Aga Muhlach invites Korean star of ‘Miracle’ to attend premiere of PH adaptation
Aga Muhlach who stars in the Philippine adaptation of “Miracle In Cell No. 7” has been exchanging text messages with the Korean lead actor of the original version, Ryu Seungryong.
“We’re kind of in constant communication now,” he said at a press conference.
In fact, Aga has invited Ryu to grace the premiere night of “Miracle” which is one of eight official entries to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.
However, due to his busy schedule, Ryu Seung-ryong might not make it to the event.
“But sinabi niya sa akin ‘It’s really an honor to be invited to your premiere (night) and I can’t wait to see your movie,’” Aga shared. The Korean star is said to have offered to promote the Philippine adaptation in his country.
“Miracle In Cell No. 7” is about Joselito (Aga), a mentally-ill man wrongfully charged with sexual assault and the murder of a little girl. In prison, he becomes friends with the other inmates and they form a plan to smuggle his young daughter (Xia Vigor) inside the cell. Years later, his daughter (Bela Padilla) becomes a lawyer determined to prove her father’s innocence. Also in the cast are John Arcilla, Joel Torre, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, Jojit Lorenzo, and Soliman Cruz, with the special participation of
Tirso Cruz III.
Aga is excited for viewers to watch the adaptation, with hopes to inspire and touch their hearts.
“Because the film does not only revolve around him and the other stars, but it is a story of the father and the daughter — how they changed people, how they changed everyone around them,” he said.
The actor did not watch the original version of the movie as “ayoko
ding ma-influence ako” on how to play his part.
“I know it’s a remake but parang
I have this spirit that we owned it.
Parang ginawa namin ’yung pelikula na
parang original talaga and that was the feeling sa set.”
Aga admitted he initially had doubts accepting the role mainly because of his body size. “Ako naman siyempre, overweight na ako. So nu’ng in-offer ’yung pelikula
sabi ko ‘Oh my God, magpapapayat na
naman ako, ito na naman,’” he said. Fortunately, it wasn’t necessary.
“Sinabi nila sa akin ‘You’re okay like that. If you want to go on diet, lose weight to feel good then okay
lang gawin. But then we don’t need that (type of physique).’”
Then again, Aga is not conscious of his looks as far as vanity goes.
“When I was in my 20s I was the happiest, when I was in my 30s I was the happiest, when I was in my 50s I was the happiest — it’s the same (however I tip the scale),” he said.
“Miracle In Cell No. 7,” produced by Viva Films, opens in cinemas on Dec. 25.
As dad
Aga was asked how he is as father to twins Andres and Atasha. He said he let his
kids do what they want as long as they finish their studies.
Can they enter show business, we asked.
“Hindi ko sila pinagbabawalan. ’Yun ang naging hanap buhay ko, pag-aartista. ’Yun ang nagbigay sa amin ng pagkain sa lamesa. Basta ang sabi ko lang tapusin nila pagaaral nila kasi madali lang pumasok sa industriya,” he said.
“‘At least ’pag pumasok kayo desisyon niyo. Hindi sa akin. ’Pag nahirapan kayo, ’pag nasaktan kayo, hindi niyo ako masisisi kasi hindi ako ang nagpasok sa inyo,’” he remembered telling his children.
Aga pointed out the “hard” life actors lead.
“Kasi masakit ang industriya natin,” he related. “Sa industriyang ’to, huhusgahan at huhusgahan ka parati.”