Aga Muhlach does not mind staying 'old school'

MANILA, Philippines — In many ways, filmmaking and television work is like life: the only constant thing is change.

Six years after making his last film before the currently showing "Seven Sundays," Aga Muhlach knows he is stepping into a new terrain whose peaks and valleys are so different from what he used to know so well. For one, technology is more advanced now.

“In terms of work, sige lang, ang daming pwedeng gawin. Hindi nagtitipid sa film. Pwede kahit take 100. It’s good for the producer,” Aga observed.

But as an artist who loves his craft, the award-winning actor prefers the old way of doing things.

“I prefer old school. Iba ang art of film. Bawat line, bawat scene,bawat angle, you prepare. Sa filmmaking, bawat shot, iba. No offense meant for TV or soap where they tape 30 to-40 sequences a day.  When you tape (sequences), it’s action, acting, acting.  Wala nang preparation,” he explained.

Then, there is the actor’s mindset. Aga thinks there is nothing wrong with working to get endorsements, in thinking about the big bucks it brings. It is normal, he said. But he feels the new generation is forgetting something just as important – their craft.

Back then, Aga recalled, he and his batch mates longed for popularity and a better life. But once they got it, they aimed for something deeper.

“You go back to your craft --  acting. You want to get awards. Wala na 'yan ngayon,” he said.

Aga said he and his contemporaries tried to outdo themselves in their next projects to stay ahead of competition. So, they kept their eyes open for better opportunities. It does not mean Aga has lost his faith in the new breed of actors.  

In fact, he talks to young actors and likes what he sees. They know how to save. They can buy the things they like.

“Now, mas maraming love teams, which is nice. Fans are enjoying. Stars are enjoying it, too. It’s fun. You work every day and you’re with your girlfriend. You get paid trips abroad,” added Aga.

Aga is working with Enrique Gil, who plays his youngest brother in "Seven Sundays." The award-winning actor loves co-star Dingdong Dantes’ humility.

Aga is sure young actors will long to perfect their craft as they mature.

“It will come with age,” he stated.

That is why he hopes the new breed of actors will not stay complacent. He hopes they will not be contented with who and what they are. Aga also advised them to keep a good head on their shoulders.

“Kalma lang kayo, huwag magpapadala sa sigawan. Focus on your talent,” he suggested.

It has been the same discipline he develops in his children, twins Atasha and Andres. The loving father warns them against letting life’s comforts get the better of them.

The self-confessed strict dad warns them that they will not get cars or a home from him.  They will have to finish school and work for it. 

Yes, he and wife Charlene will give them the best education they can afford, but the children must learn that life is not easy.

“I won’t make It easy for them,” states Aga. “I tell them whatever they’re experiencing is the product of hard work. I wasn’t born like this. So I tell them not to think they were born like this (comfortable and well provided for).”

Aga has not forgotten good old values of hard work  and humility.  And it is paying off – handsomely.