Niño Muhlach aims for versatility

Former showbiz child wonder Niño Muhlach did not think twice in accepting the role of a gay in the indie movie “Slumber Party,” after he was informed about it by Emmanuel Dela Cruz, the director of the movie. “Slumber Party” was an entry at the Cinema One Originals 2012 competition and was among the popular entries last year.

“I accepted the role because I wanted to do something different as well as challenge myself,” said Onin (the former child star’s nickname) at the press conference of “Slumber Party” last week. This is the first time that Niño accepted a gay role and even he had quite a difficulty in doing it because of the way his lines were written, but he admitted he enjoyed himself.

“All of my lines were swardspeak. To make it kind of easier for me, they recorded my lines and made me listen to it during the shoot so that I would have an idea how I am supposed to deliver them. It was a real challenge for me but I really had a good time because doing a gay role was something new for me,” added Niño. “Another reason why I accepted the movie was because it’s a comedy. Sex is not the thrust. We have some gay films that focus its story on sex between two men, right? ‘Slumber Party’ is not like that.”

At this stage of his career, Niño says he wants to take on roles that he does not normally do and accept movies that have an edgy story. He wants to surprise the audience by doing roles that he would have not probably done years ago. He is not after superstardom. He has accepted the fact that he has reached his peak as a star. He was in the Erik Matti film “On The Job” where he played a drug lord. Now who would imagine Niño doing that kind of role, with his height? But with Erik Matti’s direction, he was able to pull through.

“I am not dreaming to be a superstar again. I have reached my prime as a child star. Once you’ve reached the top there’s no way to go but down. I am happy now that I am able to do a variety of roles. I even have a sexy scene in ‘Juana Change The Movie’ where I showed my butt. Pero hindi ka mandidiri sa eksena kundi matatawa ka,” he added with a laugh.

Aside from doing movies, Niño also busies himself by directing stage plays and managing their family business, the Megamelt Ensaymada which is located at the ground floor of El Niño  Apartelle in San Juan.

“Slumber Party” features Archie Alemania, Markki Stroem, RK Bagatsing and Sef Cadayona in the lead roles. It opens today in theaters nationwide.

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Like many actors, getting the big breaks to get his career going did not become easy for newbie actor Jun-Jun Quintana. He had experienced rejections and shabby treatment. But he did not let these setbacks douse his enthusiasm and desire to make a name as an actor. He just remained focused and moved forward, with the firm belief that with determination and hard work he will realize his dream.

As a newbie actor, Jun-Jun first gained notice in the Adolfo Alix, Jr. film titled “Haruo,” best film at the Young Critics Circle for 2012. Impressed with his performance, Adolf got Jun-Jun anew to be part of his new film “Death March” which premiered at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Jun-Jun was the lead actor in the TV drama “Liwanag sa Dapithapon” of 700 Club and CBN Asia for their Holy Week presentation shown on GMA 7 last Good Friday.

At the Cinemalaya indie film fest last July, he received praise for his performance in the Eduardo Roy Jr. movie “Quick Change” as the lover boy who left his transvestite lover for another who underwent sex change.

He was recently seen in “Philippino Story,” a movie of Benjamin Garcia and an entry at the recently concluded Cinema One Originals for which he got a best actor nomination together with his co-star Mark Gil, who played his gay lover. He played the role of a male prostitute. 

He will be seen in the forthcoming ABS-CBN series “The Legal Wife” starring Angel Locsin and Jericho Rosales, to be aired next year.

“I am just grateful with the blessings, the work opportunities, and the good roles. And I am also thankful to those who are supporting my career in showbiz,” said the good-looking Jun-Jun who is definitely a good find. Given the right break and push, he has a bright future ahead of him.