Aga and Charlene on raising twins: Establish individuality early on

(From left) Aga Muhlach, Atasha Muhlach, Charlene Gonzales, and Andres Muhlach. Image: Courtesy of media.Xchange

“We are our own persons,” said Andres Muhlach, who is now trying to make a name in show business as an actor just like his twin sister, Atasha.

The twins are children of actor Aga Muhlach and former beauty queen Charlene Gonzalez. They are currently seen in TV5’s sitcom “Da Pers Family.”

“Tasha has her strengths, I have mine,” Andres said of his sister, who is also a host of the noontime show “Eat… Bulaga!” “I have my weaknesses and she has hers. While we’re twins, at the end of the day, we’re still different. As for me, I really want to become an actor.”

Asked what she has learned about the industry so far, Atasha said: “From my personal experience, it’s to not be afraid to do what you want. You have to start somewhere, and from there, make sure to continuously improve. You have to work on your craft, and see where it goes. But also—something that’s equally important—don’t take things too seriously.”

Andres said he is slowly learning to be more confident as an artist. “I know that this is important for every actor, to have self-confidence. One more thing, being nice to everyone is a major lesson that our parents taught us while growing up,” he added.

Andres is still adjusting to all the attention, saying it was new to him. “I’m just trying to appreciate it at the moment and really enjoy the process. I don’t think I’m in the adjustment period just yet because I’m still learning and understanding everything.”

Meanwhile, Charlene said that she and Aga made sure that the twins established their own individuality early on. “They’re siblings, but we made it a point for them to create their own identities. They even studied in separate schools,” she said.

She is not worried about their joining show biz at all. “I would like to believe that Aga and I raised them very independently. Even when they were young, we already respected their decisions. They did their end of the deal: finish school. We told them that when they reached a certain age, whatever they decide to do with their lives, we would support them,” the proud mom said. “As parents, I guess the best thing we can do for them is to let them fly. This is the path they chose to take, so we’re here. We’re happy to see them grow day by day, as each experience comes.”

Aga said he never tried to dissuade the twins from pursuing a career in show biz, even though he is well aware of how tough it is to make it in the industry. He started acting when he was 7. “They are now old enough to choose what to do with their lives. Their decision to join show biz actually surprised me, but I was quick to accept it because it’s very much part of my family, my clan. It’s just that they seemed like normal students before. They’re not exposed to the glitz and glamour of this industry. I also don’t think they understand the hard work that this industry will eventually demand from them as artists. ‘Di naman ito basta-basta.

“I really think that the best teacher is experience. Whatever happens to them here, they have to be strong, especially in dealing with social media. People feel they are entitled to say their thing all the time. It’s just a matter of how to control it, how not to absorb everything—when to read, when not to read, when to get affected, and when not to get affected. These are things that they will have to learn on their own.”