Niño Muhlach, with nearly 50 years in the entertainment industry, is not only one of the most successful Filipino celebrities but also an inspiring entrepreneur.
In an interview with journalist Karen Davila, the former child actor revealed that the secret to his 30-year-old ensaymada business and comfortable life is all thanks to his dad, Alexander Muhlach.
The first and original branch of his ensaymada business can be found in El Niño Building in Quezon City, which he owns. He told Karen that it was the result of his "pag-aartista," which began when he was just 2 and a half years old. As one of the highest-paid child actors in his time, his dad managed his finances well. "Masinop po ang daddy ko, talagang negosyante po," he said.
Adapting his grandfather's recipe for his products and his father's financial wisdom, Niño is passing on the legacy to his two sons, Sandro and Alonzo.
RELATED: Want Your Kids To Be Entrepreneurial And Business-Minded At An Early Age? Here's How To Start
How Niño started his 30-year-old family-owned business
Niño, the cousin of actor Aga Muhlach, shared that their bakery sells 2,000 boxes a day during off-peak seasons and over 5,000 boxes during the holiday season. He admitted that running a business is harder than showbiz. "This is an everyday commitment. Dapat mas malaki yung pumapasok kaysa sa lumalabas," he said. "Siyempre po, 'yung produkto mo, dapat talagang masarap. Kung hindi siya produkto, kung service siya, you do your best."
Coming from a broken family, Niño revealed he had his fair share of struggles in both his family and career life.
"I really owe everything to my dad. He really looked out for my future." Niño Muhlach
However, he owes his comfortable life to his father, who guided him along the way. "Nagpapasalamat lang po talaga ako kasi my dad was always there to guide me. At saka inayos po niya 'yung buhay ko eh."
He continued, "May building po ako, tapos lahat po ng pelikula ko kami nagproduce nun, lahat ng kinikita nun, may royalty po ako. Hindi nawaldas."
Nino added that his dad started a trust fund for his children. "I really owe everything to my dad. He really looked out for my future."
One important thing that his dad imprinted on him was to save up for rainy days. "At the height of my popularity, lagi po niya pinapaaala sakin, Niño, darating yung araw, mawawala lahat yan. Mawawala lahat yung kasikatan mo na yan."
He added, "So pag dumating yung araw na yan, kailangan handa ka. Kaya I was always prepared."
How is Niño Muhlach as a father
Nino has three children: two sons and a daughter who lives in the United States.
"Lagi ko lang tinuturo sa mga anak ko na 'wag yung feeling entitled. Kahit anong sikat mo, you owe it all to the people eh." —Niño Muhlach
Alonzo, his son with his current partner, Abby Tupaz, shared that Niño is a very caring father. "He will never leave you. Kunyari may problem ka, ang mindset ni Papa, parang there's always a solution to your problems."
Sandro, his son with Edith Millare, feels the same, saying, "If may problem ako, sobrang free niya kausapin."
Both of his sons have already ventured into showbiz, following their dad's footsteps. When asked what they do with their earnings, both of them keep them in a trust fund for their college education and their future.
"He may not be the perfect husband, but he's the perfect father," Sandro expressed.
Niño finally shares this lesson he taught his kids, "Lagi ko lang tinuturo sa mga anak ko na 'wag 'yung feeling entitled. Kahit anong sikat mo, you owe it all to the people eh. 'Di ba? Laging utang na loob mo sa tao 'yan eh."
Is your child growing up to be entitled? Read what you can still do to change it, here.
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