For him to embark on another TV production, actor Aga Muhlach, who hasn’t been seen in a TV series in a long time, said two things are required: that it be shot in Baguio City, where the weather is cool; and that he portray a confused and destitute character.

Aga stated that he agreed to perform Geo Lomuntad’s “Suntok sa Buwan,” which premiered on TV5 on July 18, since both factors on his list were checked.

Aga stars as Jimmy Boy, a retired boxer diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer, in the series, which is set in the City of Pines. He is diligently preparing his son, Dos (Elijah Canlas), to fight and eventually become a professional boxer.

“I remember that it was in a Zoom meeting when this was offered to me. I immediately fell in love with the story. I thought it was different and that the role suited me. I also felt confident that I could portray it. At the same time, I felt happy that Baguio was our set location. In my mind, I said, ‘This is unbelievable!’ After that Zoom meeting, the rest is history,” Aga said.

“We’re here now and we’re really excited. I told everyone here with me that we should already give our best at the beginning of taping to make sure that the audience is glued to their screens,” Aga explained.

This wasn’t the only indication that Aga was heavily involved in the series.

“I’m actually feeling embarrassed now because I’m aware that I tried to give my suggestions on a lot of aspects of the production—music, editing, scriptwriting and even direction. This isn’t because I want to prove to everyone that I know what I’m doing. I just have this gut feel that this is what my audience would like to see from me.

This wasn’t the only indication that Aga was heavily involved in the series, “I’m actually feeling embarrassed now because I’m aware that I tried to give my suggestions on a lot of aspects of the production—music, editing, scriptwriting and even direction. This isn’t because I want to prove to everyone that I know what I’m doing. I just have this gut feel that this is what my audience would like to see from me.”

“I’ve been doing movies all my life, and always, it’s never just about me or what I’ve contributed to the project. It’s about my viewers. I don’t want my efforts to be put to waste if, in the end, viewers realize that they don’t like it, or worst, nobody watches it. My audience is always my priority. I want them to not only understand the story flow, but also to enjoy it,” he pointed out.

“This has been my practice then and now. If my ideas don’t work, I can say that, at least, I tried. I’m just applying to this project the things I always do to all my past successful movies,” he said.

When asked what he believed was the nicest aspect of doing “Suntok sa Buwan,” Aga said, “The best part was actually accepting it.” To be honest, I was a little worried on the first day. I was still trying to find my way around the set, but because I was so invested in the project, it didn’t take long for me to start enjoying it. “

Aga spends most of his time on set with Elijah, who has previously received best actor awards both locally and internationally (for Jun Robles Lana’s “Kalel, 15”). Aga said that he was amazed every time he sat back and watched Elijah try to portray his role.

“Elijah understands his work as an actor and he is really good. To be fair, I was able to work with a lot of talented actors in this industry, but this project is really something good for Elijah. On the set, I would notice that he would really prepare for his scenes. The fact that I know I can rely on Elijah as a coactor made me feel more relaxed working with him,” he said.

He said Aga was never the sort to throw his weight around,

“I would never make my coworkers feel as if, ‘O! Ako ang kasama mo!’ I don’t mind adjusting to make others feel comfortable around me. With Elijah, I would always think, ‘He is good. I have to prepare, too, so I don’t embarrass myself.’”