After disappearing from showbiz, Mura vows to make a comeback

He was populary known as Mahal's counterpart. Together with Mahal, he appeared on several TV shows and movies, the oddity of their tandem a hit among the public. But suddenly, Mura disappeared from the limelight. What happened and where is he now?
 

Allan "Mura" Padua
 

Allan “Mura” Padua was born in Guinobatan, Albay where he spent most of his childhood with his 13 siblings. He was born with an abnormally low stature called dwarfism. Mura’s father, Mang Juanito Padua, shared that he was surprised when Mura came out as he was as little as the doll his wife used to play with. He thinks Mura got his features from the doll.

 

“Noong naglilihi ang ina niya, bumili siya ng manika, kaya pinaglihi ‘yun sa manika,” he said.

 

Born with such condition, Mura’s childhood was not that sweet and easy. The world became bigger as he grew older. Just like any other midgets, Mura has to face criticism from other people. 

 

“Noong nag-aaral ako nung elementary po, ‘di po maiwasan na merong mangungutya sa’yo, ganyan. ‘Di ko naman sila pinapansin, ganito binigay ng Diyos eh,” Mura said.

The breadwinner of the family
 

Mura strongly believes that there is a good reason why he was born a midget. Often teased by his neighbors, he used his disability to help his family. He worked as a ball juggler in a circus for 5 years. Though his earnings were enough to get them by,  Mura still dreamed of entering showbiz no matter how impossible it was.

His father witnessed how eager Mura was to be an actor.

“Mahilig ‘yan kumanta. Kumakanta nga ‘yan sa mga sayawan,” said Mang Juanito.

Mura wanted to prove his worth despite his condition, that’s why in 2002, he decided to look for better opportunities in Manila where he worked as a backup dancer for other artists. Until, a talent manager spotted him and asked to be part of a show. Without having second thoughts, he immediately accepted the offer.

Mura’s biggest break 

 

 

It was in 2003 when Mura started his blooming career as Mahal’s twin in a noontime variety show. Since then, he became more visible not just on TV but also on the big screen. He even starred in some box-office hit movies like Volta (2004), D’ Anothers (2005), Agent X44 (2007) and SupahPapalicious (2008) and Kimidora and the Temple of Kyeme (2012). Aside from movies, he also appeared in some television shows like Majika (2006) and Supertwins (2007) where he earned money that is more than enough to support his family. 

 

Mura never thought that he would go that far, he never even believed that he would have that huge opportunity to be dubbed as Vhong Navarro’s sidekick in some movies. He admitted that he enjoyed how people treated him in showbiz. He was completely over the moon seeing how proud his family was. 

 

“Masaya po kasi gusto ko po ‘yung maraming nanonood talaga. Ito po ‘yung pinangarap ko,” he said.

 

Overwhelmed by all the good things that were happening to him, Mura thought that showbiz would stick with him for the rest of his life. Until, an incident happened that changed the track of his career path.

The accident that changed everything

 

In 2010, while Mura was riding a tricycle, the tire suddenly blew out, breaking Mura’s legs. It was hard for him to walk. Coincidentally, his career started to slow down after the accident.

 

Mura tried to wait for calls, hoping that a talent manager would still be interested in him. But, months passed and he never received a call from anyone, forcing him to just go back to his family in Albay. 

 

In order to provide for his family’s needs, Mura earns through planting and harvesting vegetables from their backyard; he also helps his father make charcoal for extra income.

 

Witnessing how difficult their life now, he hopes that he would have another chance in showbiz again.

 

“Nag-tetext po ako minsan sa mga available pa po na number na gamit nila na alam ko,” he said.

 

His family, especially his father, also wishes to see Mura perform on TV again for it is the only way that can help them out of financial constraint.

 

“Mabuti makapag-artista ka na, dahil kung sakali makakuha tayo ng pera, sa awa ng Diyos,” said Mang Juanito.

 

Mura’s one and only wish
 

 

Mura admits that during his heyday in showbiz, he used to spend lavishly on expensive things like gadgets. But when got in that accident, all his savings went to his family, who depends on him, and also to his medication. Looking back, Mura still regrets that he let that chance slip through his fingers.

 

“Wala po, naubos ang ipon ko kasi mahilig ako sa cellphone. Araw-araw, nagpapalit ako. Ngayon, wala na. Naubos na nung naaksidente ako,” he shared.

 

Mura has only one wish right now and that is to see himself on TV again. And he might not be tall enough compared to other people, his aspirations in life and determination to help his family make him bigger than those who try to belittle him. 

 

“One chance pero gagawin ko ang best ko para magustuhan ninyo ‘ko.”

 

Right now, Mura is positively waiting for the perfect timing, and as he moves on with his life he will forever treasure the lesson that his life after showbiz has taught him:

 

“Dapat ingatan kung anong meron ka para ‘di mawala.”---Khrystyne Villan/BMS