The shapely actress' star power has been carrying on a steady rise since scoring what is perceived as her biggest break yet in Philippine show business - her role as the half-human, half-avian Alwina in the groundbreaking fantasy-themed series, "Mulawin." From the latter, she got the positive push in securing the role of Mars Ravelo's superheroine Darna, and which had showbiz watchers touting her as the most fitting actress to have slipped on the iconic red suit and crest.
Though prior to "Mulawin," she landed several teenybopper but not quite remarkable roles, she really came to our attention when her late boyfriend Miko Sotto perished in a freak accident. Many felt the genuine grief of this sweet-faced girl who was also considered like a daughter to Miko's mother, Ali Sotto.
But Angel has moved on. Interestingly, after being linked to several lookers including leading men Dennis Trillo and Richard Gutierrez, the one who won her heart is Miko's cousin, Oyo. Aware perhaps that a lot might misconstrue how this came to be could have prompted Angel to shy away from interviews regarding their relationship. And as some write-ups have it, if pursued, she'd answer them with "visible irritation."
In a recent visit to Cebu with "Majika" co-star Dennis Trillo, Angel met with the Cebu media, who were especially touched when the star insisted on saying goodbye despite being pressed for time. She was in her jovial element and fortunately for us, dodged not The FREEMAN's questions about Oyo.
"Iba talaga kapag mayroon kang inspirasyon, gaganahan ka mag-trabaho," she reveals with a smile. Angel came here with the "Eat Bulaga" gang, and although Oyo didn't accompany her, the father, Vic Sotto, was around. She describes him as very respectable and "very mabait" like Oyo.
She says both Oyo and her welcome the idea of working together, but maintains that it's GMA Network's prerogative to cast them together in a future TV series or movie. However, she stresses that they would rather have their "love team" remain off screen. "Mas gusto namin na hindi siguro paglaruan kasi baka naman gawan ng issue, na kunwari nag-aaway kayo or kunwari break kayo. Ayoko ng ganun. Gusto ko totoo at hindi nangloloko," she says.
"Pero kung hindi naman pakikialaman yung private lives namin, okay naman siguro," she adds.
The sought-after endorser and cover girl also dishes out some basic beauty tips, the most essential of which is making sure she cleanses, tones and moisturizes her face before sleeping. Though time limitations have kept her from working out regularly or making room for her favorite sport (swimming twice a day being the competitive swimmer she once was), she takes full advantage of the physical action she gets from the demands of her latest TV assignment in "Majika" like horseback riding under the tutelage of Mikee Cojuangco.
Of course, a renewed sense of spirituality is one reason behind her deep-seated glow as well. "Masarap ang feeling…meron kasi yung feeling of completeness kapag may faith ka," she concludes.