Aga Muhlach recalls being down-and-out, looked down upon by actors: ‘Nasa baba ka na, aapakan ka pa’

By anne PasaJol Inquirer.net

AGA Muhlach looked back on his years in the showbiz industry and revealed that there were fellow actors who treated him unkindly when he was at a low point of his career.

During his and his wife Charlene Gonzalez’s interview with broadcaster Karen Davila, the actor recalled doing his first movie “Bagets” at age 13 and eventually “getting lost” because of the fame.

“Hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari then [the movie] became so big and I got so lost there. 14 years old solo na ako, nakatira na ako mag-isa and nagre-rent ako ng apartment,” he recounted.

(I did not know what was going to happen, then the movie became so big and I got so lost there. I was already living alone and renting an apartment when I was 14 years old.)

When asked why he left home at an early age, Muhlach admitted, “I just thought this was life already.”

“I thought this was the good life until you learn it [that] fame is different from finances. It does not mean na sikat ka, yayaman ka,” he continued. (Even if you are famous, it does not mean that you will be rich.)

Muhlach disclosed how he then came to a point when he had no money and was being

Davila kicked out of his place because he could not pay the bills and rent.

“Bagsak ako that’s why inayos ko ‘yung sarili ko (I was down, so I fixed myself).

In 1990, 1991, that’s when I said, ‘No, this is not right,’” he recalled. “I was really downand-out and there were actors before who would…talagang… grabe (really, it was too much).”

“Inapi ka (Did they mistreat you)?” Davila asked, to which he replied, “Grabe, oo.” (Yes, it was too much.)

While Muhlach opted not to name any specific actors, he said that this experience made him vow to himself that he would never be like those celebrities despite the fame.

“Kaya sabi ko, ‘pag sumikat talaga ako ulit, never kong gagawin ‘yon talaga. Kaya I’ve always been the kindest to any artist na kasama ko—bago, matanda,” he stated. “I learned from that kasi nakita ko ‘yung sakit nung ginawa sa akin ‘yung nasa baba ka na, aapakan ka pa.”

(That was why I told myself that when I rise to fame again, I will never do such. That’s why I have always been the kindest to any artist that I work with, may they be new or older celebrities. I learned from that [experience] because I felt how painful it is to be shoved further when you’re already at your lowest.)

The status quo will be shaken up as new personalities, bringing their own interests and intentions to the main narrative, enter the scene. It leads to some twists and turns that show how intricate Eileen and Bobby’s life is.

“True, ang daming nangyari (a lot has happened),” said Glaiza of how complex and dynamic her Eileen and Mike’s Bobby are, in terms of story and characterization, based on The Seed of Love’s trailer and music video presented during the recent virtual group interview. That’s why she and Mike were asked how they get and stay motivated in taking on emotionallydemanding roles.

The Seed of Love taping commenced back in 2020 and was halted by the pandemic. Good thing is, the new normal has given its cast and crew the chance to resume production.

“Minsan nawawalan na kami ng resources (Sometimes, we run out of resources),” shared Glaiza. “Some of the techniques that we use don’t work… but if you love what you’re doing, you remain motivated and I (also) just want to keep on growing.”

Glaiza and Mike will be known as the couple Eileen and Bobby, who consider starting a family via in-vitro fertilization, to viewers once the GMA 7’s The Seed of Love premieres on May 8. The Sparkle GMA actors take on the challenges of playing complex and dynamic characters and staying themselves motivated. All this shows their commitment to the craft.

What one could glean from the Kapuso actress’ train of thought is, an actor should find a source of motivation, which ranges from making the scene better and compelling to going home early, and is also subject to change every time.

“You can’t afford not to be motivated or not to have one (motivation),” said she.

However, on set, they both acknowledged the significant contributions of director Ricky Davao and fellow actors to be in the scene and surpass the challenges the latter presents.

“Of course, there’s the guidance of direk, who never gets tired of sharing what he thinks should be done in each scene, but he is not imposing it on you,” said Mike. “He would tell us, ‘It’s just my take, which serves as your guide.’ As actors, it’s still up to us (to consider it) and do (the scene and the character based on our understanding).”

With the trust Ricky, an actor’s director, has given to the cast, thespians, as Mike put it, will offer something new in their performances.

Even if some roles appear similar to previous ones, new dramatis personae have their own unique qualities and post challenges that real acting troupers like Glaiza and Mike willingly embrace.

“Nakaka-humble din yung experiences namin dito (We’ve had humbling experiences in the show). You can’t say that I’ve already