DUBAI (from Star Cinema)

[ELEAU]

STARRING:
AGA MUHLACH
CLAUDINE BARRETTO
and
JOHN LLOYD CRUZ

[anajasdel]

maybe we could post here the articles which pertains to the movie no? di na muna doon sa news update pag tungkol sa dubai..tama ba elmo??? ;D


dubai------- the movie worth waiting for....

[ELEAU]

Korak!

[ELEAU]

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo
The Philippine Star 04/14/2005



It was a running joke in his weekly ABS-CBN sitcom Ok Fine Whatever that startled Aga Muhlach to reality. It’s about his, well, getting heavier and heavier you know. For a while, Aga simply shrugged off co-star Bayani Agbayani’s picking on him being a fatso because making fun of each other has become part and parcel of the show’s format. But the mirror doesn’t tell a lie. Looking at himself, Aga realized that he had ballooned to more than 210 lbs. He was turning into local television’s male counterpart of US TV’s Fat Woman Kirstie Alley.

"I panicked," said Aga last Tuesday, a day before he left for Dubai with Claudine Barretto and JOHN LLOYD Cruz, along with director Rory Quintos, to shoot for 17 days crucial scenes in the yet untitled Star Cinema movie about OFWs. "I’m fond of loose shirts and I didn’t know I was gaining weight."

He was also feeling aches and pains (sakit sa kasu-kasuan) but his doctor told him there was nothing wrong with him, except that his cholesterol level was somewhat high.

Since then, Aga has been going to the gym (he was there when that "car accident" text rumor circulated) and, happily, his weight has begun going down, down, down...

As soon as he comes back, Aga will again shoot advance episodes for his sitcom preparatory to again going abroad, this time to South Africa with his wife, Charlene Muhlach, to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary on May 28.

"We’ll go hunting," said Aga (he and Charlene have made it a "tradition" to mark their wedding anniversary abroad). "Just the two of us." (As usual, they’ll leave their twins, Aaron and Atasha, in the care of Charlene’s mom Elvie Gonzalez alternating with Aga’s mom Anita.)

Meanwhile, as per the request of his fans, here’s Aga’s list of favorites:

• Actor(s) – John Malkovich ("Magaling magbitaw ng lines") and Brad Pitt.

• Actress – Charlize Theron ("She was fabulous in Italian Job").

• Movies (His Own) – Kailangan Kita (with Claudine Barretto), Dahil May Isang Ikaw (with Regine Velasquez) and Miguelito (one of the only two movies he did with Lino Brocka, the other being Napakasakit, Kuya Eddie).

• Movies (of Other Actors) – Being Malkovich and Legends of the Fall.

• Singer – Gary Valenciano ("If possible, I’d rather he sings the theme songs of all my movies; request ko talaga ‘yon").

• Song – How Did You Know? (the Gary V. version).

• Book – Not a book reader; reads magazines (about homes).

• Perfume(s) – Kenzo (for women) and Kuoros (which he uses both at the same time, one for some parts of his body and the other for the rest).

• Sport – Golf and boxing.

• Fruit – Pineapple.

• Snacks – Jollibee (Burger Steak).

• Dish – Bangus (done any style – fried, daing, grilled, smoked, boiled, nilaga, etc).

• Part of His Body – "My heart."

• Part of Charlene’s Body – "Every part of her, especially when she’s wearing tight jeans. Sexy and asawa ko, eh!"

• Sleeping Wear – Pajamas and white shirt. ("Always white; otherwise, if it’s of another color or printed, I can’t sleep").

• Car(s) – "I go for the classic, such as Mercedes and Jaguar."

• Pet – Birds and fishes.

• Saint – Sto. Nino.

• Hero – Jose Rizal. "I almost played Jose Rizal in a movie with Mike de Leon as director. I learned a lot about Rizal during the pre-production for the movie. I actually started shooting for the movie."

• Comics Character – Archie.

• Time of the Day – Morning ("That’s when I feel fresh, physically and mentally").

• Day of the Week – Every day ("It’s nice waking up every day; masarap mabuhay!").

• Part(s) of the House – Kitchen and bathroom ("That’s where I read everything – scripts, magazines, etc.").

• TV Shows (Not His Own) – Those of Jay Leno and Conan Bryan.

• Restaurant – Le Soufle ("My favorite item on the menu? All of them!").

• Most Precious Possession – "My family. And, as far as the material is concerned, my house."

• City – Singapore ("That was where I proposed to Charlene").

• Color(s) – White (also Dolphy’s favorite; most of Dolphy’s clothes are white) and green (like the color of leaves).

• Expression – Ha, ha! Ha, ha!

[ELEAU]

BABY TALK Ni Salve V. Asis
Pilipino STAR Ngayon 04/14/2005



By this time, nasa Dubai na si Aga Muhlach para sa shooting ng pelikulang Dubai din ang title. Pero two days bago siya umalis, naka-tsika namin si Aga.

As usual kuwentuhan na naman. Ganoon naman si Aga, parating maraming kuwento na parang ayaw mo tuloy umalis tuwing makakaharap mo siya.

Anyway, mukha na uli siyang bagets ngayon. Malaki kasi ang ipinayat niya.

Eh ikaw ba naman ang mag-work out everyday ng apat na oras. Bukod sa work out, nagba-boxing at nagba-badminton pa siya kaya madaling nabawasan ang kanyang timbang. At kahit nasa Dubai siya, tuloy ang work out niya dahil hanggang 6:00 p.m. ang shooting nila.

Kaya baka pagbalik niya after three weeks, mas payat pa siya.

Kahapon, almost 20 lbs. ang nabawas sa kanyang katawan ngayon. "Adik ako ngayon sa gym. Kailangan din kasi natin ‘yan for our health. Hindi ‘yung gusto mo lang magpaganda ng katawan," sabi ni Aga.

Kaya nang mabalita siyang namatay sa isang aksidente sa Tagaytay, nasa gym siya. "Paglabas ko ng gym, namatay na pala ako sa text," natatawang sabi ni Aga.

At kung papipiliin siya sa tsismis sa pagitan ng pagpatay sa kanya sa text at sa nagki-claim na nabuntis niya, mas gusto niyang ma-tsismis na pinatay siya. "Mas madaling i-deny ‘yun. Makita lang nila ako sa TV, maniniwala agad sila na buhay nga ako. Samantalang pag na-tsismis na may anak ka, iba ang dating."

After daw kasi ng issue na hiwalay na raw sila ni Charlene (Gonzales-Muhlach), parang nasunog na siya sa mga tsismis. "Kaya pala may dumarating sa aking mga tsismis, ayokong maniwala. Unless makita ng dalawang mata ko na may nangyayari ngang ganun," sabi ng actor.

Three weeks mawawala si Aga. Kaya nga sabi ni Charlene nang makausap namin over the phone, lonely daw siya for three weeks.

This coming pasukan, mag-aaral na ang kambal, sina Atasha and Andres kaya nai-excite na ang mag-asawa.

Abala rin sila sa pagde-develop ng kanilang farm sa Mataas Na Kahoy sa Batangas City.

Seven hectares ang nabili nilang property doon na no’ng una, nai-excite sila, pero ngayon daw nari-realize nila kung gaano kalaki ang gastos nila para i-develop ito.

Sinisimulan pa lang nilang ipagawa ang 1,400 square meters na house.

Imagine ang laki no’n. "Hindi naman talaga siya house. May mga function areas na later ay puwede naming parentahan in case na merong private occasions. Kasi sa una lang naman siguro kami do’n babalik-balik pero siyempre, darating ang time na magsasawa rin kami," sabi ni Aga na in the mood talagang makipag-tsikahan sa mga kaibigan niya sa press.

Dahil personal niyang sinu-supervise ang construction and development ng farm nila, kabisado na ni Aga ang pasikot-sikot sa pagtatayo ng bahay. Comment nga ni Isah Red (entertainment editor ng Manila Standard), puwede na siya ngayong maging contractor. "Ang kuryente ko, lahat sa ilalim ng lupa ang daan," dagdag pa niya.

"Nakakahilo rin pero, nakakatuwa dahil pag nakita mo ‘yung lugar, ang ganda talaga."

Actually, nakita ko na ‘yung lugar at talagang impressive. Over looking Taal lake kasi. Pinagawan pa ng sariling daan ni Aga ang lugar para mas madaling puntahan.

At any rate, marami nang nakaka-miss na moviegoers kay Aga. Last movie pa niya ang All My Life with Kristine Hermosa. Pumatok ito sa takilya at ngayon ay ipinalalabas na sa Cinema One.

[ELEAU]

SUNTOK SA BUWAN Ni Emy Abuan-Bautista
Pilipino STAR Ngayon 04/14/2005



Kumukuha pala si Claudine Barretto ng Child Psychology na affiliated with Boston ang Pennsylvania University. Hindi pa artista ay ito na ang pangarap niyang kuning kurso. Mahilig kasi siya sa mga bata. May tutor din ito at malapit nang grumadweyt.

Puring-puri ni Claudine ang kanilang direktor na si Cholo Laurel dahil hinihimay nito ang bawat eksena.

"Hindi siya palasigaw gaya ng ibang direktor. Pasensyoso siya at very professional. He’s a wonderful person," aniya.

Aalis ito ngayong Huwebes for Dubai kung saan may gagawing silang pelikula ni Aga Muhlach. Sila ang bida ni Diether Ocampo sa teleseryeng Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin.

Naggi-gym ang magandang aktres in preparation for her wedding sa Jan, next year.

Nang ipakita ang trailer ay may voice over na nagsasabing alaalang laging buhay kaya tinanong ko ang aktres kung ano ang alaalang hindi nito malilimutan sa buhay. Naging honest naman ito sa pagsagot na si Rico Yan ang naging bahagi ng alaalang yun dahil nung mamatay ito ay nagkarun din ng kaguluhan pero naka-recover na siya at masaya na sa kanyang buhay ngayon sa piling ni Raymart.

[ELEAU]

_{this is an old article written by Aga's talent manager Ethel Ramos (dated Aug 12, 2004) ... but it's cute just the same ...}



AGA Muhlach would always consider his 30th birthday in 1999 as his best and most memorable birthday. He remembers inviting all of his friends, both from showbiz and outside showbiz, to a grand party held in his then-new house in Ayala Alabang. Charlene Gonzales, who was a dear, dear friend then, was among those invited. Never for a moment did it enter his mind that three years later Charlene would be his "reyna ng tahanan."

Today, August 12, marks another birthday for Aga. For the first time, he asked Charlene and his friends not to surprise him with a party. He just wants to spend the day with Charlene and the children. Perhaps, they might go to the church inside Ayala Alabang, take a stroll and then have dinner in one of their favorite restaurants.

It's now a joy taking the children to a restaurant. They no longer have to be attended to very much. They now eat on their own. And guess what their favorite food is.

Rice.

In any case, Aga feels he is so blessed. He's blessed with more than what he had dreamt of and aspired for. He really has a lot to be grateful for.

* * *

Aga and I have been working together as talent and talent manager for the last 13 years. I was witness to how hard he struggled to get to where he is now. And it was not easy going through the process, so to speak, to attain everything that he has now.

For our first year together, I remember accepting personal appearances for him in the provinces. Because he did not own a car then, we would take the bus along with the other talents.

One time, we were with the group of Rico Puno, Rachel Alejandro and Rachel Lobangco, who were considered big talents then. Aga was their front act. But we were to wait for the show to reach the finale so we can ride with the rest of the lesser stars and the staff in the bus in going home.

For the work he was paid P10,000.

"Naalaala mo 'yun, Tita Ethel?" he reminisced once. "Hapi na tayo with that amount. How much more ngayon that we are earning more?"

What I appreciate most about Aga is that he has not changed. At least, not in my perception. He has remained down-to-earth. He has maintained his humility. I can count the number of times he has lost his cool with my fingers. And they were not even grabe.

But I wish, though, he would learn to be punctual. This has been our bone of contention ever since. Just recently, I gave him an alarm clock. He gave the clock to one of the twins, Atasha, who, I think, does not know why I gave it to her dad.

As Aga would always reason out: "I want to be what I used to be. Ayokong dumating ng maaga dahil baka akalain ng tao nagbago na ako."

Then, laughter.

* * *

Marriage and fatherhood have definitely made Aga even more mellow. These have, after all, given him the serenity and satisfaction which were what he thought he missed during his bachelor days. Knowing that he has Charlene to support him in all his endeavors inspires him to work harder, to be even better - personally and professionally.

"Seeing the blessings I've been given so far, I look forward to an even brighter tomorrow for myself, Charlene, my kids and my family. And, hopefully, for the country, too. This might as well be my wishes for my birthday," he enthused.

Happy birthday, Aga.

[mhie]

THE NATION

Nation | Media

Published: 14/4/2005, 06:33 (UAE)

Dubai is the location for first Filipino film in Mideast

By Genesis Maniquez, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Prominent Philipino actors will arrive here today to start shooting the film Dubai.

Aga Muhlach, JOHN LLOYD Cruz and some production staff have decided on locations for the movie titled Dubai. Actress Claudine Barretto will join the group tomorrow.

Director Rory Quintos and producer Tess Fuentes have been in the city for a week to plan the stages of the shooting. Thirteen crew members will form part of the production staff.

About two months months ago, the producer, scriptwriter and director were in Dubai to map out the script of the film.

Dubai is the first Filipino film to be shot in the Middle East. The cast and crew are expected to shoot selected scenes in Dubai until the end of the month. The rest of the film will be shot in Manila.

The film is under the production of ABS CBN's Star Cinema and is expected to be a big hit not only in Manila but in international theatres.

Two years ago, Star Cinema shot a film in Italy titled Milan. The movie was well received not only by moviegoers but also by critics. In fact, it was one of the featured films of the first Dubai International Film Festival.

[ELEAU]

AGA Muhlach once became the butt of jokes in OK Fine as he was fat.

He's slimmer now. What did he do?

"I worked out in a gym about three hours daily," he says. "Then I also played badminton and basketball. And of course, nag-diet ako. I don't eat rice anymore."

When did he start gaining weight?

"In summer of last year. Right after the only movie I did in 2004, All My Life, opened in theaters, my wife Charlene and I went to Europe for a one-month vacation. Each time I'd call up here to inquire about the movie, they'd tell me it was doing very well at the box office. With the thought that it's a blockbuster, I felt I was entitled to do all the eating I could do.

"I have to admit I really eat a lot. If I wouldn't control myself, platu-plato at kalde-kaldero ang kain ko. E, we Muhlachs, tabain kami. When I was younger, I could easily lose 10 lbs. in one week. But now that I'm 28," he laughs, as he's really 34, "my metabolism has slowed down and it's more difficult to reduce.

"When we returned home from Europe, my clothes won't fit me anymore, but I just went on eating and eating. I also became a couch potato. I'd watch TV, then I'd eat again and sleep, no exercise. By December, my weight has increased to 205 lbs. It's the first time I weighed that heavy.

"Now I really have to lose weight for the new movie. Also, for my health, as my cholesterol level went up. So far, 180 na lang ako. I have to lose 15 more pounds to get my ideal weight of 165. After I achieve that, I promise I'd be more careful and won't pig out again."

They will stay in Dubai for 18 days.

"The whole movie happens in Dubai, so we have to finish it before returning home. But our director is Rory Quintos and when we did Kailangan Kita, where I was also paired with Claudine [Barretto], inabot ng six months na pabalik-balik kami sa Bicol. So I don't know if we'd really be able to complete the movie there in 18 days. I just hope we will."

What's the title?

"The working title is Dubai, just like Milan. Unless they can think of some other title that would suit it better. But I told them I want Gary Valenciano to sing the theme song again, like Kailangan Kita and All My Life."

And what's his role?

"The story will be different from other films about OFWs that start here and end here in our country. Ito, it will start and end in Dubai. The OFWs daw kasi in Dubai are not the usual Pinoys abroad who do blue-collar work but yuppies with high-paying jobs. I play a foreign-exchange shop owner. JOHN LLOYD Cruz is my younger brother and he suffers in comparison to me. The rivalry becomes more intense when we both fall in love with Claudine."

How did he feel when text messages alleged that he died in an accident?

"Wala. I was working out when I learned about it. Bale wala ang ganu'n. Ang ayoko, mga tsismis na sinisiraan kami ng pamilya ko."

How are his twins Atasha and Andres?

"They're 3 and a half now. By June, they'd go na to pre-school. I'm very careful about what they watch on TV. I don't allow them to watch violent cartoons at baka gayahin nila."

And his eldest son, Luigi or Igi Boy? Is it true he has problems with him?

"He's okey. You know, Luigi is basically a good boy. Wala siyang bisyo. Our only conflict is that education is not his priority. He's now 17 and he's in his first year in college. For one year, he didn't go to school and I was really annoyed. Nagbibinata, e, kaya akala niya, alam na niya lahat. Each time he'd ask money from me, I wouldn't give him. I told him, if you want to learn things the hard way, bahala ka.

"But now that he's back to school and taking up Interior Design, I'm willing to give him everything he needs. Pero kung hindi siya papasok, he can't get anything from me. His mom [Janice de Belen] and I are now in close communication, so we'd be able to guide him. He knows his mom informs me right away kapag may ginagawa siyang kalokohan."

[mhie]

Aga sanay na sa 'patayan' sa showbiz


TARAY
Pacita M.
Taliba

"RAMDAM na ramdam ko na tumatanda na ako!"
Ito ang bungad ni Aga Muhlach sa inyong lingkod nang matiyempuhan namin sa Annabelle's restaurant noong Martes.

He must be kidding, because the man right before our eyes could pass for on-ly 28 or more years old lang. walang kahit isang peliges sa kanyang mukha, wika nga. "sinasabi n'yo 'yan dahil hindi n'yo ako nakita last year. Ipinaparamdam sa akin 'yan ng mga kasama ko sa Okey Fine. Nung una, okey lang sa akin. Tawa lang ako nang tawa. Sakay nang sakay. Maliban kasi sa sitcom wala akong ibang ginagawa. 'Yung bakasyon namin noon ni Charlene sa Europe for one whole month after shooting All My Life, started it all.

"It was time naman to relax and do whatever I want. And that include eating. Nadala ko sa 'Pinas. Until I reached the ultimate. Yung 2005 iba na pala ako!

"Tapos, one year na. Panahon na ulit para gumawa ng pelikula. Paano, eh, ang laki-laki ko nga. So, nag-exercise ako, gym, badminton, bawas kain. Basta, kailangang bumalik sa da-ting porma. Kaya heto, ang nakikita n'yo ay product ng pagi-exercise ko. Ang responsibilidad ko bilang ar-tista."

Paalis si Aga nang mga sandaling iyon for Dubai. Literally, sa Dubai ang punta niya together with Claudine Barretto, JOHN LLOYD Cruz, direk Rory Quintos and some staff ng Star Ci-nema.

"I'll be staying there, working, for 18 days. Walang dalaw mula kay Charlene. Ganoon kami ni Charls. Para, hindi nai-intimidate ang aming mga sarili. Kasi, kailangang mag-concentrate, mag-focus. Kung may dalaw, mag-e-entertain. Sira ang sked, ang preparation. Ganoon din si Charlene sa akin, kapag siya naman ang nasa work. Hindi ko siya pinupuntahan."


* * * * * * * * * * * *

THIS might be bad news for Aga and Charlene's fans.

"Wala pa kaming balak na sundan ang kambal (Andres and Atasha). Kumpletung-kumpleto ang bliss naming mag-asawa sa kanilang dalawa. Tig-isa kami ni Charls, komportableng-komportable at siguro, wala nang mahihiling pa, except siguro para sa aming mga kaibigan, sa loob at labas ng s howbiz."

Nang mabalitaang "na-matay" si Aga kamakailan lang sa Tagaytay, hindi na niya ito dinamdam. Naisip din niya ang ibang tao, lalo na ang mga kapatid niya sa hanapbuhay na nagkaroon din ng mga ganitong balita.

"Maraming ganito sa showbiz, maraming hindi totoo. Ayoko silang i-judge kasi kawawa naman. Nagsa-suffer na nga, eh, hindi pa inuunawa. Buti man lang sana kung tulad ko ang outlook nila sa buhay. Hindi na ako nagpapaapekto. Basta, tuloy lang ang buhay. Kapag naman kasi hindi totoo, namamatay agad ang tsismis, ang negative news na iyon. Tingnan mo ako, buhay na buhay pa rin."

There must be something about the Dubai movie para tanggapin niya ito.

"Totoo yan," amin niya. "Ang karamihan kasi sa mga pelikula tungkol sa OFW, eh, 'yung nangyayari sa kanila pagdating nila. Hindi pa yata nata-tackle ang mga ginawa nila sa i-bang bansa para marating nila ang kanilang pangarap. Magkapatid kami ni JOHN LLOYD dito na parehong nagkasuwerteng matupad ang pangarap namin. Hindi na ito 'yung paghihirap ng OFWs laban sa kanilang mapang-abusong emplo-yers. Ibang-iba, I tell you."

Wish lang ni Aga ay hindi magkaroon ng aberya sa shooting sked nila para ma-kabalik siya in time for Charlene's b-day on May 1.

God must be very good to Aga. Looking at him and listening to everything he says, makes us wonder how beautiful this world can be kung marami pang Aga sa ating mundo.