It’s
common in show business to see the offspring of an actor follow in a
parent’s footsteps. But rarely does it follow that the aspiring new
generation is the spitting image of the parent. Yet one look at five-year-old Alonzo Muhlach and one would never mistake him for other than the son of ‘70s child wonder Niño Muhlach. Alonzo, who recently celebrated his birthday on Feb. 19, has got his father’s naughty eyes, chubby cheeks and toothy smile.
But the best thing that Alonzo got from his father is his charisma — that one factor that is necessary, with or without showbiz lineage, to stay relevant in local tinseltown.
The youngest talent in the star-studded Viva Artist Agency stable of stars indulged the members of the press as he sang and dance, without inhibitions, during the announcement of his contract signing with Viva. The latter will be co-managing the child star with returning talent manager Aster Amoyo.
Veronique del Rosario, who stood in for father and Viva’s big boss Vic del Rosario during the announcement, shares that the entertainment company has big plans and trust for the popular child star.
These projects include the remakes of several of Niño’s films. At the peak of his career as a child star, Niño starred in more than 30 solo films produced by Wonder Films. Some of the popular films of Niño include Butsoy, Nognog, Kwatog, Peter Panddesal and Enteng Anting.
Niño also had the privilege to act with bankable stars such as Fernando Poe. Jr in Ang Leon at ang Daga, Dolphy in Ang Tatay Kong Nanay and Vilma Santos in Darna at Ding.
Niño shares that it did not cross his mind to have his mini-me to join showbiz, but he was persuaded to let him try because his own experience was not traumatic and was actually enjoyable. Although as a father he would want his son to attain what he has achieved in the past, if not surpass it, he remains practical and realistic to note that the filmmaking industry is not as it was during his time.
He, however, places his trust on his son’s abilities, admitting that Alonzo is better than him because his son is inquisitive and a fast learner.
While he is set to co-produce and direct the remake films of Alonzo, Niño remains a proud and supportive father.
Alonzo currently appears in the kiddie gag show Goin’ Bulilit. He will soon be seen in episodes of Wansapanataym with Julia Montes and Coco Martin. He is soon going to show off his bibo (energetic) side as one of the seven dwarves of Inday Bote, an upcoming show headlined by Alex Gonzaga, Kean Cipriano and Matteo Guidicelli.
