Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez, who goes simply by Alyssa Muhlach, is in the middle of breaking into the music industry with her debut single "Paalam."
Strongly committed to women empowerment, the former beauty queen made sure that "Paalam" was crafted to be an anthem for those trapped in toxic relationships.
The song encourages listeners to summon the courage to break free and reclaim their lives.
In a live interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on August 6, 2024, Alyssa reflected on her past struggles to escape an unhealthy relationship and the emotional toll of finally leaving, despite the harm it caused.
"Siyempre magiging malungkot ka even if it was a toxic relationship," she says.
"Masakit pa din yun, like to leave someone that you once loved, di ba?
"So, me naman, ako yung after ng cycle na iyon, after ng kalungkutan. It's time for you to believe in yourself."
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FACING CHALLENGES IN THE FAMILY
Unsurprisingly, how Alyssa handles her own problems is also reflective of how she and her family handle problems together.
Growing up in the spotlight as part of the prominent Muhlach showbiz clan, the 28-year-old actress stepped up to the plate very early on.
"It's a blessing and a curse at the same time na bata pa lang ako, I went through so much in our family, kasi my parents are separated tapos panganay ako," she relates.
"So, parang bata pa lang ako, I really had to mature very quickly.
"But that experience really taught me that sometimes, when you feel like, ‘My gosh, wala na bang ikabababa,’ you feel like it's the bottom of your life.
"You just have to focus on the fact that there's really no way but up na."
She emphasizes how their family instilled the importance of holding onto faith as a means of achieving self-reliance and overcoming adversity.
"Every time you fall, every time you make a mistake, every time you feel like there's nothing good that's going to come out of it, you just really have to remember to have faith in God and to really find that strength in you."
She adds, "Some people also hold on to other people to give them strength. But really, you have to find it in yourself.
"You need to be independent in a sense na kailangan kayanin mo on your own.
"Because iba rin yung type of accomplishment na alam mong grabe na pagdaanan ko yun pero I overcame it."
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ALYSSA ON GIVING FULL SUPPORT TO HER COUSIN SANDRO
Addressing the elephant in the room, Alyssa also answers how she and her family are managing the situation involving her cousin, Sandro Muhlach.
Alyssa's mom, Almira Muhlach, and Sandro's dad, former child wonder Niño Muhlach are first cousins.
On August 1, 2024, GMA-7 put rumors to rest by naming headwriters Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz as the alleged perpetrators in the abuse case involving Sandro.
Alyssa, for her part, provides an update on the situation: "Right now po kasi, my Tito Niño and my cousin Sandro have not released any official statement.
"But, they already have a lawyer and they will be releasing it very soon."
She affirms that every member of their large family is on board in extending help and support to the Sparkle actor.
"And we are standing, the entire Muhlach clan, is here to support Sandro and to stand by him," she says.
When asked about her personal role in supporting Sandro, Alyssa explains, "I can't divulge po kasi, well, currently yun yung mga things that he is doing to prepare or to recover from what happened.
"But, what I can say po now is that we are all supporting him in his fight for justice, because he deserves the justice that is due to him."
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FORMAL COMPLAINT
On August 2, Sandro and Niño formally filed their complaint against Nones and Cruz at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Later that day, Niño personally sent a message to PEP, expressing their family's agony and their need for support:
It read: "Our family has suffered so much because of the unspeakable and vile acts done to our son.
"We ask for your prayers to help us muster enough strength and courage to withstand the horror of re-living the dastardly acts of the perpetrators as we seek justice through our legal system.
"Thank you for all your support and kind words and your gracious gift of space. We truly appreciate it."
Based on PEP's report yesterday, a Senate hearing on Sandro’s complaint is scheduled on Wednesday, August 7, at 11:00 A.M.
Senator Robin Padilla, chairman of the Senate Public Information and Mass Media Committee, will preside over the senate inquiry into Sandro's sexual harassment complaint.
Sandro, Nones, and Cruz are invited to the hearing, though a later report revealed that the defendants will not be attending.
Also invited to the senate inquiry are executives from GMA Network and Sparkle GMA Artists Center, legal representative Atty. Angelo Diokno, and GMA Labor Relations Manager Atty. Fidel Asuncion.
The National Bureau of Investigation personnel, where Sandro filed his complaint, has also been invited.
The Senate inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind the controversial incident that took place in a Pasay City hotel on July 21, 2024, just hours after the annual GMA Gala at the Marriott Hotel on July 20, 2024.
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