These days, kids as young as three are prone to using social media and gadgets like mobile phones. Sometimes a phone is handed to them to distract them or help them learn while getting entertained. But Atasha Muhlach had a completely different setup while growing up.
The rising celebrity reveals that she is a social media rookie. It's not because she's not the techy type, but because it was only when she turned 17 when her parents allowed her to have her first mobile phone.
"Actually, I'm still learning the ropes of social media because I was only given a phone at the age of 17," Atasha mentioned during the recently held Women Summit 2024.
Atasha shared that they were encouraged to live the traditional and "old-school" life growing up. A landline was enough for them to receive calls at home. "So, it was always a landline of the house growing up. It was very old-school living. We weren't really given access to social media that's why I'm still learning the process of it," the 22-year-old celebrity said.
However, when asked about the impact of social media on her generation, Atasha shared her thoughts about its effect.
"In regards to this generation now, seeing what they're capable of using the platform of social media for small businesses. Like in the lockdown, so many people started opening up small businesses, identifying their own identities, their individuality, and not only that but they're able to express their desires and anything they'd like," Atasha noted.
Atasha Muhlach before entering showbiz
Atasha is the daughter of celebrity couple Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez. She is twins with another rising Gen Z favorite, Andres Muhlach. Before they both entered showbiz, they agreed with their parents that they would finish their studies first.
Atasha was the first to sign an exclusive deal with Viva Artists Agency. It happened months after she graduated from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. She finished her business degree with flying colors too. Meanwhile, Andres is on his way to finishing a business and communications degree in Spain.
Aga once shared how the kids grew up learning practical ways to handle their finances. "Akala ng iba, iniisip nila they're rich kids, spoiled kids. No, no, no, no," the seasoned actor said in an interview with Vice Ganda.
Aga revealed that the twins only receive a fixed amount of monthly allowance, which he strictly replenishes only once a month. When they run out of allowance, they cannot ask their dad for more. They had to wait for the next month.
"Yung baon nila, kunyari yung lalaki ko, pag nagka-inuman silang college students, ganyan. Kung anong ginastos niyo roon at naubos niya yung ano niya, kunyari may ganito siyang amount na ito, wala siyang kakainin. Hindi siya puwede tumawag sa akin," Aga stated.
But of course, Aga clarified that they're the ones who pay for the twins' apartments since they both study outside the Philippines. But for their other needs, especially food, the twins have to budget their allowance wisely.
READ ALSO: Atasha And Andres Muhlach Are Living Abroad Independently, And Aga Is One ~Proud~ Dad
Aga disclosed that Atasha and Andres only got 400 to 600 euros per month. "Monthly, I'll tell you, 400 euros [P24,121.77] and then that became 500 [P30,152.21]. At the most, 600 euros [P36,182.65], 36 a month. 36,000 pesos."
He recalls, "May kuwento nga si Andres, minsan daw, nung pumunta kami ron, tapos pag-alis namin sa apartment niya, ilang weeks pa, may pagkain siya, daming stock! Then one day daw, he went out. And pag-uwi niya, naubos niya yung pera niya, then there was no food."
The actor continued his story saying, "Walang pagkain, nagkakalkal siya. Tas pagbukas niya sa sulok, may nakita lang siyang peanut butter na naiwan namin. Parang kinikuwento niya lang sa akin, parang 'Hallelujah!' yung peanut butter na iyon na talagang sabi niya [makes slurping sounds].
"So that's being irresponsible kasi sa kanya," he explains. "Kasi dapat, yung mga groceries mo, i-i-stock mo diyan. Magtipid ka, di ba? Magluto ka, mag-ganyan ka. E, napagastos ka sa labas, e, di ubos ka."
With that kind of lesson, Aga shares that his kids also learned the art of being independent. "So now, even with them growing up, di sila humihingi ng pera. Nahihiya sila," he concluded.
