Maturity becomes Aga Muhlach

MUHLACH. Reunites with Regine Velasquez in “Of All The Things.”

WE always look forward to our occasional chats with Aga Muhlach. Initially, he may seem elusive, but if you give him enough time to warm up, the country’s top heartthrob will bowl you over with his warmth and no-holds-barred candor.

Early this week, we talked to Aga again to discuss Joyce Bernal’s “Of All The Things,” his latest movie with Regine Velasquez (it opens next week). The actor is pleased to return to the rom-com genre that catapulted him to superstar status.

Winning ways

His latest movie is a light and breezy romantic charmer that follows two “losers” who discover winning ways with each other—a breather from his award-winning turn in last year’s heavy drama, “In The Name of Love.”

He shares, “Regine and I act our age in the movie, kaya hindi mukhang pilit at nagpapa-cute ang pelikula. This allows us to do away with the pa-tweetum and pakwela shtick of most romantic comedies. I play a law-school graduate who flunks the bar—so, as I contemplate my next move, I work as a (fake) notary public. That’s how I meet Regine’s character, who’s a kooky, social-climbing fixer—and all hell breaks loose!”

The first time we interviewed Aga a couple of years ago, we were struck by how serious he could be—a far cry from the laid-back, easy-go-lucky guy we thought he was. Then, when we spoke to his Ate Arlene for another article, we discovered that there was indeed more to the acclaimed actor than his formidable acting chops and dashing, good looks.

Back then, he impressed us with spot-on answers about politics and—ehem—how he avoids the bevy of pretty girls who hovers around him. He also told us then that he didn’t think movie stars should enter politics. But, there’s talk that Aga just might join the political fray next year (in CamSur).

What made him change his mind? Does he intend to follow in the footsteps of Vilma Santos, another superstar-turned-topnotch politician? (The well-loved Governor of Batangas is so good at her job that, last Wednesday, she was honored with the 2012 Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award.)

With “fire in his belly,” the actor replies, “Let’s wait and see. I don’t see why I should get into this if my intentions aren’t good. I still have three weeks to come up with a final decision. It won’t be easy, but Charlene (Gonzales, his wife) has been supportive of my newfound ‘advocacy’ and passion. I know I can do more than just entertain people—I want to be with them and do something more concrete.”

Partiality

After “Of All The Things,” what’s up next for Aga? He answers with “winking” laughter, “I just might do an indie. These days, that’s where the challenging roles are—so, why not?,” he beams.  After much prodding, he clued us in on the kind of projects he’s cooking up: “There’s one about an alcoholic—and another one about a soldier.”

What recent movie impressed him? His quick reply: “I really liked ‘Magic Mike,’ Steven Soderbergh’s controversial drama about male strippers, starring Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer. Ang galing ng execution, at hindi bastos—it makes you want to go up the stage and join the actors!” —Now wouldn’t the ladies just love that?