Aga the Explorer

For his new show, Aga Muhlach sheds his playful, lover-boy image to try his hand at being a globetrotting host.

The 42-year-old former matinee idol couldn’t be more excited as he embarks on a two-week adventure in an undisclosed country where shooting soon begins.

“This is something new,” Aga told entertainment reporters during his send-off party recently at Borough, The Podium. “Basta pagsakay ko ng eroplano, game! Anything goes.”

In “Pinoy Explorer,” Aga surveys interesting places around the world and closely examines significant things he encounters along the way.

Journey with viewers

The best thing about the show, he said, is that the viewers will be part of his journey. “Kung ano ’yung first time ko na makikita or matututunan, kasama ko rin sila.”

According to director Rowell Santiago, the show has a feel similar to programs on National Geographic Channel, but specifically targets young people. It is more than a travelogue, Rowell added, as it has a bigger picture or core plot that dictates Aga’s next destinations.

To focus on “Pinoy Explorer,” Aga said he has taken a break from movies until 2012.

“Ito lang muna gagawin ko for this year,” revealed Aga, adding that he intends to give back the support extended to him by TV5. “Alam mo ’yung feeling na parang, ‘Ano pa ba gagawin ko?’ So ’yong paglipat ko sa TV5 tamang-tama kasi they’re new and enthusiastic. Nabuhayan din ako.”

More personal

Aga feels hosting could be a tricky task but, thanks to wife Charlene Gonzales’ encouragement, he feels confident about taking on the challenge. “‘Kayang-kaya mo ’yan,’ sabi niya sa ’kin. She’s very excited. Alam mo naman ’yon, laging naka-suporta sa ’kin.”

Although jittery about his hosting stint, Aga is eager to show his more personal side on the show. “Hindi ko alam kung ano’ng magiging reaksyon ng tao, but I’m happy dahil mas mapapalapit ako sa kanila at mas makikilala nila ako,” he said.

Rowell added that the show will capture Aga’s candid and unguarded moments during their shoot. “I want to show the real Aga, not someone portraying a character.”

For those curious about Aga’s first destination on the show, TV5 has launched a promo called “Nasaan si Aga?”

Participants may send in their guesses via SMS or Twitter until September 1 for a chance to win an iPad 2 or an Asian trip for two. Visit www.nasaansiaga.com.