Actor Aga Muhlach says he can’t help but wax nostalgic upon seeing flashbacks of his old Jollibee commercials in the new TV ad for the fastfood giant that features him, his wife Charlene and their twins, Andres and Atasha who are now in their teens.
“[Brings back] memories, of course. There’s no denying that Jollibee will always play a big part in our family’s lives,” Aga told InterAksyon and other media during the press launch of the new Jollibee commercial, “Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon (From Then Until Now)” to promote its bestselling Chickenjoy fried chicken last Sunday.
By some happy coincidence, the Jollibee event was also held on the same date that the restored version of “May Minamahal,” the well-loved romantic comedy that Aga headlined together with Aiko Melendez held its red carpet premiere night.
Produced in 1993 and directed by Jose Javier Reyes, “May Minamahal” focuses on Carlitos (Aga), a young urban professional who suddenly became the head of an all-female household following the unexpected demise of his father. Conflict ensues when his mother and sister disapproves of his relationship with the tomboyish and largely unrefined Monica (Aiko).
The film will have additional regular screenings on February 23 (7:10PM), February 25 (8:30PM) and February 27 (1PM) at the Power Plant Cinema in Rockwell Drive in Makati as part of ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project’s “REELive The Classics” series.
Asked what he feels seeing his younger self in “May Minamahal” and two other restored films, the romantic drama, “Sana Maulit Muli” and “Sa Aking Mga Kamay” where he played a serial killer, Aga said he was surprised by how much he has evolved both as an actor and as a person.
“It’s nice to see that all the three films that were restored so far are my favorites. You know, sometimes you think you’re still the same and then you watch your old films. That’s when you realize, ‘Oh my, God, “I’ve really…that was a long time ago. Who would think I’d watch myself [someday]?,” he quipped.
“I’m 48 now and turning 49 this year but it’s wonderful that these films are restored for the younger generation to see. It would be great for them to see that ‘May Minamahal’ was the first movie that started the rom-com trend here.”
Aga admits that while his kids do not usually get the chance to see his old films, he admits that Andres and Atasha did manage to catch the restored version of “Sana Maulit Muli” and were amazed by what they saw on the big screen.
“They were like, ‘My God! Wow! Dad!’ but they can’t watch ‘May Minamahal’ tonight as they have homework,” Aga further shared.
Now that the twins are 16 and right about the same age when Aga himself first entered showbiz, are they ready to follow the footsteps of their famous parents? Will Aga and Charlene let them?
Between the two, Atasha is more vocal in expressing her interest to explore acting. Charlene however is quick to reveal that the twins made a promise to their parents that they will finish their studies first before pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
“We’ll support them in whatever path they choose. Me and Aga, our whole family, will always be grateful to this industry [but] if and when they (Andres and Atasha) decide that they’re open to this path, it will be their decision,” Charlene added. “But for now…”
“It’s our decision,” Aga shot back, laughing.
