Angeline thanks the Poon for healing her mother

Did you know that Angeline Quinto has been an ardent devotee of the Nazareno (the Poon) since she was eight years old?

“It was my mom who introduced me to the Nazareno,” Angeline told movie writers during a mini-presscon at Mesa restaurant (on Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City) for Voices For Love, her pre-Valentine concert with Jed Madela (more on that in a while). “I would tag along with her during the prusisyon. Starting six years ago, sumasampa na ako sa karosa. Mababait ang mga devotees at wala namang nagti-take advantage.”

No need to be in disguise. Like other devotees, Angeline would wear the maroon T-shirt with the face of the Poon printed on it and disappear into the enthusiastic multitude. Everybody would be so focused on the Poon and nobody would mind her. 

Fondly called Angge by friends, Angeline is one of the Poon devotees from showbiz. The others are former Vice Pres. Noli de Castro, McCoy de Leon and Coco Martin who happens to be Angeline’s good friend (who has given her a necklace with a cross pendant as keepsake). The image of the Black Nazarene is usually brought to the Quirino Grandstand, this year as early as Jan. 7 so that devotees can queue up to pay respect until Jan. 8, and then brought back to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 9 (yesterday) in the traslacion that lasts for several hours (but with the route shortened this year).

“When January comes around, Coco would remind me about the Traslacion (I). There’s a Mass at the Quiapo Church every hour and I understand that Coco goes there on the night of Jan. 8. My friends and I would attend the 9 p.m. Mass and stay around, eating street food, while waiting for the traslacion to arrive.”

Angeline thanks the Nazareno for healing her mom who was suffering from a heart ailment and needed a pacemaker.

“That was in 2010,” related Angeline who was then starting in the business as a contestant in the Star Power talent search. “We were hard up. Sinanla namin ang bahay namin sa Sampaloc. Nobody else could watch over my mom at the Heart Center and I almost quit Star Power. My mom is okay now. She was healed by the Poon.”

Through the years, Angeline has drawn people from ABS-CBN (her home studio) to theI devotion.

“Naging panata (solemn promise) na rin nila ang pagsama sa traslacion.”

The Poon has also become the Guiding Light in Angeline’s life and career.

“I always thank the Poon for every blessing that I get.”

Talking about the pre-Valentine concert Voices For Love, produced by Annabelle Rama’s Royale Artists Management, Inc. and set for Feb. 12 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Angeline said that she’s looking forward to be performing in a show with Jed for the first time (they’ve worked together in ABS-CBN shows including ASAP Natin ‘To.).

They claimed to be both loveless. While Jed couldn’t recall the last time he was in a relationship, Angeline admitted that she had one that lasted for two years four years ago. Time was of the essence and it caused their breakup.

“You know how it is in showbiz,” she noted, “biglang may gig so you don’t really own your time. He manages the family business and he travels a lot. He told me that he’s willing to wait until I am ready. But until when he can wait, I don’t know.”

Jed agreed with Angeline that an “ideal partner” is somebody who is family-oriented, God-fearing and who values his profession.

“Preferably somebody not from showbiz,” added Jed. “Otherwise, there would always be competition and one will suffer.”

In the meantime, while fancy-free they are content with spending Valentine’s with their respective families.

“And singing happy songs,” said Angeline. “Maski walang Valentine, masarap makinig ng love songs, di ba?”

(Described as “a night full of love, music, entertainment and good food,” Voices For Love also features Mitoy Yonting, LA Santos, Alyssa Muhlach Alvarez, Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Imelda Papin and Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado. Sponsors include Voglio Zetsurin, Tapa King, PMI/Premiuum Megastructures, Inc., Carroll & Chan [Hong Kong], IN Nuessence, Regal Entertainment, Inc., Avee, Cathy Valencia, First Image, Proyoung, Ralph’s and Daiesumi Digital Café.)

Ricky Lo

Manila Tango Marathon set

Are you ready to put on your dancing shoes? The Manila Tango Marathon returns for a three-day dance fest, today (Jan. 10) until Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., at the Makati Sports Club. 

Organizing the event is the Manila Milonga, Inc., in cooperation with PAGCOR and Ritmus Pilates and Wellness, as part of its effort to promote Argentine tango, a UNESCO cultural heritage which has found a home among many Filipinos who have affinity with this dance, given the strong Spanish influence in Philippine culture.

Building on the success of the first and second Manila Tango Marathons held in January 2018 and 2019, this tango marathon aims to foster and promote tango tourism in the country through the attendance and participation of tango masters, teachers and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Expected to attend are over 200 tango enthusiasts from the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Argentina, Colombia, USA, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. 

The event will also feature performances by renowned tango masters every night.

The public is invited.

For more details, the organizers may be contacted through Facebook (Anthony Portillo) or through mobile numbers 0915-3151117 (Anthony), 0917-5508487 (Brix Arcega), 0917-8121445 (Jean Ty), and 0917-5305854 (Bebet Gozun). Tickets will be available at the door. 

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)