AJ Muhlach: Teen idol to action star

Former teen idol AJ Muhlach tries action via “Double Barrel,” from comebacking action director Toto Natividad.

This is the biggest break of 25-year-old AJ, the half-brother of former matinee idol Aga Muhlach. He was first launched as a teen star via the show “Bagets” on TV5 when he was 17. He now shifts to the action genre. He believes he has found the right genre for viewers to remember him.

AJ is thankful to Viva’s top boss Vic del Rosario for gambling on him and for launching his career as a new action star in “Double Barrel.” Boss Vic believes this is the right time to give AJ the break as an action star and what sealed the deal is AJ’s desire to take on the challenge.

“I really prepared hard for this role. Aside from working out to lose weight, I also dabbled in martial arts. I did all the action scenes and stunts,” said AJ who is even sporting a brand new look, a far cry from his previous boy-next-door image.

AJ says he joined a dance group and his dance training coupled with regular workout is the reason why he is physically fit. The baby fats are gone and in place are muscles in the right places.

No wonder he has no qualms in exposing his near nakedness when he walked on the rooftop wearing only his underwear in a pivotal action scene and in doing a steamy love scene with Phoebe Walker, who plays his wife in the movie.

AJ is likewise thankful to Direk Toto who entrusted to him the lead role as a hired killer in the movie based on true events.

“Kaya kahit na ano ipagawa sa akin ni Direk Toto, kahit mahirap, okay lang. Walang tanong-tanong,” said the aspiring action star.

Besides, he has to live up to his name as a Muhlach that’s why AJ gave his all in “Double Barrel” which also stars Jeric Raval and Ali Khatibi.

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Newbie actor Rex Lantano considers it a big opportunity to have been given the chance to work with seasoned actors Bembol Roco and Irma Adlawan in the movie “What Home Feels Like,” one of the six official entries to the 2nd ToFarm Festival which starts screening in select theaters from July 12 to 18.

Rex is not exactly a tyro in acting as he has appeared in several TV dramas like “Maalala Mo Kaya” and a few teleseryes, and has acted opposite Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto in the award-winning film “Ekstra.”

But his role as Julius – the youngest son of Bembol and Irma in “What Home Feels Like,” the directorial debut of Joseph Abella – is his biggest so far.

“They are so generous as actors,” Rex says of Bembol and Irma. “They gave us acting tips and they would motivate us by acting out their roles even if they are not the ones in front of the camera. Umaarte pa rin sila para ma-feel namin ang role.”

Rex added that Irma sort of gave him and his co-star Bianca Libinting (who plays his twin in the movie) an instant acting workshop.

“Si Ms. Irma ganun din po. May eksena po sa movie na parang winorkshop niya kami. First scene namin ni Bianca, yung kakambal ko, nahihiya pa ako. Sabi niya ganito ang karakter ninyo. Ipinaliwanag niya sa amin so mas naintindihan namin ang karakter namin,” said Rex.

He admitted getting nervous the first time he met Bembol. “Nahihiya po ako talaga noong una kasi he’s a very good actor. But when we were already on the set, he always makes us laugh siguro po para ma-relax kami in his presence. Ibang-iba siya nung sa screen portrayal saka nung makilala ko na siya as a person,” said Rex.

It had been Rex’s dream to become an actor. He started out by doing small roles in TV shows and movies. He concedes he still has a lot to learn as an actor and has equipped himself by attending acting workshops to hone his craft.

“I enjoy acting a lot, especially here in ‘What Home Feels Like.’ Direk Joseph Abella is open to suggestions so I really asked how he wants me to attack my role. I am very happy I had the chance to explore my role,” he said.

Rex is in his senior year at the Far Eastern University where he is taking up Mass Communications.

“I am willing to try different kinds of roles,” he said. “I want to be known as a versatile actor.”