Aga Muhlach’s acting talent has long been recognized by the industry. Looking at his track record, he started out as a popular matinee idol in the early ‘80s, until he remarkably transformed into a critically-acclaimed thespian in the passing of times.
Aga has already bagged numerous Best Actor trophies from the different award-giving bodies in the country like the FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Star Awards, Luna Awards, Metro Manila Film Festival, Golden Screen Awards, Maria Clara Awards and Young Critics Circle. Among his award-winning performances are for the potboilers: Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie(1986), Joey Boy Munti (1991), Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992), May Minamahal (1993), Hindi Kita Malilimutan (1993), Sinungaling Mong Puso (1993), Sana Maulit Muli(1995), Kung Ako na Lang Sana (2003), Dubai (2005), In the Name of Love (2011), Of All the Things (2012), and Seven Sundays (2018).
Interestingly, before the start of the recently-concluded 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival, many were saying that he was a shoo-in for the Best Actor plum for his heart-tugging performance in Miracle in Cell No. 7, which incidentally, was also the official top-grosser. However, come awards night, he lost to Allen Dizon who was chosen for his work in Mindanao. Due to this, people got curious as to how he felt about such development.
“Of course, who wouldn’t want to win, right?” says Aga. “But in the many years that I stayed in the ‘biz, I’ve learned not to expect.”
The actor recalls that his past experiences taught him how to accept results of awarding ceremonies.
“I’ve had my share of such feeling before. When I was younger, yes, I would admit that there were instances when I really expected. You wanted so bad to win in this award-giving body then as it turns out, you’d lose. Of course, you’ll get sad and disappointed so I’ve conditioned myself not to expect anymore.”
For Aga, what matters is that the public appreciates and supports his offerings.
“That’s right! The trophies? I’ve learned not to take them seriously. For me, the real trophy is when the people watch and enjoy my films.”
The popular actor points out though that he still likes to win acting awards in the future.
“Oh, yes, I like that. You’re in high heavens in that moment when your name is called to come up on stage. But when you lose, it shouldn’t change you.”
When it comes to his recent loss to Allen, Aga remains positive and optimistic.
“I’ve always been happy for any of my co-nominees who would bag the award. In this case, Allen got it. I’m happy for him. I’m like, ‘Wow! I know that feeling.”
“It’s simply inexplicable. So to Allen, my sincerest congratulations. There’s nothing wrong really if he got the award. It’s just okay with me,” he states.
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This early, John Prats already senses that his three-year-old daughter Feather has inclinations to enter the ‘biz.
“She loves to sing and dance. Whenever she watches me in Ang Probinsyano, she says she also wants to see herself on television. I remember myself in her when I was a kid. I also wanted to see myself on TV. That motivated me to go into show business,” he avers.
Curiously, will he allow his children to enter showbiz at a young age?
“As much as possible, no. As of now, I want them to prioritize their studies. That’s what I found difficult when I was young—to balance my studies with my showbiz career. There were things that I had to sacrifice as a kid. In their case, I want them to experience such stuff,” he relates.
“Eventually, when they grow up and they want to try showbiz, I can’t do anything about it. It’s their choice. I’m just here to support them. But for now, I want them to enjoy a normal childhood.”
John knows the uncertainties of show business.
“Not everyone is blessed to stay long in the field. Like me, I’m thankful because I’m already on my 28th year here. But not everybody will be as blessed. I want my children to have long-term goals through formal studies. Like if they want to be a doctor, I will support them. That’s long-term. It’s every parent’s concern that his children are secured with their future, which cannot be said of the ‘biz due to its unpredictability,” he ends.