Aga Muhlach is an incurable romantic

June 12, 1999


Aga Muhlach is an incurable romantic
By Remy M. Umerez



THE WAY Aga Muhlach swoons over his current starrer ''Dahil May Isang Ikaw'' you would think he has never done a romantic movie before. He could just go on and on. What made the movie so special for Aga to personally attend to every production detail of the project? Could it be the presence of Regine Velasquez, with whom the actor is working for the first time? Admittedly, Aga has always admired Regine's singing.

Aga agrees with director Joyce Bernal's take on the film: ''It is the kind of movie that will make everyone look at life, love and themselves from a rosy point of view.''

Q and A:

Contrasting traits

In the story, you and Regine play two people with contrasting traits. You are pictured as a conservative fellow. How close are you to the character you are playing?

Pretty close. I consider myself as the conservative guy of the '90s. I uphold values taught by my parents. I am open to legalizing divorce but it certainly is not the solution to marital problems. One must exert real efforts for a marriage to succeed.

Among your leading ladies, who was an absolute delight to work with, and why?

Vilma Santos, simply because hindi ''feeling Vilma'' ang kanyang dating. She is the most caring person I've worked with. The minute she acts, you know that she is giving her 100-percent involvement, and she expects you to do the same. I am also comfortable working with Lea Salonga because she knows the meaning of discipline.

What did you discover about Regine while doing the film?

That she can be a good comedienne. Her sense of humor is marvelous. At the beginning, she gives the impression na mahirap siyang kausap, she seems to distance herself from the rest. Then I discovered that once she is comfortable with a person, she will easily open up.

Memorable scene

Every movie has a particularly memorable scene. What would that be in ''Dahil May Isang Ikaw''?

I don't want to sound mayabang but I find every scene from the moment we fell in love beautifully executed by Joyce. I have to give her credit for a job well done, considering that this is only her second motion picture.

I am very proud of this movie, my first for 1999. I almost turned down this project because I wanted to stay away from the drama-romance type of film. I thought I was being typecast. But, after reading the first four pages of the script, I knew I had to do it. It renewed my interest in acting again.

Describe yourself as a lover.

I am passionate, sensitive and an incurable romantic-which, by the way, are traits of people born under the sign of Leo.

Is it hard to win Aga's heart?

Just don't put up a front. And disregard the fact that I am an actor--treat me like any regular guy.

What do you expect from a relationship?

Sincerity, honesty and trust. One must know his priorities to make a romance last. I always lay my cards on the table. There's no point na magbolahan pa kayo sa isa't-isa. I am straightforward, and I like my woman to be the same.

Shortest relationship

What was the shortest relationship you had? And the longest and most intense?

The shortest period of time would be four months. The longest lasted for about five years. Time always played an important role in my past relationships. I believe, whoever I am with, it's always the right girl. It's the timing that's sometimes wrong.

How do you court a woman?

I tell her right away that I like her. I love candlelight dinners and good music. I send her flowers and I always keep in touch through the phone. I give her importance whenever I am out of the country. I feel like buying everything I see and offer it to her.

How much influence does your family has in choosing the right woman for you? Have they ever disapproved of anyone?

They never question me about my personal choice. Not even for curiosity's sake will they inquire. We never talk about such personal matters. Whoever I introduce to them, pinakikitunguhan nila ng maganda.

Respected actors like Richard Gomez, Christopher de Leon and Albert Martinez have appeared in sexy films. Is there a possibility of joining them?

I know my limits. They have great bodies to bare. I don't!

Has any woman hurt you deeply and how fast did you recover?

Life doesn't stop with one person. You only get hurt when you're guilty. Work, work and work is the best therapy for recovering fast!

Lessons learned

In the name of love, what lessons have you learned?

One, don't force the issue. Two, always be honest. If you aren't, don't do it.

What turns you on most in a woman? Any turn-offs?

A warm smile appeals to me. Then I glance at her legs and see whether they excite me. An overdressed female turns me off. The irresponsible type will make me head for the exit door-fast!

Name three women you admire most.

Loren Legarda, because of her outstanding achievements and dedication. Vilma Santos dahil sa pagiging tutoong tao niya. And Joyce Bernal for her attitude in life.

Any particular wish?

My house has everything you could ask for. Only one thing is lacking, the touch of the woman I would call my wife. Finding her would be my special wish




source: www.inquirer.net