At school, this child star feels like any other kid

Mikaell as Rambo in “Forever Young” —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

While homeschooling is a more practical educational approach for a child star top-billing a television series, Euwenn Mikaell still insists on attending regular classes when schedule permits, because it makes him feel he’s just like any other kid.

“Studying is important to him. He’s being homeschooled, but he’s persistent [about going to school]. He sits in class whenever he doesn’t have work. He enjoys it more. He feels like he’s really just a kid. He gets to play with his classmates and chat with his teachers,” Mikaell’s mother, Cristal Aleta, told Lifestyle.

For the 11-year-old actor, who’s in sixth grade, learning that people at school has seen his work on film and television couldn’t be more heartening.

“The entire school is proud and supportive of me… Of course, I feel happy because they recognize me and watch me,” said Mikaell, who enjoyed his career’s biggest break yet after winning best child performer at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for his role in “Firefly.”

His still blossoming career has been on the upswing. After “Firefly’s” triumphant run in cinemas and rounds at various award-giving bodies, he starred in the hit Netflix drama “Lolo and the Kid” in August, and now headlines the political comedy-drama series “Forever Young” on GMA 7.

But this early, Mikaell already knows all too well that show biz is a fickle industry, that he won’t be riding this wave of success forever. “I want to be a businessman in the future. I want to finish my studies, so I can be successful. I want to help my family and people in need,” he told Lifestyle.

Euwenn Mikaell and mom Cristal Aleta

Healthy environment

Taking care of a child star—and making sure he grows up in a healthy environment despite being under the spotlight—has been a tall responsibility, Aleta admitted. Sacrifices had to be made. But with her family’s support and understanding, they manage.

“A big chunk of my time as a mother has to be devoted to Euwenn. That’s why I always make an effort to make my older children understand what situation we’re in now. And I’m grateful because they’re all very understanding and supportive of Euwenn,” said Aleta, who has five other children.

“I’m also thankful that my older kids help me take care of the household,” she added. “It’s teamwork.”

The afternoon soap “Forever Young” has Mikaell plays Rambo, a man diagnosed with panhypopituitarism, a rare medical condition that may cause—among many things—growth problems and stunting, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In Rambo’s case, the affliction is so severe that he still looks 10, even if he’s already 25. That doesn’t hold him back, however, from pursuing his dreams of becoming a public servant, and finding his purpose in helping others.

Though homeschooled, Euwenn Mikaell attends classes whenever he can. — SPARKLE GMA ARTIST CENTER

Precocious

Many of his colleagues and show biz observers find Mikaell precocious for his age. But he never saw himself that way until people started pointing it out.

“I think it’s just that I grew up surrounded by grownups. I think I just got used to it. And I prefer talking to older people because I learn a lot from them,” he said.

But despite his perceived maturity, he’s still a kid after all. And acting like an adult, he said, was a challenge. “The deep words old people use, I had a tough time with. But thanks to my director (Gil Tejada) and acting coach (Mark Espinosa), I managed to deliver my lines,” he said.

If anything, Mikaell’s MMFF win—one of his mom’s proudest moments as a parent—is a reminder not to get complacent with his craft.

“It didn’t only give me more confidence, it also inspired me… challenged me to do even better in my next projects or roles,” he said. “Not everyone in this industry gets opportunities like that.”

“Seeing him win awards is something that’s still very new to us,” Aleta added.

And with everything Mikaell has achieved so far, Aleta sees to it that they don’t get to her son’s head. “I always remind him to pray. I remind him of himself, especially when interacting with people. He must be humble and respectful toward his coworkers, young or old,” she said.

Having Mikaell was something Aleta used to just pray for. Now, she’s blessed with a young man she couldn’t be more proud of.

“It still hasn’t sunk in. ‘Is this all real?’ I wonder sometimes. But in the end, I’m just thankful for everything happening to him and all the people who helped him out,” Aleta said.