# Aga Muhlach

Ariel Aquino Muhlach (Tagalog pronunciation:; born August 12, 1969), popularly known as Aga Muhlach, is a Filipino actor. Regarded as the "King of Romance-Drama" and the Philippines' Original Heartthrob, he has received numerous local and international accolades throughout his career, including Star Awards, Maria Clara Awards, and FAMAS Award.
He debuted in entertainment using his real name Ariel Muhlach at age 7 when he appeared in the 1975 film May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi and the 1976 film, Babaing Hiwalay Sa Asawa, but he only became well known (under his new screen name "Aga Muhlach") with the success of the 1984 film Bagets, after which he became a popular matinee idol. He also unsuccessfully ran for a 2013 congressional seat in Camarines Sur.
In October 2015, Muhlach confirmed his return to his original home network ABS-CBN after more than three years with TV5.
He is well known for his roles in films like Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992), Sa Aking mga Kamay (1996), Nag-iisang Bituin and Basta't Kasama Kita (1995) and Bayarang Puso (1996) before becoming a romantic male lead in the late 1990s and 2000s as well as In the Name of Love in 2011 and First Love in 2018.

## Biography
### Early life

Aga Muhlach was born on August 1, 1969, at Galang Maternity Clinic in Santa Cruz, Lubao to Álvaro Amador Muhlach (January 16, 1947 - May 12, 2018) and Anita Adis Aquino (May 26, 1949 - November 18, 2007). He is one of nine children: sisters Arlene, Almira and Andrea and brothers AJ, Andrew, Anton, Aaron and Albert. He finished high school at Aquinas School in San Juan City, and entered San Beda College to study Commerce. He dropped out of school to focus on acting.
Muhlach is from a prominent show business family. His father is the younger brother of former actress Amalia Fuentes; his cousin Niño Muhlach was the leading child actor of the 1970s; his brother AJ Muhlach was a member of the boy band XLR8 and his two sisters, Almira and Arlene, are also actresses.
His family has Spanish (Asturian), German and Chinese roots. His paternal grandfather, Álvaro Muhlach Agüera, was born in Barcelona, Spain, to Alejandro Muhlach Agüera and Enriqueta Agüera Iglesias, who were from Santander and Comillas, respectively both in Cantabria, but their ancestry originated from Asturias. His paternal grandmother Concepción Borja Amador was born in Xiamen, China, to a Chinese father and a Bicolano mother from Goa, Camarines Sur.

### Acting career
#### 1970s–80s: Teenage years

He began his career as a child actor in the 1975 film, May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi and 1976 film, Babaing Hiwalay Sa Asawa; his aunt Amalia Fuentes was the lead in the latter film. At this time, he was still using his real name in the credits. He also appeared in the 1980 film Aguila which starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Christopher de Leon.
At age 14, Muhlach was cast as one of the male leads in Viva Entertainment's 1984 film, Bagets. The film, which is about typical teenage life in the 80s, also starred William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin and Raymond Lauchengco. As the majority of the target audience could relate to the story, the film was a success, and Muhlach became a popular matinee idol.
As a result of his popularity, he was cast in the title role in Miguelito, ang Batang Rebelde, in which he portrayed a rebellious teenager in conflict with his mother. He was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" in the FAMAS Awards, and "Best Actor" in the Gawad Urian Awards.
He was paired with Janice de Belen in the 1986 film, Super-Wan-Tu-Tri, alongside Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. The next year, he received his first acting award at the 1987 Gawad Urian Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the 1986 film, Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie.

#### 1990s: Mature roles

Amid an emerging generation of younger actors, Muhlach took on the challenge of more mature roles, increasing his stock as one of the Philippines' top matinee idols. Hiring publicist Ethel Ramos as his manager, he developed into one of the top dramatic actors of the 1990s.
He was the male lead in the light-hearted chick flick films Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992) and Sana Maulit Muli (1995) with leading lady Lea Salonga, Bakit Pa Kita Minahal (1994) with Kris Aquino and Ruffa Gutierrez, Basta't Kasama Kita (1995) with Dayanara Torres, May Minamahal (1993) and Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Iibigin (1998) with Aiko Melendez, and Dahil May Isang Ikaw (1999) with Regine Velasquez, as well as starring in more serious dramas: Nag-Iisang Bituin (1994) with Vilma Santos, Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992) with Gabby Concepcion, Bayarang Puso (1996) with Lorna Tolentino, and Sa Aking Mga Kamay (1996) with Christopher de Leon among others.
He also branched out into TV sitcoms including his first as a lead in ABS-CBN's Oki Doki Doc from 1993 to 2000. The series had a film spin-off entitled Oki Doki Doc: The Movie produced by Star Cinema in 1996.

#### 2000s–present: "Leading man" of his generation

In the 2000s, Muhlach appeared in television series such as Da Body En Da Guard (2001), Da Pilya En Da Pilot (2001), OK Fine Whatever (2003), and the continuation of Oki Doki Doc, That's My Doc (2007).
In 2001, he appeared in another movie with Regine Velasquez, "Pangako Ikaw Lang."
In 2009, he ventured into music when he participated in the all-star recording for the benefit of Typhoon Ketsana, locally known as Ondoy, titled Kaya Natin Ito! along with other OPM artists.
After 18 years at ABS-CBN, Muhlach transferred to TV5 in 2011 to focus more on hosting. His last project with ABS-CBN was M3: Malay Mo Ma-develop in 2010, and In the Name of Love with Star Cinema.
In 2013, discussions arose over Muhlach teaming up with his former leading actress, Lea Salonga for the third time.
In 2024, Muhlach and his family announced that they will star as the Persival family in the sitcom Da Pers Family, directed by Danni Caparas and produced by TV5, Cignal TV, Studio Viva, and Sari-Sari Network.

## Politics

In 2013, Muhlach ran for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent Camarines Sur's 4th district under the then-ruling Liberal Party. However, he lost to Felix William Fuentebella, son of outgoing representative Arnulfo Fuentebella and a member of a political dynasty, by almost 3,000 votes. He filed an electoral protest before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal on June 4, 2013, alleging that there was massive vote buying, ballot tampering or errors on vote-counting machines in seven municipalities under the district. However, it was later dismissed as he and Fuentebella mutually agreed to drop the case.

## Legacy

   When I do a project, I give it my all...I don't want to pressure myself with the idea of awards. Neither do I want to be complacent because I won one recently. After winning, I try to forget about it and treat each project like it's my first. — Aga Muhlach
Muhlach is considered one of the most bankable actors in the Philippine entertainment industry. He is known for being one of the Philippine cinema's leading men of romantic dramas, being partnered up with well-known leading ladies such as Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta, Claudine Barretto, Maricel Soriano, Angel Locsin, Regine Velasquez, Kris Aquino, Aiko Melendez, Anne Curtis and recently Bea Alonzo and Bela Padilla. He is also claimed as a multi-media product endorser, a role model to Filipinos of all ages, a supporter of underprivileged children, a matinee idol, and multi-award winning actor.

## Personal life

Early in his acting career, he was often rejected for roles. For example, Lily Monteverde, a Regal Films producer turned him down many times after talent manager Douglas Quijano introduced Muhlach and the film Bagets to her. Muchlach also had financial problems and was often without money. In the early 1990s, he received upbeat projects In 1992. Lily Monteverde produced Sinungaling Mong Puso with Vilma Santos, which gained Aga Muhlach his Best Supporting Actor. He also gained notoriety for his on and off again relationship with Janice De Belen as they starred in Pakasalan Mo Ako with co-stars John Estrada and Gabby Concepcion. From 1990-99, he was the highest paid actor in the Philippines, paired with Aiko Melendez in May Minamahal, (1994, 1997) Kris Aquino (1993, 1994), Ruffa Gutierrez, G. Toengi (1999), Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (1994, 1998) Regine Velasquez, (1999, 2001, 2012) Lorna Tolentino, (1996) Carmina Villaroel, (1994, 1996) Maricel Laxa, (1994) Dawn Zulueta, (1993) beauty queen Dayanara Torres (1995) Lea Salonga, (1992, 1995) Alice Dixson and Snooky Serna (1991). In the 2000s he worked with controversial sex goddess Joyce Jimenez in 2001 on the sitcom TV Da Body en Da Guard and even in the rom-com film "Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang Latest?" In 2001, he starred in the box office hit Pangako Ikaw Lang with Velasquez. In 2002, he starred with future box office actresses Claudine Barretto in Kailangan Kita in 2002, and Dubai 2005, Sharon Cuneta in Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003), Kristine Hermosa in All My Life 2004, Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban in A Love Story (2007) and 2008 with Anne Curtis in When Love Begins. In the 2010s he starred in In The Name of Love with Angel Locsin as well as Miracle in Cell No. 7 with Bela Padilla.

### Relationships

In 1986, Muhlach, 17, decided to have a child with Janice de Belen after the two were paired in the film Super-Wan-Tu-Tri. De Belen announced her pregnancy on primetime television and said Muhlach had asked her to marry him, but that she refused as they were still young. Muhlach's father was also against the marriage because of their ages. De Belen gave birth to Luigi "Igi Boy" Muhlach, Muhlach's first child.
Muhlach has been linked to actresses Agot Isidro, Melissa Fernandez, Gretchen Barretto and Mikee Cojuangco.
In 1993, he was dating Aiko Melendez during the shooting of their movie May Minamahal but after their relationship ended, he was linked romantically with Puerto Rican former Miss Universe and 1995 film Basta't Kasama Kita leading actress Dayanara Torres. Reports said Muhlach intended to follow Torres to Puerto Rico and marry her, but chose his acting career over his personal life. The couple dated for three to four years.

### Married life

Muhlach married Charlene Gonzalez in May 2001. They started dating only after he asked for her parents' permission to get engaged to her. They met through Gonzalez' cousin and his former co-star J.C. Bonnin when the latter was 16. They met again during the 1994 Binibining Pilipinas pageant, in which he was a judge, and she won as Binibing Pilipinas–Universe. She was also his co-star in Oki Doki Doc, where they became friends. They got married on May 28, 2001, in St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Pacdal, Baguio, less than a year after their engagement. They have twins named Atasha and Andres.
In July 2024, Muhlach's wife and twin children joined him in starring in the TV5 sitcom Da Pers Family.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1975 | May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi | |
| 1976 | Babaing Hiwalay sa Asawa | |
| 1980 | Aguila | Danielito Aguila |
| 1984 | Erpat Kong Forgets | |
| 1984 | Bagets | Adie |
| 1984 | Ibulong Mo sa Puso | |
| 1984 | Paano Ba ang Magmahal? | |
| 1984 | Campus Beat | RED |
| 1984 | Hotshots | |
| 1985 | Miguelito: Batang Rebelde | Miguelito/Mike |
| 1985 | The Crazy Professor | |
| 1985 | Oks Na Oks Pakner | |
| 1985 | Super Wan-Tu-Tri | Abel |
| 1986 | When I Fall in Love | |
| 1986 | Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie | Dino |
| 1986 | Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita | Joel |
| 1986 | Bakit Madalas ang Tibok ng Puso? | Ricky |
| 1987 | Bunsong Kerubin | Efren |
| 1987 | Topo-Topo Barega | Efren |
| 1988 | Rosa Mistica | Mike |
| 1988 | Lord, Bakit Ako Pa? | |
| 1989 | My Pretty Baby | Bobby |
| 1989 | Hot Summer | |
| 1989 | Here Comes the Bride | |
| 1989 | Impaktita | Jessie |
| 1989 | Irosin: Pagputok ng Araw, Babaha ng Dugo | |
| 1990 | Too Young | Montilla |
| 1991 | Pakasalan Mo Ako | Jerry |
| 1991 | Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntinlupa | Joey Boy |
| 1991 | I Want to Live | |
| 1992 | Ang Katawan ni Sofia | Arnold |
| 1992 | Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal | Tommy |
| 1992 | Sinungaling Mong Puso | Jason |
| 1993 | Ms. Dolora X | |
| 1993 | Humanda Ka Mayor!: Bahala Na ang Diyos | |
| 1993 | Hindi Kita Malilimutan | Nestor |
| 1993 | Guwapings Dos | Chappy |
| 1993 | Akin Ka, Magdusa Man Ako | |
| 1993 | Abel Morado: Ikaw Ang May Sala | Abel Morado |
| 1993 | Paniwalaan Mo | |
| 1993 | May Minamahal | Carlitos |
| 1994 | Bakit Pa Kita Minahal | Jet |
| 1994 | Forever | Chito |
| 1994 | Nag-Iisang Bituin | Miggy |
| 1995 | Basta't Kasama Kita | Alex |
| 1995 | Sana Maulit Muli | Jerry Morales |
| 1996 | Oki Doki Dok: The Movie | Doc Aga |
| 1996 | Kristo | Possessed young man |
| 1996 | Bayarang Puso | Martin Villanueva |
| 1996 | Ikaw ang Mahal Ko | Himself |
| 1996 | Sa Aking Mga Kamay | Gene Rivera |
| 1998 | Ikaw Pa Rin ang Iibigin | Sonny Lerma |
| 1998 | Dahil Ba sa Kanya | Jed Espinosa |
| 1999 | Hinahanap-Hanap Kita | Bryan |
| 1999 | Dahil May Isang Ikaw | Andrew Castro |
| 2001 | Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang L8est | Popoy |
| 2001 | Pangako...Ikaw Lang | Vince |
| 2002 | Kailangan Kita | Carl Diesta |
| 2003 | Kung Ako na Lang Sana | Enteng |
| 2004 | All My Life | Sam |
| 2005 | Dubai | Raffy Alvarez |
| 2007 | A Love Story | Ian Montes |
| 2008 | When Love Begins | Ben Caballero |
| 2010 | RPG: Metanoia | Daddy (Voice) |
| 2011 | In the Name of Love | Emman Toledo |
| 2012 | Of All the Things | Umboy |
| 2017 | Seven Sundays | Allan Bonifacio |
| 2018 | First Love | Nick Gutierrez |
| 2019 | Nuuk | Mark |
| 2019 | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Joselito "Lito" Gopez |
| 2023 | Martyr or Murderer | older Bongbong Marcos |
| 2024 | Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko | Michael |
| 2024 | Uninvited | Guilly Vega |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Network |
| 1985–1996 | Lovingly Yours, Helen | | GMA Network |
| 1986–1995 | Vilma On Seven | | GMA Network |
| 1987 | Hapi House! | Rocky | IBC |
| 1993–2000 | Oki Doki Doc | Dr. Agaton "Doc Aga" Villaluz | ABS-CBN |
| 1993–2001 | Star Drama Presents | | ABS-CBN |
| 1995–2010; 2016–present | ASAP | | ABS-CBN |
| 1998 | Magandang Tanghali Bayan | Himself (Guest performer) | ABS-CBN |
| 2001 | Da Body en da Guard | | ABS-CBN |
| 2001 | Da Pilya en da Pilot | | ABS-CBN |
| 2002–2004 | OK Fine Whatever | Michael | ABS-CBN |
| 2004–2006 | OK Fine, 'To ang Gusto Nyo! | Michael | ABS-CBN |
| 2005 | Wowowee | | ABS-CBN |
| 2006 | OK Fine, Oh Yes | | ABS-CBN |
| 2007–2008 | That's My Doc | Dr. Agaton "Doc Aga" Abogado | ABS-CBN |
| 2008 | Matanglawin | | ABS-CBN |
| 2009 | It's Showtime | | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | M3 (Malay Mo Ma-develop) | Jose Maria "JM" Benicio III | ABS-CBN |
| 2011–2013 | Pinoy Explorer | Himself (Host) | TV5 |
| 2013–2014 | Let's Ask Pilipinas | Himself (Host) | TV5 |
| 2016 | Magandang Buhay | | ABS-CBN |
| 2016 | Pinoy Boyband Superstar | Himself (Judge) | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | Tonight with Boy Abunda | | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | Gandang Gabi Vice | | ABS-CBN |
| 2020 | Wowowin | Himself (Guest co-host) | GMA Network |
| 2020 | Masked Singer Pilipinas | Himself (Judge) | TV5 |
| 2022 | Suntok sa Buwan | Jimmy Boy | TV5 |
| 2022–present | Tara Game, Agad Agad! Level Up | Himself (Host) | Net 25 |
| 2024–present | Da Pers Family | Aga Persival | Various |

## Endorsements

He is one of the male celebrities who are in-demand for advertising contracts. One of his advertisements is with Jollibee, in which he is a longtime commercial endorser of the fast food chain. In addition, he is the founder of MaAga Ang Pasko, an annual Christmas gift giving event of Jollibee starting in 1994, wherein people can donate things such as toys and clothes.
The following is an incomplete list of his former and present commercials and product endorsements:
* Selecta Ice Cream
* Boost
* Pond's Age Miracle
* Poten-Cee
* Lactacyd feminine wash
* Solmux cough medicine
* Jollibee
* BayanTel
* Touch Mobile
* Sun Cellular
* Toyota
* ACA Video
* Quaker Oats
* Promac Appliances
* Bobson Apparel
* Argentina Corned Beef
* Zesto Cola
* Century Tuna
* Rusty Lopez Clothing
* Pantene shampoo
* Daikin Aircon
* AGFA Film

## Awards and nominations

FAMAS Awards
2018 Nominated Best Supporting Actor FAMAS Award Seven Sundays (2017)
2012 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award In the Name of Love (2011)
2009 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award When Love Begins... (2008)
2008 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award A Love Story (2007)
2006 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Dubai (2005)
2005 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award All My Life (2004)
2004 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Kung ako na lang sana (2003)
2000 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Dahil may isang ikaw (1999)
1997 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Bayarang puso (1996)
1996 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award Sana maulit muli (1995)
1994 Nominated Best Actor FAMAS Award May minamahal (1993)
1993 Won Best Actor FAMAS Award Sinungaling mong puso (1992)
1986 Nominated Best Supporting Actor FAMAS Award Miguelito: Batang rebelde (1985)
FAP Awards, Philippines
2018 Won Best Actor FAP Award Seven Sundays (2017)
2013 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award Of All the Things (2012)
2009 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award When Love Begins... (2008)
2008 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award A Love Story (2007)
1996 Nominated Best Actor FAP Award: Sana Maulit Muli (1995)
Gawad Urian Awards
2004 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003)
2003 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Kailangan Kita (2002)
1996 Won Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Sana Maulit Muli (1995)
1994 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: May Minamahal (1993)
1993 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992)
1992 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Akin Ka Magdusa Man Ako (1993)
1987 Won Best Supporting Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie (1986)
1986 Nominated Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) Gawad Urian Award: Miguelito: Batang Rebelde (1985)
Golden Screen Awards, Philippines
2013 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy) Golden Screen Award: Of All the Things (2012)
Won Dekada Award
2012 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Golden Screen Award: In the Name of Love (2011)
2006 Nominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) Golden Screen Award: Dubai (2005)
2004 Won Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (Musical or Comedy) Golden Screen Award: Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003)
Maria Clara Awards
2006 Won Best Actor Maria Clara Award: Dubai (2005)
Metro Manila Film Festival
2019 Nominated Best Actor Festival Prize: Miracle in Cell No. 7
1993 Won Best Actor Festival Prize: May Minamahal (1993)
1992 Won Best Actor Festival Prize: Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992)
Star Awards for Movies
2013 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year Star Award: Of All the Things (2012)
Nominated Darling of the Press Special Award
2012 Won Movie Actor of the Year Star Award: In the Name of Love (2011) Tied with Jorge Estregan for Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011)
2009 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year Star Award When Love Begins... (2008)
2008 Nominated Movie Actor of the Year Star Award A Love Story (2007)
2006 Won Movie Actor of the Year Star Award Dubai (2005)
PMPC Star Awards For TV
2014 Won Best Travel Program Host Star Award Pinoy Explorer (TV5, 2014)
Young Critics Circle, Philippines
1996 Nominated Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role YCC Award Sana maulit muli (1995)
1994 Won Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role YCC Award Hindi kita malilimutan (1993)
1992 Won Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role YCC Award Joey Boy Munti, 15 anyos ka sa Muntilupa (1991)
Box-Office Entertainment Awards (Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation)
2008 Won 38th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards Film Actor of the Year