Aga Muhlach takes on first acting workshop under Nonie Buencamino
My good friend Aga Muhlach refuses to rest on his laurels. Success has not lulled him into complacency at all. After four decades in the biz, Aga gamely underwent an acting workshop for the very first time. It’s in preparation for Viva’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2026 entry “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” (a prequel of the 2019 blockbuster, Miracle in Cell No. 7). It goes to show just how emotionally invested Aga is in the movie. Nonie Buencamino served as Aga’s coach. Two generations of seasoned actors go one-on-one. What an acting tête-à-tête.
Here’s Nonie’s story about Aga’s first acting workshop:
“Aga was very serious about learning the process of preparing for the role. He wanted to explore ways in which he can refine his character and make his portrayal more truthful. So we went through vocal exercises, a few improvisations applying the physical attributes of a mentally challenged person and explored what would work for the story and what would still be consistent with his original Joselito character.
“Mahirap talaga mag-improvise, even for experienced improvisers. Naturally, nahirapan siya because it was his first workshop. Much more difficult was to improvise and apply the behavior of Joselito consistently. Aga was very patient and willing to keep repeating until he got it.
“We also went through readings of some scenes from the movie with direk Nuel (Naval) and tried to apply the character’s behavior or mannerisms, and also determine the right approach and objectives of specific scenes. Aga said that he has never prepared this way but he has impressed me with his ability to adjust and apply certain details asked of him. Malakas ang focus and concentration ni Aga.”
Oscars-bound Ruby Ruiz
The world of Ruby Ruiz has turned ruby red because her career is now red hot. After bagging her fourth Balanghai trophy for Best Actress at the 2026 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, her movie “First Light” has been selected as Australia’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at Oscars 2027.
It is the first feature film of Filipino-Australian lensman James J. Robinson. In the film, Ruby portrays Sister Yolanda, a nun whose faith is shaken after a construction worker dies from suspect circumstances.
Oscars-bound Ruby is ready for her red-carpet moment.
Here’s my chat with Ruby:
What’s your takeaway from the character you portrayed?
“Sister Yolanda is similar to a typical Filipino who is meek, submissive and resilient. But when provoked and subjected to too much injustice, she will definitely move to action.”
In real life, did you ever question your faith just like Sister Yolanda?
“Yes. I question the institution and even my faith as a Catholic. I have seen and experienced a lot of ‘hypocrisy’ and self-serving gestures in the Catholic Church, where they favor the elite and privileged more than the majority of the population.”
What’s the difference between working with Australian and Filipino filmmakers?
“There’s really not much difference. Everyone’s very open to each other’s work style and very flexible. If there’s really any difference between the two, Australians work quieter than Filipinos.”
Does recognition make you more confident or more demanding of yourself?
“Answer to both is YES ... being recognized by any award-giving body makes an actor feel rewarded, a sense of fulfillment, while it brings you to an awareness that you must live up to that recognition from there on, like a self-imposed, higher benchmark you set for yourself.”
In your opinion, what Filipino film deserves to be an entry at the Oscars?
“Filipiñiana.”
(Note: “Filipiniana” was officially announced on Sunday as the Philippines’ submission to the Oscars 2027’s Best International Feature category.”
Krystal Mejes’ fan meet and concert
“Pinoy Big Brother” Collab Edition 2.0 second big placer, Krystal Mejes, is all set to slay the day in her fan meet and advocacy concert, “Becoming” on Sept. 26 at the New Frontier Theater. For good vibes, be there at Krystal’s ball.
Here’s my chat with Krystal:
Why “Becoming”?
“It’s becoming the woman I’ve always meant to become. Owning my flaws, mistakes and lessons, stepping into uncertainty, and letting it lead me closer towards my dreams.”
What are the dreams that still feel a little scary?
“Acting is still scary for me. Though I’ve been acting since I was six, it’s really what my heart is calling me to do and I think when you care about something so much, you care enough about doing it right. And maybe that’s what makes it scary because there really is no ‘right’ way to act.”
What impact do you want your advocacy to have on people?
“I want my advocacy to remind young people that becoming who you want doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. I want them to be seen, heard, understood, and to let them know that I am also them. I am one of them.”
What’s new on VMX
The boundary-pushing universe of VMX keeps casting its spell on subscribers. Here are the latest releases from the country’s No. 1 streaming Filipino platform:
Revisit the sexiest and hottest moments of the early 2000s in Philippine pop culture and cinema. Rediscover the films and iconic scenes featuring Viva Hot Babes members Maui Taylor, Katya Santos, Gwen Garci and Sheree in “Viva Hot Babes: Muling Pagbubuka.” The ultimate sexy throwback is hosted by the new generation of VMX stars Zsara Laxamana and Queenie De Mesa.
VMX continues its thought-provoking storytelling in “Booking.” The gritty-urban drama features Margaret Diaz, Denise Esteban, Nico Locco and Gboy Pablo. The film explores the desperate lengths an ordinary person will go to survive the harsh realities of debt and exploitation in the bustling metro.
The new special interest feature, “S*x in Public” brings together a curated collection of the platform’s most talked-about romantic encounters. Hosted by Audrey Avila and Rinoa Halili, it offers fans the kind of right-on-the-edge content that VMX is known for. Bold, spontaneous and unapologetically adventurous.
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