awards and nominations |
Ariel Aquino Muhlach[3] (Tagalog pronunciation:[ˈmulak]; born August 12, 1969), popularly known asAga Muhlach, is a Filipino actor.[4] Regarded as the "King of Romance-Drama"[5] and the Philippines' Original Heartthrob,[6] he has received numerous local and international accolades throughout his career, includingStar Awards,Maria Clara Awards, andFAMAS Award.
He debuted in entertainment using his real name Ariel Muhlach at age 7 when he appeared in the 1975 filmMay Isang Tsuper ng Taksi and the 1976 film,Babaing Hiwalay Sa Asawa,[7] but he only became well known (under his new screen name "Aga Muhlach") with the success of the 1984 filmBagets,[8] after which he became a popular matinee idol.[4] He also unsuccessfully ran for a 2013 congressional seat inCamarines Sur.
In October 2015, Muhlach confirmed his return to his original home networkABS-CBN after more than three years withTV5.
He is well known for his roles in films likeBakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992),Sa Aking mga Kamay (1996),Nag-iisang Bituin andBasta't Kasama Kita (1995) andBayarang Puso (1996) before becoming a romantic male lead in the late 1990s and 2000s as well asIn the Name of Love in 2011 andFirst Love in 2018.
Aga Muhlach was born on August 1, 1969, at Galang Maternity Clinic inSanta Cruz,Lubao to Álvaro Amador Muhlach (January 16, 1947[citation needed]- May 12, 2018) and Anita Adis Aquino (May 26, 1949 - November 18, 2007). He is one of nine children: sisters Arlene, Almira and Andrea and brothersAJ, Andrew, Anton, Aaron and Albert.[1][3] He finished high school atAquinas School[9] inSan Juan City, and enteredSan Beda College to study Commerce. He dropped out of school to focus on acting.[10]
Muhlach is from a prominent show business family. His father is the younger brother of former actressAmalia Fuentes; his cousinNiño Muhlach was the leading child actor of the 1970s; his brother AJ Muhlach was a member of theboy bandXLR8 and his two sisters, Almira and Arlene, are also actresses.[11]
His family hasSpanish (Asturian),German andChinese roots. His paternal grandfather, Álvaro Muhlach Agüera, was born inBarcelona,Spain, to Alejandro Muhlach Agüera and Enriqueta Agüera Iglesias, who were fromSantander andComillas, respectively both inCantabria, but their ancestry originated fromAsturias. His paternal grandmother Concepción Borja Amador was born inXiamen,China, to a Chinese father and aBicolano mother fromGoa,Camarines Sur.
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.[7] At this time, he was still using his real name in the credits. He also appeared in the 1980 filmAguila which starredFernando Poe Jr. andChristopher de Leon.[4]
At age 14, Muhlach was cast as one of the male leads inViva Entertainment's 1984 film,Bagets. The film, which is about typical teenage life in the 80s, also starredWilliam Martinez,Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin andRaymond Lauchengco. As the majority of the target audience could relate to the story, the film was a success,[8][12] and Muhlach became a popular matinee idol.[4]
As a result of his popularity, he was cast in the title role inMiguelito, ang Batang Rebelde, in which he portrayed a rebellious teenager in conflict with his mother.[13] He was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" in theFAMAS Awards,[14] and "Best Actor" in theGawad Urian Awards.[4][15]
He was paired withJanice de Belen in the 1986 film,Super-Wan-Tu-Tri, alongsideTito Sotto,Vic Sotto andJoey de Leon.[16] 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.[17]
Amid an emerging generation of younger actors, Muhlach took on the challenge of more mature roles, increasing his stock as one of the Philippines' top matinee idols.[4] Hiring publicist Ethel Ramos as his manager, he developed into one of the top dramatic actors of the 1990s.[18]
He was the male lead in the light-heartedchick flick filmsBakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992) andSana Maulit Muli (1995) with leading ladyLea Salonga,Bakit Pa Kita Minahal (1994) withKris Aquino andRuffa Gutierrez,Basta't Kasama Kita (1995) withDayanara Torres,May Minamahal (1993) andIkaw Pa Rin Ang Iibigin (1998) withAiko Melendez, andDahil May Isang Ikaw (1999) withRegine Velasquez, as well as starring in more serious dramas:Nag-Iisang Bituin (1994) withVilma Santos,Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992) withGabby Concepcion,Bayarang Puso (1996) withLorna Tolentino, andSa Aking Mga Kamay (1996) withChristopher de Leon among others.
He also branched out into TVsitcoms including his first as a lead inABS-CBN'sOki Doki Doc from 1993 to 2000.[19] The series had a film spin-off entitledOki Doki Doc: The Movie produced byStar Cinema in 1996.[20]
In the 2000s, Muhlach appeared in television series such asDa Body En Da Guard (2001),Da Pilya En Da Pilot (2001),OK Fine Whatever (2003), and the continuation ofOki Doki Doc,That's My Doc (2007).
In 2001, he appeared in another movie with Regine Velasquez, "Pangako Ikaw Lang."
In 2009, he ventured into music when he participated in the all-star recording for the benefit ofTyphoon Ketsana, locally known asOndoy, titledKaya Natin Ito! along with other OPM artists.
After 18 years atABS-CBN, Muhlach transferred to TV5 in 2011 to focus more on hosting.[21] His last project with ABS-CBN wasM3: Malay Mo Ma-develop in 2010, andIn the Name of Love withStar Cinema.
In 2013, discussions arose over Muhlach teaming up with his former leading actress,Lea Salonga for the third time.[22]
In 2024, Muhlach and his family announced that they will star as the Persival family in the sitcomDa Pers Family, directed by Danni Caparas and produced byTV5,Cignal TV,Studio Viva, andSari-Sari Network.[23][24]
In2013, Muhlach ran for a seat in theHouse of Representatives to representCamarines Sur's4th district under the then-rulingLiberal Party.[25] However, he lost toFelix William Fuentebella, son of outgoing representativeArnulfo Fuentebella and a member of apolitical dynasty, by almost 3,000 votes.[26] He filed an electoral protest before theHouse of Representatives Electoral Tribunal on June 4, 2013, alleging that there was massive vote buying, ballot tampering or errors on vote-counting machines in seven municipalities under the district.[27][28] However, it was later dismissed as he and Fuentebella mutually agreed to drop the case.[29]
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[30]
Muhlach is considered one of the most bankable actors in the Philippine entertainment industry.[31] 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 asLea Salonga,Sharon Cuneta,Claudine Barretto,Maricel Soriano,Angel Locsin,Regine Velasquez,Kris Aquino,Aiko Melendez,Anne Curtis and recentlyBea Alonzo andBela Padilla. 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.[32]
Early in his acting career, he was often rejected for roles. For example,Lily Monteverde, aRegal Films producer turned him down many times after talent manager Douglas Quijano introduced Muhlach and the filmBagets to her.[12] Muchlach also had financial problems and was often without money.[33] In the early 1990s, he received upbeat projects In 1992. Lily Monteverde producedSinungaling Mong Puso with Vilma Santos, which gained Aga Muhlach his Best Supporting Actor. He also gained notoriety for his on and off again relationship with Janice De Belen as they starred inPakasalan Mo Ako with co-stars John Estrada and Gabby Concepcion. From 1990-99, he was the highest paid actor in the Philippines, paired with Aiko Melendez inMay Minamahal, (1994, 1997) Kris Aquino (1993, 1994),Ruffa Gutierrez,G. Toengi (1999),Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (1994, 1998)Regine Velasquez, (1999, 2001, 2012) Lorna Tolentino, (1996) Carmina Villaroel, (1994, 1996) Maricel Laxa, (1994) Dawn Zulueta, (1993) beauty queenDayanara Torres (1995)Lea Salonga, (1992, 1995) Alice Dixson and Snooky Serna (1991). In the 2000s he worked with controversial sex goddess Joyce Jimenez in 2001 on the sitcom TVDa Body en Da Guard and even in the rom-com film "Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang Latest?" In 2001, he starred in the box office hitPangako Ikaw Lang with Velasquez. In 2002, he starred with future box office actressesClaudine Barretto inKailangan Kita in 2002, and Dubai 2005, Sharon Cuneta inKung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003),Kristine Hermosa inAll My Life 2004, Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban inA Love Story (2007) and 2008 with Anne Curtis inWhen Love Begins. In the 2010s he starred inIn The Name of Love with Angel Locsin as well asMiracle in Cell No. 7 with Bela Padilla.
In 1986, Muhlach, 17, decided to have a child withJanice de Belen after the two were paired in the filmSuper-Wan-Tu-Tri. De Belen announced her pregnancy on primetime television and said Muhlach had asked her to marry him, but that she refused as they were still young.[34] Muhlach's father was also against the marriage because of their ages.[35] De Belen gave birth to Luigi "Igi Boy" Muhlach, Muhlach's first child.[36]
Muhlach has been linked to actressesAgot Isidro, Melissa Fernandez,Gretchen Barretto andMikee Cojuangco.
In 1993, he was datingAiko Melendez during the shooting of their movieMay Minamahal but after their relationship ended, he was linked romantically withPuerto Rican formerMiss Universe and 1995 filmBasta't Kasama Kita leading actressDayanara Torres.[37] Reports said Muhlach intended to follow Torres to Puerto Rico and marry her, but chose his acting career over his personal life. The couple dated for three to four years.[18]
Muhlach marriedCharlene Gonzalez in May 2001.[33] They started dating only after he asked for her parents' permission to get engaged to her. They met through Gonzalez' cousin and his former co-star J.C. Bonnin when the latter was 16. They met again during the 1994Binibining Pilipinas pageant, in which he was a judge, and she won as Binibing Pilipinas–Universe. She was also his co-star inOki Doki Doc, where they became friends. They got married on May 28, 2001, in St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Pacdal,Baguio, less than a year after their engagement. They have twins named Atasha and Andres.[2]
In July 2024, Muhlach's wife and twin children joined him in starring in theTV5 sitcomDa Pers Family.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi | |
| 1976 | Babaing Hiwalay sa Asawa | |
| 1980 | Aguila | Danielito Aguila |
| 1984 | Erpat Kong Forgets | |
| Bagets | Adie | |
| Ibulong Mo sa Puso | ||
| Paano Ba ang Magmahal? | ||
| Campus Beat | RED | |
| Hotshots | ||
| 1985 | Miguelito: Batang Rebelde | Miguelito/Mike |
| The Crazy Professor | ||
| Oks Na Oks Pakner | ||
| Super Wan-Tu-Tri | Abel | |
| 1986 | When I Fall in Love | |
| Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie | Dino | |
| Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita | Joel | |
| Bakit Madalas ang Tibok ng Puso? | Ricky | |
| 1987 | Bunsong Kerubin | Efren |
| Topo-Topo Barega | Efren | |
| 1988 | Rosa Mistica | Mike |
| Lord, Bakit Ako Pa? | ||
| 1989 | My Pretty Baby | Bobby |
| Hot Summer | ||
| Here Comes the Bride | ||
| Impaktita | Jessie | |
| Irosin: Pagputok ng Araw, Babaha ng Dugo | ||
| 1990 | Too Young | Montilla |
| 1991 | Pakasalan Mo Ako | Jerry |
| Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntinlupa | Joey Boy | |
| I Want to Live | ||
| 1992 | Ang Katawan ni Sofia | Arnold |
| Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal | Tommy | |
| Sinungaling Mong Puso | Jason | |
| 1993 | Ms. Dolora X | |
| Humanda Ka Mayor!: Bahala Na ang Diyos | ||
| Hindi Kita Malilimutan | Nestor | |
| Guwapings Dos | Chappy | |
| Akin Ka, Magdusa Man Ako | ||
| Abel Morado: Ikaw Ang May Sala | Abel Morado | |
| Paniwalaan Mo | ||
| May Minamahal | Carlitos | |
| 1994 | Bakit Pa Kita Minahal | Jet |
| Forever | Chito | |
| Nag-Iisang Bituin | Miggy | |
| 1995 | Basta't Kasama Kita | Alex |
| Sana Maulit Muli | Jerry Morales | |
| 1996 | Oki Doki Dok: The Movie | Doc Aga |
| Kristo | Possessed young man | |
| Bayarang Puso | Martin Villanueva | |
| Ikaw ang Mahal Ko | Himself | |
| Sa Aking Mga Kamay | Gene Rivera | |
| 1998 | Ikaw Pa Rin ang Iibigin | Sonny Lerma |
| Dahil Ba sa Kanya | Jed Espinosa | |
| 1999 | Hinahanap-Hanap Kita | Bryan |
| Dahil May Isang Ikaw | Andrew Castro | |
| 2001 | Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang L8est | Popoy |
| Pangako...Ikaw Lang | Vince | |
| 2002 | Kailangan Kita | Carl Diesta |
| 2003 | Kung Ako na Lang Sana | Enteng |
| 2004 | All My Life | Sam |
| 2005 | Dubai | Raffy Alvarez |
| 2007 | A Love Story | Ian Montes |
| 2008 | When Love Begins | Ben Caballero |
| 2010 | RPG: Metanoia | Daddy (Voice) |
| 2011 | In the Name of Love | Emman Toledo |
| 2012 | Of All the Things | Umboy |
| 2017 | Seven Sundays | Allan Bonifacio |
| 2018 | First Love | Nick Gutierrez |
| 2019 | Nuuk | Mark |
| Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Joselito "Lito" Gopez | |
| 2023 | Martyr or Murderer | olderBongbong Marcos |
| 2024 | Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko | Michael |
| Uninvited | Guilly Vega |
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–1996 | Lovingly Yours, Helen | GMA Network | |
| 1986–1995 | Vilma On Seven | ||
| 1987 | Hapi House! | Rocky | IBC |
| 1993–2000 | Oki Doki Doc | Dr. Agaton "Doc Aga" Villaluz | ABS-CBN |
| 1993–2001 | Star Drama Presents | ||
| 1995–2010; 2016–present | ASAP | ||
| 1998 | Magandang Tanghali Bayan | Himself (Guest performer) | |
| 2001 | Da Body en da Guard | ||
| Da Pilya en da Pilot | |||
| 2002–2004 | OK Fine Whatever | Michael | |
| 2004–2006 | OK Fine, 'To ang Gusto Nyo! | Michael | |
| 2005 | Wowowee | ||
| 2006 | OK Fine, Oh Yes | ||
| 2007–2008 | That's My Doc | Dr. Agaton "Doc Aga" Abogado | |
| 2008 | Matanglawin | ||
| 2009 | It's Showtime | ||
| 2010 | M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop) | Jose Maria "JM" Benicio III | |
| 2011–2013 | Pinoy Explorer | Himself (Host) | TV5 |
| 2013–2014 | Let's Ask Pilipinas | Himself (Host) | |
| 2016 | Magandang Buhay | ABS-CBN | |
| Pinoy Boyband Superstar | Himself (Judge) | ||
| 2017 | Tonight with Boy Abunda | ||
| 2019 | Gandang Gabi Vice | ||
| 2020 | Wowowin | Himself (Guest co-host) | GMA Network |
| Masked Singer Pilipinas | Himself (Judge) | TV5 | |
| 2022 | Suntok sa Buwan | Jimmy Boy | |
| 2022–present | Tara Game, Agad Agad! Level Up | Himself (Host) | Net 25 |
| 2024–present | Da Pers Family | Aga Persival | Various |
He is one of the male celebrities who are in-demand for advertising contracts.[33] One of his advertisements is withJollibee, in which he is a longtime commercial endorser of the fast food chain. In addition, he is the founder ofMaAga Ang Pasko, an annual Christmas gift giving event of Jollibee starting in 1994, wherein people can donate things such as toys and clothes.[38][39]
The following is an incomplete list of his former and present commercials and product endorsements:[40]
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FAMAS Awards
2018 Nominated Best Supporting ActorFAMAS AwardSeven Sundays (2017)
2012NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardIn the Name of Love (2011)
2009NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardWhen Love Begins... (2008)
2008NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardA Love Story (2007)
2006NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardDubai (2005)
2005NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardAll My Life (2004)
2004NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardKung ako na lang sana (2003)
2000NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardDahil may isang ikaw (1999)
1997NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardBayarang puso (1996)
1996NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardSana maulit muli (1995)
1994NominatedBest ActorFAMAS AwardMay minamahal (1993)
1993WonBest ActorFAMAS AwardSinungaling mong puso (1992)
1986NominatedBest Supporting ActorFAMAS AwardMiguelito: Batang rebelde (1985)
FAP Awards, Philippines
2018 Won Best ActorFAP AwardSeven Sundays (2017)
2013NominatedBest ActorFAP AwardOf All the Things (2012)
2009NominatedBest ActorFAP AwardWhen Love Begins... (2008)
2008NominatedBest ActorFAP AwardA Love Story (2007)
1996NominatedBest Actor FAP Award:Sana Maulit Muli (1995)
Gawad Urian Awards
2004NominatedBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003)
2003NominatedBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Kailangan Kita (2002)
1996WonBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Sana Maulit Muli (1995)
1994NominatedBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:May Minamahal (1993)
1993NominatedBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992)
1992NominatedBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Akin Ka Magdusa Man Ako (1993)
1987WonBest Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie (1986)
1986NominatedBest Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award:Miguelito: Batang Rebelde (1985)
Golden Screen Awards, Philippines
2013WonBest Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy) Golden Screen Award:Of All the Things (2012)
WonDekada Award
2012WonBest Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Golden Screen Award:In the Name of Love (2011)
2006NominatedBest Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Golden Screen Award:Dubai (2005)
2004WonBest Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Musical or Comedy) Golden Screen Award:Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003)
Maria Clara Awards
2006WonBest Actor Maria Clara Award:Dubai (2005)
Metro Manila Film Festival
2019 Nominated Best Actor Festival Prize:Miracle in Cell No. 7
1993WonBest Actor Festival Prize:May Minamahal (1993)
1992WonBest Actor Festival Prize:Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992)
Star Awards for Movies
2013NominatedMovie Actor of the Year Star Award:Of All the Things (2012)
Nominated Darling of the PressSpecial Award
2012WonMovie 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 NominatedMovie Actor of the Year Star AwardWhen Love Begins... (2008)
2008NominatedMovie Actor of the Year Star AwardA Love Story (2007)
2006WonMovie Actor of the Year Star AwardDubai (2005)
PMPC Star Awards For TV
2014 Won Best Travel Program Host Star Award Pinoy Explorer (TV5, 2014)
Young Critics Circle, Philippines
1996NominatedBest Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting RoleYCC AwardSana maulit muli (1995)
1994WonBest Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting RoleYCC AwardHindi kita malilimutan (1993)
1992WonBest Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting RoleYCC AwardJoey Boy Munti, 15 anyos ka sa Muntilupa (1991)
Box-Office Entertainment Awards (Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation)
2008 Won38th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Film Actor of the Year[41][42]
Samantala, mula sa Studio Viva at MQuest, ang kuwento ng 'Da Pers Family' ay iikot sa nakakaaliw na kwento ng Persival family na may bakery na tinawag nilang The Bake Haus of You.
Media related toAga Muhlach (actor) at Wikimedia Commons