Aga Muhlach


Ariel Aquino Muhlach, commonly known as Aga Muhlach, is a multi-award winning Filipino actor and product endorser.
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 with the success of the 1984 film Bagets, after which he became a popular matinee idol. He ran for a 2013 congressional seat in Bicol, but lost by almost 3,000 votes.
As of October 2015, during the 60th birthday of ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio, Muhlach confirmed that he has returned to original home network ABS-CBN after more than three years with TV5.

Biography

Early life

Aga Muhlach was born at 2:30 PM on August 12, 1969, at Galang Maternity Clinic in Santa Cruz, Manila to Alvaro Amador Muhlach and Anita Adies Aquino. He is one of 9 children, including three sisters: Arlene, Almira and Andrea and 5 brothers: Aj, Andrew, Anton, Aaron and Albert. 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 paternal grandfather, Álvaro Muhlach Agüera, was born in Barcelona, Spain, to Alejandro Muhlach Agüera and Enriqueta Agüera Iglesias, who were from Santander and Comillas, respectively both in Cantabria, but their ancestry originated from Asturias. His paternal grandmother’s father, Concepcion Borja Amador, was born in Xiamen, China, to a Chinese father and a Bicolano mother, from Goa, Camarines Sur.

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, 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 and Sana Maulit Muli with leading lady Lea Salonga, Bakit Pa Kita Minahal with Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez, Basta't Kasama Kita with Dayanara Torres, Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Iibigin with Aiko Melendez, and Dahil May Isang Ikaw with Regine Velasquez, as well as starring in more serious dramas: Nag-Iisang Bituin with Vilma Santos, Sinungaling Mong Puso with Gabby Concepcion, Bayarang Puso with Lorna Tolentino, and Sa Aking Mga Kamay 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, Da Pilya En Da Pilot, OK Fine Whatever, and the continuation of Oki Doki Dok, That's My Doc.
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 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.

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, Kris Aquino, Ruffa Gutierrez, Giselle Toengi. Mikee Coujangco, Regine Velasquez, Lorna Tolentino, Carmina Villaroel, Maricel Laxa, Dawn Zulueta, beauty queen Dayanara Torre,s Lea Salonga, Alice Dixson and Snooky Serna. 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 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.

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 May 2001. 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 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, less than a year after their engagement. They have twins named Atasha and Andres.

Legacy

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.

Filmography

Film

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
2018 Nominated Best Supporting Actor
FAMAS Award
Seven Sundays

2012 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award In the Name of Love
2009 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award When Love Begins...
2008 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award A Love Story
2006 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award Dubai
2005 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award All My Life
2004 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award Kung ako na lang sana
2000 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award Dahil may isang ikaw
1997 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award Bayarang puso
1996 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award Sana maulit muli
1994 Nominated Best Actor
FAMAS Award May minamahal
1993 Won Best Actor
FAMAS Award Sinungaling mong puso
1986 Nominated Best Supporting Actor
FAMAS Award Miguelito: Batang rebelde

FAP Awards, Philippines
2018 Won Best Actor
FAP Award
Seven Sundays
2013 Nominated Best Actor
FAP Award Of All the Things
2009 Nominated Best Actor
FAP Award When Love Begins...
2008 Nominated Best Actor
FAP Award A Love Story
1996 Nominated Best Actor
FAP Award Sana maulit muli

Gawad Urian Awards

2004 Nominated Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award Kung ako na lang sana
2003 Nominated Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award Kailangan kita
1996 Won Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award Sana maulit muli
1994 Nominated Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award May minamahal
1993 Nominated Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award Bakit labis kitang mahal
1992 Nominated Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award Akin ka magdusa man ako
1987 Won Best Supporting Actor
Gawad Urian Award Napakasakit, kuya Eddie
1986 Nominated Best Actor
Gawad Urian Award Miguelito: Batang rebelde

Golden Screen Awards, Philippines
2013 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Golden Screen Award Of All the Things
Won
Dekada Award
2012 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Golden Screen Award In the Name of Love
2006 Nominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Golden Screen Award Dubai
2004 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role
Golden Screen Award Kung ako na lang sana

Maria Clara Awards

2006 Won Best Actor
Maria Clara Award Dubai

Metro Manila Film Festival
2019 Nominated Best Actor
Festival Prize Miracle in Cell No.7

1993 Won Best Actor
Festival Prize May minamahal
1992 Won Best Actor
Festival Prize Bakit labis kitang mahal

Star Awards for Movies

2013 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year
Star Award Of All the Things
Nominated Darling of the Press
Special Award
2012 Won Movie Actor of the Year
Star Award In the Name of Love
Tied with Jorge Estregan for Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
2009 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year
Star Award When Love Begins...
2008 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year
Star Award A Love Story
2006 Won Movie Actor of the Year
Star Award Dubai

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
1994 Won Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role
YCC Award Hindi kita malilimutan
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
Box-Office Entertainment Awards
2008 Won 38th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Film Actor of the Year