Niño Muhlach: Alonzo is better than me

NIÑO Muhlach with son Alonzo

NIÑO Muhlach is passing the baton to his adorable son, Alonzo. The former “Child Wonder” is a stage father in a good way. I find it so endearing when he personally calls me up to make lambing (a loving request) to write about his “mini-me.” That’s how hands-on Onin is as a dad.

Alonzo top-bills Viva Films’ comedy horror film, “Wang Fam” (opens today). He portrays the son (Vey Wang) of Benjie Paras (Bu Wang) and Pokwang (Malu Wang). The wacky monster family tries hard to fit in. Even as an ogre, Alonzo is too cute for words.

Here’s my Q and A with Onin:

In what ways are you and Alonzo alike and different?

We are alike and different in so many ways. We both love to sing, but Alonzo dances better than me. We love to eat, but he’s already conscious about his diet and constantly reminds me to go on a diet, too… Physically, when I was his age, our facial features were exactly the same, but he’s much taller than me when I was a kid. It’s a good thing he took after his mom, who’s 5’8”.

How do you discipline Alonzo?

I talk to him with a stern voice just to let him know that I’m mad and explain to him what he did was wrong.

Which of his questions do you find hard to answer?

One really funny question that he asked me when he came along with me on a scuba-diving trip to Anilao, Batangas was: “Papa, did you see SpongeBob and Nemo while you were diving?” But the worst was when he asked me: “Papa, are you pregnant? Because you have a big tummy!” (laughs)

What acting tips did you give him?

He’s always watching the movies that I did when I was a child star. That’s where he got his facial expressions and knack for comedy. But he always comes out with his own style, which I think is better and that really amazes me.

When he reaches the awkward stage (between being a child star and a teen star), will you make him quit show biz?

Back in the day, it was advisable for a child star to quit or take a break during that awkward stage… that time when a kid is too old to be a child and too young to be an adult. But nowadays, lots of child stars have transitioned well without having to stop. A good example would probably be Nash Aguas. So it all depends if he still wants to continue acting when he reaches that age. I’d be here to support him.

What’s the most expensive thing Alonzo asked you to buy for him?

The most expensive will probably be his customized van, which we gave him on his 5th birthday… But he didn’t really ask for it… Aside from that, I guess it has just been toys, just like regular kids…

How do you make him calm down when he has a tantrum?

I cheer him up by taking him out. He loves going to playgrounds like Kidzania, but most of the time, a cone of ice cream is all it takes to cheer him up.

Paris concert attack

How uncanny that the name of the band, which had a concert at the Bataclan Hall in Paris on that dreadful Friday the 13th night is Eagles of Death Metal. Luckily, the band members were unscathed. But too bad, hordes of their fans were not spared by the terrorists.

How tragic for a diehard to die at his/her idol’s concert. My heart bleeds for Paris. It is a place that is etched in my heart, because I spent my happiest days there as a student.

The terrorists may have dimmed the City of Light but they can not extinguish its splendor. The French capital shall keep glowing even in the dark. Paris will never perish.

Personal

Come join our über fun Thursday Club tomorrow, 9 p.m. at the gig of my all-time fave band, True Faith, at Chivz Lounge Bar, G-strip Greenhills. Live it up and go bottoms up!