Showbiz Roundup: Sandro Muhlach and his alleged abusers; other stories

Sandro Muhlach, son of former child star Niño Muhlach, is in fighting form as he lodged a formal complaint against Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, who were identified as “independent contractors” working for GMA Network.

The complaint is a culmination of a blind item about GMA’s two consultants who allegedly sexually abused a young actor after the network’s recent gala night.

Here’s a look at the ongoing sexual assault case happening in the Kapuso network, along with the biggest entertainment news from July 26 to August 1.

Sandro Muhlach vs GMA’s ‘independent contractors’

Sandro Muhlach submitted a formal complaint to the management of GMA Network against its independent “contractors,” Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz.

“GMA Network has just received a formal complaint from Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach against two GMA independent contractors, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz,” the Kapuso network said in an official statement on Aug. 1.

“Recognizing the seriousness of the alleged incident, GMA Network had already initiated its own investigation even before receiving the formal complaint,” it continued.

GMA further noted that Sandro requested confidentiality, hence the “investigating body will withhold all details of the formal investigation until its conclusion,” and said it will exercise fairness and impartiality.

While there was no mention of the specific incident in the statement, it can be noted that GMA previously addressed the blind item about the network’s two consultants, who allegedly sexually abused a young actor after the network’s recent gala night.

Reports further claimed that the victim is the son of an actor from a known showbiz clan.

Speculations that this blind item referred to Sandro then arose, further fueled by Niño and his wife’s cryptic posts about seeking “justice.” Sandro also shared a religious quote about the “helpless.”

Sandro hails from a huge family of entertainers. His father was a former child star before transitioning to teen and adult roles. His half-brother Alonzo was also a child actor, while the family on his father’s side counts as members the likes of grandmother and the “Queen of Philippine movies, Amalia Fuentes; his grandfather and Fuentes’ brother Alexander, who was also an actor for a time; the late Liezel Martinez and her husband, Albert Martinez, who is still active in showbiz; and, uncle and aunts Aga Muhlach, and Arlene and Almira Muhlach, who are all siblings.

Niño Muhlach speaks up for Sandro

Before GMA went public about Sandro Muhlach’s formal complaint, the latter’s father Niño Muhlach sparked intrigue among netizens after sharing a fierce remark aimed at certain individuals he did not immediately name.

The actor took to his Facebook page on July 31, to say: “Inumpisahan nyo, tatapusin ko!”

While Niño did not elaborate on whom he was addressing in his post, netizens concluded that it was about his son Sandro, who had just joined show business, with many of the netizens commenting for justice to be served.

Some Facebook users also alluded to “GMA” and certain “executives,” although no explanation was immediately stated.

Subsequently, GMA released a statement addressing rumors about two consultants hired by the network who allegedly sexually abused a young actor after the network’s recent gala night.

Niño’s second wife Diane Abby Tupaz and his sister Alyssa also spoke about fighting for justice on their respective social media platforms.

Alexa Gutierrez, 38

Alexa Gutierrez, wife of former child star Elvis Gutierrez died on July 27 after a short but valiant battle with leukemia, or cancer of the blood, according to her family.

Born Alexandra Joelle Uichico on July 1, 1986, Alexa’s death was announced by Gutierrez’s elder sister, actress Ruffa Gutierrez on her Instagram account on July 28.

“I am still trying to process and accept that you are no longer with us. It’s so hard… Words cannot express how heartbroken and shocked I am. I love you so much my beautiful, irreplaceable Alexa. You will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart. Until we cross paths again,” Ruffa said in her post.

The announcement described Alexa as a “loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.”

Along with the official family announcement of death, Ruffa likewise attached several photos of Alexa with herself during happier times, as well as when the latter shaved her head amid her battle with the disease.

Alexa, a member of the landed Uichico clan of Iloilo, and a former model before she was an entrepreneur, left behind her husband and their two daughters, Aria and Ezra, with her death.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez is the son of show biz royalty Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, and an elder brother to the twins, actor Richard and host Raymond Gutierrez. He became a child star but left the business soon after finding it not to his liking.

Alexa’s wake took place at the Santuario De San Antonio, Forbes Park, McKinley Road in Makati City from July 29 to 31, while her inurnment occurred on August 1.

Juliana graduates cum laude from UP

Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres were beaming with pride as they attended the graduation of their only child, Juliana, who finished college with Latin honors.

Richard documented the University of the Philippines’ commencement ceremony through a video on his Instagram page on July 29.

In the caption, the actor-turned-politician turned sentimental as he recalled Juliana’s first day in school.

“I vividly remember your first day in school as a young child. I drove you to your school near the house, you were in a white shirt and jeans in rubber shoes,” he addressed his daughter. “Look at you now all grown up and a college graduate in Public Administration at the UP Diliman and a Cum Laude. Congratulations ‘day!”

Richard admitted that he and Torres couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with emotions during Juliana’s graduation.

Aside from being cum laude, Juliana also earned achievements as a member of the UP Fencing Team. She was the individual women’s epee champion at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in seasons 85 and 86.

In 2022, Juliana also emerged as the champion in a fencing competition held in Thailand.

In a separate Instagram post, Juliana said it’s an honor to be an “Iskolar-Atleta ng Bayan” while thanking the university for the experiences and friendships she made.

Kyline Alcantara with Kobe Paras and his family

Kyline Alcantara appears to already share a good relationship with Kobe Paras’ family, as she was seen together with the latter’s dad and brother, actors Benjie and Andre Paras.

The four of them, alongside Andre’s non-showbiz girlfriend Honey Escarez, were coming out of a room of an establishment and were met by employees asking for photos, as shown in the videos shared by TikTok user @poppie016.16 on July 26.

In one of the clips, the actress was fixing Kobe’s hair. The pair—who were all smiles while greeting those who were taking photos of them—also held each other’s hand while heading out of the establishment with Benjie, Andre, and Escarez.

Alcantara and Kobe first sparked dating speculations in May. They have since been spotted together in several instances including when they went out in Taguig; when they attended a birthday party; when the actress went to the opening event of Kobe’s tattoo shop; and when they graced the recently held GMA Gala.

However, during the GMA Gala, Alcantara and Kobe insisted that they were only “great friends” for now.

Nonetheless, the pair has the support of Benjie who said that he is happy for his youngest son with Jackie Forster.