Alonzo Muhlach’s gift to Fallen 44’s children
Sometimes, a child can teach adults a lot about generosity.
Alonzo Muhlach, 5, son of ‘70s child superstar Nino Muhlach, wants to give toys to the children of the Fallen 44 when he marks his birthday on Sunday, February 22 at Mowelfund Plaza.
Luxury van
“I have a classmate. His name is Andre. His dad’s a soldier,” the star of the movie “Yamashita’s Treasure” and the soon-to-be-shown TV series “Inday Bote” explained to the press.
If Alonzo can afford to be that generous, it’s because he need not work to feed himself and his family.
Nino’s dad Alex invested all his earnings as a child wonder wisely (one of these investments is the El Nino Apartelle in Cubao, Quezon City).
“Yung iba hindi ko ba nagagalaw,” Nino relates.
This is why he can afford to give his son a luxury van – complete with bed, TV set, comfort room and ref – as birthday gift.
Moneyed
Alonzo himself speaks straight English.
“Never kong inisip na itong batang ito, gawing child star,” Nino says. “Nagkataon lang na maraming nakapansin na kamukha ko siya nung bata ako. Doon nagsimula,” recalls Nino.
Alonzo's first TV appearance was in “Bet On Your Baby,” followed by “Pinoy Big Brother: All-In” last year. He also had guest stints on “The Ryzza Mae Show,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Walang Tulugan,””Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “Tapatan ni Tunying,” “Tonight with Arnold Clavio,” “Poptalk” and “Aha.”
Alonzo is Viva Artist Agency’s youngest contract artist. Sarah Geronimo’s mother studio is managing the boy with veteran entertainment columnist Aster Amoyo.
The boy himself admits he is moneyed.
Lesson in humility
“Many,” Alonzo replied when asked how much money he has.
But his dad makes sure his feet are firmly planted on the ground. Nino spanks Alonzo’s hands when he does something wrong – like say bad words whose meaning his innocent mind can’t grasp. Then he says sorry to his concerned dad.
“Mahirap yung lagi kang nasa pelikula or shooting. Ramdam mo na sikat na sikat ka. Kung ano ang ginawa ng dad ko nung kasikatan ko, gagawin ko kay Alonzo. Parati sinasabi ng dad ko na darating ang araw na mawalala yan at dapat kaya kong tanggapin.”
History proved Nino’s dad right. The boy who did movies left and right grew up and found out that you can’t stay on top of the heap forever.
Height issue
“Nung nawala ang lahat, naging handa ako. Hindi ako nasaktan kasi tanggap ko na ang nangyari sa akin,” Nino states.
He has only one fear: that Alonzo will not grow as tall as he should.
“Sana lumaki siya,“ Nino said.
But he's confident Alonzo will grow taller than he is because modern klieg lights no longer emit heat that can affect the pituitary gland, which produces the growth hormone.
Hands-on
"Dad said I might be taller than he is when I'm 10," Alonzo blurts out.
Nino adds, “Siya ang pinakamatangkad sa klase at matangkad ang mom niya.”
The good thing about being a former chld star is that Nino knows when to urge his son on and when to hold Alonzo back.
Experience – and his sensible dad – have taught Nino all that.
