Many have been curious about the whereabouts of the Philippines’ former heartthrob, Aga Muhlach, once celebrated as a certified hunk.

Now, at 54 years old, memories of his chiseled abs and muscular physique still linger among fans and netizens alike.

Search “young Aga Muhlach” on Google, and you’ll find images capturing him at the peak of his physical prime—fit, dashing, and, of course, flaunting those sought-after abs.

However, in a recent interview with Korina Sanchez, Aga opened up about the challenges he faced with weight gain.

“I had to accept the fact that I was really big,” he confessed during the interview, revealing his discomfort with his weight gain.

“Because I experienced talaga about being big. Up to now I’m still experiencing it. It’s hard. Napagod na ako sa kulay black. Napagod na ako na parang… Napagod na ako sa paglalabas ng gabi, kelangang may jacket ako. Kelangang nakaganun kahit minsan mainit,” the veteran actor confessed.

Like many millennials and aging netizens today, Aga attributed his weight gain to aging, poor nutrition, and, notably, the pandemic, which saw him tipping the scales at over 200 pounds, even reaching 250 at one point.

“Okay lang na nakita kang mataba. Okay lang. Di bale, mahilig mag-fat shame ang bang tao,” he mused, seemingly consoling himself with the hope of regaining his former physique one day.

Thanks to a strict diet and exercise regimen, he has managed to shed some weight, currently tipping the scales at 216 pounds.

“Pag di ako pumayat this year, hindi na ako gagawa ng pelikula talaga,” he quipped, expressing his determination to get back into shape, hinting at potential movie projects riding on his weight loss journey.

During the pandemic, like many affluent individuals, Aga’s family opted for a luxurious retreat, spending a year off-grid and at sea.

“Tumira kayo sa banka? Sa boat!” Korina inquired, intrigued by their seafaring escapade.

“For a year,” Aga confirmed, detailing their adventures exploring Palawan and beyond.

With only his family and crew onboard, Aga indulged in hearty meals, leading to further weight gain.

“Hanggang lumaki na lang nang lumaki talaga,” he confessed, admitting to reaching a hefty 250 pounds before his recent weight loss efforts.

Now, having shed 16 pounds, the former heartthrob and veteran actor is focused on reclaiming his fitness goals.

“I really exercised a lot. I worked out a lot. Very active. But my nutrition is really bad,” he conceded, highlighting the importance of balance in his journey to a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s my responsibility as an actor to at least, even at this age, to-lahat tayo ‘di ba?” he emphasized. “Because I experienced talaga about being big. Up to now, I’m still experiencing it. It’s hard.”

As he continues his journey towards fitness, Aga remains committed to looking and feeling his best, even as he navigates the challenges of aging and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the spotlight.