Aga Muhlach, Richard Gomez redefine ‘Dadbods’

Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez are no strangers to the limelight. As two of the most iconic leading men and multi-awarded actors in Philippine showbiz, they dominated the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s with their dashing looks, undeniable charisma, and acting prowess.

Gomez, dubbed the “Adonis of Philippine Cinema,” and Muhlach, known as the “Eternal Matinee Idol,” brought their charms to top-rated shows and blockbuster films often paired with some of the most respected actresses.

Common caption: Gomez lost 4 inches off waistline, while Muhlach lost 50lbs in 10 months.

Yet, despite their stature and decades of success, both actors admit they still grapple with insecurities, especially when it comes to their health and appearance.

Common caption: Gomez lost 4 inches off waistline, while Muhlach lost 50lbs in 10 months.

At a media launch as Century Tuna ambassadors, Muhlach, who experienced weight fluctuations during the pandemic and reached a peak of 260 pounds, admitted that his weight had significantly affected his life.

“Maybe many people who are overweight or struggling with the same issues can relate. It was difficult. I could’ve been busier if it weren’t for my weight. It’s hard to hide in life because our bodies reveal everything — there are insecurities, and people will fat-shame us because we’ve neglected ourselves,” he continued.

Meanwhile, although Gomez remains active in sports at 58, he still hasn’t been able to escape gaining weight.

“We’ve always been active. Aga bikes a lot, and I play a lot of badminton. But losing more weight has been a challenge. I reached a point where I had to give away my pants because I outgrew them — my waistline went up to 42 inches,” Gomez said.

Now with, Century Tuna’s “#TheBestYouStartsNow” campaign, the two icons are redefining what it’s like to be Dadbods with their transformation to wellness.

Since joining, Muhlach has lost 50 pounds and is committed to continuing to exercise and eat healthy to achieve his ideal weight by the end of the year.

“I hit 260 lbs, but my ideal weight is 170 lbs. Now, I’m down to 200 lbs, so I still have 30 more to go. It’s a bit of a shame — we were supposed to go shirtless in the ad, but I said, ‘Let’s save that for next year,” joked Muhlach.

“This has been a game-changer, so thank you for challenging us. There’s no deadline — you just have to commit to it. I’m just happy that we’re here now, and we’re halfway there,” he added.

On the other hand, Gomez stated that since joining the campaign, his pants have become four inches looser through being consistent in his lifestyle change.

“We had our fitness journey for 10 months. The hardest part was starting — it’s not like we’re teenagers anymore. But when the challenge came, we asked ourselves, ‘Can we really do this?’ It turns out, the older you get, the more important it is to stay fit. Eat the right food, do the right exercises, and maintain an active lifestyle.

It’s crucial for longevity, and that’s what Aga and I both want — to see our kids grow up. So from a size 42 waist, I’m now down to a 34,” Gomez shared.

Aside from their fitness coach Mauro Lumba, Century Tuna and Superbods 2014 Grand Champion, Muhlach and Gomez both credited their wives Charlene Gonzales and Lucy Torres, respectively, for supporting them and pushing them to be better.

“She told me, ‘Please, don’t gain weight again. I know you’re handsome, but you’re even more handsome now.’ But more than looking good, it’s about feeling better, healthier, and stronger,” Gomez pointed out.

Muhlach, meanwhile, shared, “I’m happy that my wife is also very supportive. She’s always my gentle reminder. I struggled with an eating disorder for a while and had issues with binge eating, and sometimes that still comes up. But she would stop me and say, ‘That’s enough, you know where that leads, don’t go back there.'”

When asked for advice for fellow Filipinos looking to start their fitness journey, they emphasized the importance of beginning as soon as possible.

“I’m over 50, but one thing I’ve realized is that at this age, you really have to work out more, build muscle, because it just feels better,” said Gomez.

Muhlach added, “For me, I guess it’s time to stop hiding and stop making promises like ‘I’ll start next year.’ Do it now. With Christmas coming, we might say again, ‘Let’s wait until January to start,’ but you should start now. It’s really a lifestyle.”