AJ Muhlach, Phoebe Walker seize the spotlight

AJ Muhlach (left) and Phoebe Walker

Although AJ Muhlach is proud to be the brother of Aga, he would rather be judged on his own merits. AJ sheds his boy-next-door image as Viva Films launches him as the newest action star in Toto Natividad’s “Double Barrel” (DB), which opens on Aug 9.

AJ is paired off with Phoebe Walker (2016 Metro Manila Film Festival best supporting actress). In the movie, they are called “mag-asawang tirador” since they help the police track down drug pushers.

Ah! Love in the time of drugs and extrajudicial killings.

Here’s my chat with AJ:

What advice did Aga give you about show biz? I should learn how to stand out from the crowd.

What’s the best part and toughest part of being a Muhlach? The toughest part is being too pressured to achieve the expectations of my family and the public. The best? The reunions, because we have a very big and loud family.

What makes you proud about your launching movie? The action stunts, to which I gave my all.

What turns you on and off in a girl? I go for neat and tidy girls. I don’t like girls with dirty nails.

What’s the naughtiest thing that you’ve done? I stole sexy pages from a magazine at a carwash when I was young.

Which of Aga’s films would you want to do a remake of? “All My Life.” It made a huge impact on me.

Here’s my chat with Phoebe:

After winning an award, are you pressured to outdo yourself? Yes. I feel like I’ve set myself a standard that I need to reach or surpass.

What do you think of the MMFF reverting to “commercial” films? I respect the selection committee’s decision to revert back to its commercial preference because, after all, show biz is still a business at the end of the day. But judging from last year’s results, there is a market for “unique” stories. Thus, for me, this year’s selection must be balanced.

What dangerous stunts did you perform in DB? I had to ride behind a professional stunt motorbike driver, while being chased by cars, and getting shot at.

What makes DB different from other action movies? The plot is timely and relevant to our society. It’s also based on a true story.

What do you find hard to understand about men? I’d rather not try to understand men and just let them be.

What’s the craziest thing that you’ve done for love? I once spent most of my savings to provide my partner a place to live.

What’s your ideal marriage proposal and dream wedding? Proposal: Anywhere beautiful, under the stars—and it must be romantic. Wedding: Manila Cathedral … I just the want the most important people in our lives to be there.

If you had to choose between love and career, which would you pick? At this point, I’d choose career. I’m young and there are goals I want to achieve. But balance is key. After being through a lot of drama, all I want is a happy heart.