Aga Muhlach, Julia Barretto to star in ‘Forgetting Canseco’

MULTI-AWARDED actor Aga Muhlach has worked with actresses younger and even older than him on the big screen. He was paired with Claudine Barretto, Bea Alonzo, Kristine Hermosa, Anne Curtis, and Angel Locsin in memorable romance-dramas in the past.

Muhlach was only 23 when he was paired with Vilma Santos in Maryo J. de los Reyes’ “Sinungaling Mong Puso” (1992).

When he was called on for a new project for Viva Films, Muhlach was excited to work with a new leading lady, Julia Barretto, who is half his age. They are paired in Denise O’Hara’s “’Forgetting Canseco,” to be filmed in Baguio this month.

“I’m really nervous and excited because it’s my first time to work with Julia. This is my first project again after ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ in 2019. You know how it is to make a movie. That is really close to my heart, more than anything,” he said.

“When this movie was offered to me, sabi ni Julia, ‘Wow.’ As an actor, it is a blessing to be able to work and experience an actress like Julia at this point and time in my life. There’s nothing but gratitude on my part.

“I will play my age and she will play her age in the story. We’ll do a nice movie and we’ll make sure the audience will get entertained,” he added.

For her part, Barretto was initially tentative about how she will address Muhlach, who earlier worked with her aunts like Gretchen (“Miguelito: Batang Rebelde” in 1985 and “When I Fall in Love” in 1986) and Claudine (“Kailangan Kita” in 2002 and “Dubai” in 2005).

“I don’t know, is this real life?,” Barretto asked “I’m on cloud 9. I’m deeply honored and really grateful to be a part of this. I meant it when I said I’m excited but really nervous. I’m working with the original heartthrob and the legend.

“Nahihiya pa rin ako how to address him. Actually, sa look-test, I needed to ask our photo to be sent to me. I sent it to kina mommy [Marjorie]. This is my dream project. I’m really happy that this is happening.

“I’m excited to learn. I’m excited to try new things. I’m excited to be stretched in so many ways doing this film and I think the best way to do that is to start with a new mindset. I don’t want to be negative with myself,” Julia said.

Whether or not “’Forgetting Canseco” will be an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December, O’Hara cannot readily confirm at this point. (Leah C. Salterio/ABS-CBN News)