When love begins, Aga Muhlach and Anne Curtis talk about how to make it last

Under the collaborative effort of Star Cinema and Viva Films, box-office and critically acclaimed director Joey Reyes brings to life the most anticipated date movie of the summer “When Love Begins,” starring today’s premier leading man, Aga Muhlach, and one of the most beautiful actresses to grace the screens of today, Anne Curtis.

At their promotional tour in Cebu City last April 25 at Pino Restaurant in Lahug, Aga and Anne eagerly talked more about their first movie together.

Set primarily in picturesque Boracay island, the story centers around Ben Caballero (Aga Muhlach) and Michelle Valmonte (Anne Curtis), two individuals who come to terms with issues of commitment and conflict.

When asked what does she and the character she’s playing have in common, Anne answered, “Before, I used to party a lot, too, just like Michelle...and I can relate to the character because as of now, I am also afraid to commit.”

Although Anne’s lifelong dream of playing the role of a mermaid has not yet been realized, she has definitely one great wish come true when she got this project to work with Aga.

“I’ve watched his movies before and my favorite is the one he made with Lea Salonga (Sana Maulit Muli). I’ve always dreamed of working with him since I was twelve. So, [doing the film] is really a giant step for me,” Anne gushed.

She described Aga as the most professional leading man she has ever worked with. “Talagang hindi na-la-late! I also learned a lot so much from him since he’s someone who’s very comfortable around movie cameras, and I’ve not been doing movies much. I’m used to doing the TV series kasi...So, yung first few days kinakabahan ako, but later on nawala na rin,” she said.

When it was Aga’s turn to describe how Anne was as a leading lady, he said, “It was fun working with her. Alam kong maraming naghahabol na makatrabaho si Anne so I’m happy to work with her. Magaling si Anne, sobrang galing.”

Eventually, the issue of the controversial simultaneous playdates of “When Love Begins” and “Ploning,” a film starred and co-produced by Judy Ann Santos—another ABS-CBN prized talent—surfaced.

Aga said, “I could not speak for Judy Ann, who is by the way my friend, as to whether she should just move the playdate of ‘Ploning.’ All I could say is that it’s sayang. Sayang talaga kasi mahahati yung mga tao kung ano yung panonoorin nila. I really have no control over the playdates and the issue is really just between her and Star Cinema.”

“Since it’s summer naman and it’s going to be a long weekend, why don’t you just watch both movies? Puro Filipino movies naman po yan so sana talagang suportahan ng mga tao,” implored Anne, who appeared visibly confused as to how to address the issue.

Meanwhile, things turned to a lighter note when Anne was asked to give three adjectives that best describe Aga. “Anjan lang siya, oh! (pointing at Aga) Nakakahiya naman!” she exclaimed with her lips curled into a bubbly smile and her pretty face immediately turned deep red.

They had a love scene in this movie but Anne described it as a very tender, not passionate, love scene. She said that it was difficult in a way since it was her first time to shoot such a scene. Aga was also quick to say that there’s more to this movie than the kissing scenes and the much talked-about love scene. They’re not the selling point of the film, he stressed. 

Moreover, Aga, who is married to former beauty queen Charlene Gonzales, was asked how his wife reacts to the kissing and love scenes.

“She doesn’t react, and it’s a good thing. We don’t talk about it at home but we do talk about my excitement over the projects I have. She knows and trusts that it’s really just about my passion to make movies. And I always tell her it’s just work,” Aga said straight-faced, adding that he always make it a point to be accompanied by his wife during premiere showings.

Talking more about his family, Aga said that their five-year-old twins Andres and Atasha, are not yet allowed to watch the films he has made.

“There’s this one time when my movie ‘Kailangan Kita’ was shown on T.V. and they saw me kissing Claudine Barretto. They asked me ‘Daddy, why are you kissing our ninang (godmother)?’ So, I had to explain that it was just my work. Now, they somehow have an idea of what my work is,” Aga explained.

Their movie is entitled “When Love Begins” but Aga and Anne shared their thoughts on the more important thing—what does it take to make love last.

Aga said, “Respect is very important. You must have it both for your partner and for yourself. You always have to work for it and it’s so nice to be always just in love.”

“Right now, wala ako sa posisyon to talk about love. It’s still a learning process for me and I have so much to learn. For me lang, you’ve got to have trust. Without it, all else fails, eh,” Anne said.

A powerhouse and exciting group of actors provide excellent acting support to Aga and Anne namely: Ronaldo Valdez, Boots Anson Roa, Desiree Del Valle, Dimples Romana, Mandy Ochoa, Angel Jacob, Rafael Rosel, AJ Dee, Jon Avila, Mads Nicolas, Alma Lerma, Jennifer Lee and some of ABS-CBN’s products of Pinoy Big Brother and Pinoy Dream Academy.

“When Love Begins” opens on April 30 in over 150 theaters nationwide.