Atasha and Andres Muhlach keep promise to parents before joining showbiz

MANILA, Philippines — Despite drawing the spotlight since they were kids, Atasha and Andres Muhlach, the twins of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, had to complete their college education before pursuing careers in showbiz. Atasha earned her Business degree in the UK, while Andres took up Arts in Spain.

Atasha was launched a year ago and has since become a mainstay host on TV5’s “Eat Bulaga.” This year, Andres followed suit with sights set on acting.

With their careers managed by Viva, the siblings are making their acting debut together with their parents in the new TV5 sitcom, “Da Pers Family,” which airs Sunday nights at 7:15.

Proud mother Charlene shared in a recent STAR interview, “Aga and I, we raised the kids very independently. We respected their decisions. They did their end of the deal that when they reached a certain age, whatever they decide to do with their lives, we would support them.”

She continued, “As parents, the best thing we could do is to just let them fly and support them in whatever they choose to do with their lives. And this is the path that they chose. So we’re here to support them and we’re happy to see them grow day-by-day as each experience comes.”

When asked about their parents’ reactions when they were informed of their decision to follow in their footsteps, Atasha said, “They’re very supportive. They said, ‘If that’s what you wanna do, go for it. Basta finish your studies.’ That’s the golden rule.”

“That was done. And then (they said) spread your wings and fly but learn on your own, learn by yourself, we’re always here to guide you, but not dictate you,” she added.

The twins shared the lessons they’ve learned (so far!) from their showbiz journey.

“Just don’t be afraid, just do it, just start somewhere. From there, just continue to work and improve your craft and see where it goes,” Atasha said, before adding, “And don’t take things too seriously.”

“Adding to that, too, is learning to be more confident in myself, I guess, as an artista. I think it’s very important, kelangan ng kumpyansa (sa sarili) ‘di ba?” Andres shared. “And being nice to everyone. That’s a major thing that they taught us, also.”

Although often referred to as the Muhlach twins, they have distinct personalities with individual career aspirations. Atasha is establishing herself as both a host and a music artist. She recently released a new single under Vicor Music, titled Love Story Kong Bitin.

As for Andres, “Ako talaga gusto kong umarte,” he shared. “I really wanna act.”

Nevertheless, he stressed, “At the end of the day, we’re still twins.”

Atasha added, “Nothing’s gonna change that. But we’re also individuals.”

Andres elaborated, “We are very individual in our own way. We are still our own person.”

He continued, “Atasha has her own strengths, I also have my own strengths. Atasha has her weaknesses, I also have my weaknesses. We’re different but at the end of the day, we’re still twins.”

Charlene further explained Atasha and Andres’ upbringing.

“From the very beginning, it’s a given that everyone knows they’re twins. But Aga and I made it a point to really give them their own individuality, to the point that they even studied in separate schools. When they went to college, they went to different countries,” she said of her children.“So growing up, we really made it a point for her to establish her own identity as Atasha and for him to have his own identity as Andres.”