Ten good things to do for the long weekend break

27-Oct-11, 1:34 PM | Ana Valenzuela, for InterAksyon.com

ANILA, Philippines - Flowers? Check. Candles? Check. Now that you're all set for the annual ritual of honoring your dearly departed, but are still opting to stay in the city over the long holiday, you could still have that relaxing, fun weekend break anyway. Here are some ideas to keep you going.

1. Get shokot to the max. Can’t get enough of the hit film Zombadings? Now, enter the Zombadings Shokot House at Eastwood City Walk. This house of horror will either scare you so much that you would race for the exit or make you laugh like the movie did. Open until October 31, from 5PM to 11PM. Entrance fee is P100. Midnight screenings are also scheduled at the Eastwood Mall Cinema on October 28 to 30, go if you haven’t seen it yet or go and watch it again and again! For more information, call 709-0888.

2. Much ado about Resorts World. What? You haven’t been to Resorts World Manila? Well, this weekend is the time to satisfy your curiosity to find out what’s all the fuss about Resorts World Manila. Check out its high-end bars, casinos and luxury malls, and while you’re at it, visit the Newport Mall for its Halloween Cocktail, held daily until November 15, and Grand Masquerade on October 30.

Talk about responsible drinking, in Halloween Cocktails,11 participating restaurants have concocted drinks---and a portion of each sale will go to Alay sa mga may Kapansanan Association Inc. Feeling thirsty now? Get the gang together for drinks tonight and go resto-hopping for drink like Johnny Chow's Bloodfire, Crisostomo's Sisa's Ghost, New Orleans Diablo Mojito, and UCC Cafe Terrace's Vampire's Kiss, to name a few. Resorts World is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Cybertourism Zone, Pasay City.

3. Hide in style. Stop worrying about household stuff (yes, washing dishes or making up your bed for a change!) and pamper your family with a stay at a luxury hotel like Acacia Hotel. The newest five-star hotel in Alabang comes with all the deluxe amenities you’ll ever need; reviews have raved about its efficient and warm service. The swimming pool, gym, and spa areas, however, are still non-operational. Till end of October, the hotel’s deluxe rooms are at P4,888 nett or 55 percent off the published rates. On October 30, the hotel has planned its Creep-tacular Forest Halloween Party at its new Samanae activity center. Acacia Hotel is at 5400 Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinglupa. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 720-2000 and (632) 588-5888.

4. Get lost in space. Explore outer space at the Hotel InterContinental Manila’s Grand Ballroom and party with extra-terrestrials and space heroes. The hotel provides a lot of games, activities---trick or treats to arts and crafts--and of course, good food. The hotel is located at 1 Ayala Avenue, Edsa. For information call (632) 793-7000.

5. Sit back, relax, watch a movie. Scare each other’s wits out, and go see the horror and suspense flick that topped the US Box office weekend (and toppled Hugh Jackman’s latest starrer, Real Steel) Paranormal Activity 3. Although it is the third movie from the franchise, it is actually a prequel as it is set 18 years before the first two films. Paranormal Activity 3 is sure to be a spine-tingling treat for the Halloween. If a scary movie is too much, then the Three Musketeers would fill your weekend. The movie stars Orlando Bloom, Mila Jovovich, Luke Evans, and Logan Lerman.

6. Watch The Sound of Music. The Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) at Resorts World Manila is alive with the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, as it stages the well-loved and award wining Broadway musical. Joana Ampil and Cris Villonco star as Maria, while Audie Gemora alternates with Ed Feist as Captain Georg von Trapp. The show will run until December 11, 2011. Show times are 8 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 3 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays and 3 PM on Sundays. For ticket reservations and inquiries, visit any Ticketworld outlet or the Resorts World Manila Box Office.

7. See Peter Pan fly. Catch some fairy dust at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas as Repertory Philippines and Stages presents Peter Pan. In the lead role is Sam Concepcion, who plays the boy who never grows up. He shares the stage with Menchu Lauchengco, Jaime Del Mundo, Tippy Dos Santos and Cara Barredo, among others. Show time is on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM, with a matinee show on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30PM. The play runs till October 30. For more information call Repertory Philippines at (632) 571-6926 or (632) 571-4941.

8. See a concert. Spend the night of October30 listening to the relaxing music of international superstar, Jason Mraz. The singer-songwriter will have a one-night show at the Araneta Colisuem where he will perform hits like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky”. Tickets are priced at P800 to P3,500. For more information call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

9. Listen to orchestra music. The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents Greenilda versus the Litterbugs: A Halloween Family Concert on October 30, 2:30 PM at the CCP Little Theater. The concert features the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra led by Josefino Chino Toledo. Let your kids learn about orchestra music and environmental conservation. For more information and ticket reservations, call the CCP Marketing Office at 8321125. Students can enjoy a 50-percent discount while seniors get 20 percent off. Ticket prices range from P500 to P800.

10. Can’t beat ‘em, then party! But, of course, if you enjoy the thrill of seeing people in their scariest costumes and just having a good time, then join the parties scattered all over the metro. One big gig to go to is Black Party Manila 2011 at Orosa corner Nakpil Streets in Malate, Manila. Fun starts at 10 PM.

Fit for the Big Day

Fit for the Big Day By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD Magazine June 2011 Bridal Special BRIDES are the best example of figure-conscious women. Take recently wed Kate Middleton, who many considered to have a fab body with her size 6 prior to her wedding. But when she walked down the aisle, she was down to an enviable, eat-your-heart-out size 2! Pre-wedding jitters or the now popular Dukan diet might have caused the weight loss. But hey, isn’t it a bride’s dream to always look beautiful when she dons that white gown?

Method Madness HERE are modern methods of eating healthy and exercising right: The 5-Factor Diet Harley Pasternak, author of The 5-Factor World Diet, says, “The key is to have amazing shoulders and arms. Posture is really important. But it’s also important to have a really tight midsection, because the way a wedding dress hugs your midsection, you really want it lean and tight.” Who’s into it: Hilary Duff and Katy Perry were just a few who tried to trim down before their big day. Katy was said to have dropped down to two dress sizes. What to do: Eat five meals—two big meals and three snack meals a day. Don’t forget to exercise at least 25 minutes for 5 days a week. Visit: www.5factor.com Tracy Anderson Method When stars such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by this program, then you know that all the pain of exercise has its gain. Who’s into it: Nicole Richie and Emily Blunt have both tested its efficiency before saying “I do.” What to do: Limit what you eat and follow a strict diet plan, work out six days a week, with an hour devoted to dance aerobics and another to toning exercises. Visit: www.tracyandersonmethod.com Caveman’s Way Says S. Boyd Eaton, “We are the heirs of inherited characteristics accrued over millions of years; the vast majority of our biochemistry and physiology are tuned to life conditions that existed before the advent of agriculture some 10,000 years ago. Genetically, our bodies are virtually the same as they were at the end of the Paleolithic era some 20,000 years ago.” Who’s into it: Elizabeth Hurley, whose model body got an even greater tone-up when she walked down the aisle. What to do: Swear off junk and fast food and munch only on food available during the Paleolithic times—plants and animals. Visit: www.cavemandiet.org Yoga A physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, yoga has gained a following with fitness buffs. Who’s into it: Reese Witherspoon has always been into running, but she had been seen with a yoga mat to prep for her recent wedding. What you have to do: Enroll in a class or play that yoga video and get ready to stretch and tone your muscles Visit: www.yogamanila.com

You will not go wrong when you are grounded on the right values’

You will not go wrong
when you are grounded
on the right values’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2011

SHE may be pushing 40, but Lucy Torres-Gomez still looks as radiant as the first time she graced our television screens in a shampoo commercial opposite her now husband, Richard Gomez. Lucy, who is, nowadays, wife, mother, TV host, and Congresswoman of her hometown Ormoc, Leyte, manages to stay energetic and youthful-looking as she attends to her responsibilities. She shares some of her life secrets to looking as beautiful as ever and living the good life.



Don’t fight the aging. “There are certain changes women my age can’t help dealing with. So although we already sweat the small stuff, we also become more mindful with the choices we make, especially when it comes to food and lifestyle. We may be past the insecurities of youth, but we also have to face the realities of aging.”

A good health supplement matters. “If you survived with little or no sleep in your teens or early 20s, lack of sleep at this age will immediately manifest its unflattering effects on your skin and energy level. I find the multivitamin supplement Immuvit, for example, helpful especially now that I have a busier schedule. It gives the maximum amount of health benefits women my age need.”

Make informed choices. “I stay out of the sun as much as I can and likewise use my eye cream religiously. Like with the vitamins and supplements I take, I am also mindful of what I put in my body. Like most women my age perhaps, I am forever reading labels and product briefs because I want to make informed choices.”

Eat healthy. “I have been eating brown rice for a few years now and have a better appreciation for fruits and vegetables. I like juice and I try to munch on healthy snacks like dried and fresh fruits and nuts.”

Control your binges. “I once read that our stomach is just about the size of a big fist and we are supposed to put just that much food into it at a time, too. I try to think of this when I am tempted to go on a binge. I also try to always eat fruits first, instead of last, as is the norm. I read that they have to be consumed first over fish or meat because they are easier to digest.”

Grab a quick nap. “If you have that sleep in the bag, then staying mentally alert is not a problem. I can say that I have also become an expert at taking naps whenever I can. Grabbing a quick doze really helps a lot when you have many responsibilities to attend to in a day.”

Find a happy space. “When I dance or do yoga, I feel totally carefree and energized. I feel like a child again. I feel so good about myself and my life and at that circumstance I actually feel I can take on anything. The natural high dancing gives me is the reason I keep going back to it. It makes for a happy space for me.”

Keep yourself grounded. “The world being so small and all, the very people you meet on your way up are also the ones you will meet on your way down. I also strongly believe that you will not go wrong when you are grounded on the right values.”

Home is where the heart is. “Family is important. I cannot say that often enough. The world can go all crazy, but as long as you have a family to go home to, a family to anchor you, you have a safe haven.”

‘Half of My Body Was Paralyzed’

‘Half of My Body Was Paralyzed’
By Dina Bonnee
As told to ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published March 2011

LATE 2009, I woke up one evening with my right side paralyzed I could not move. I tried to use my left hand, picked up my cell phone, and called my son-in-law Marc. I said, “Marc, you just rush here. You take me to the hospital, I don’t know what is happening. I can’t move.”

Marc brought me to the emergency room. I was diagnosed of suffering a mild stroke. Half of my body was paralyzed. Doctors recommended that I stay in the hospital.
I told them, “Ayoko ng ospital.”

Once you’re in the hospital, they will say you’re sick. I can’t be sick. Come on, I am a health nut and have been endorsing wellness products.

Then I realized, I was loaded not only with work but with other things. I didn’t have any sleep, I overworked myself, I was going through the worst time of my life—coming from a breakup, my business suddenly failing, filming more than 24 hours a day. That was it. I thought, this has to stop. I asked myself, do I want to be the richest person in the cemetery?

I had no choice. I had to go back. The doctors did Magnetic Resonance Imaging and everything. They told me that I had a stroke, while another doctor said it was whiplash. One thing was sure—there was something wrong.

I am so glad to have met Dr. Rolando Balburias, who heads the Medical City’s Center for Wellness and Aesthetics. That began my journey toward adapting a good diet. He also cured my acid reflux, as I was taking a lot of steroids, for my allergies. Then I found out that the steroids were bad for me as they were making me bloated, fat, and ugly. Doctors prescribed a medicine that got rid of my blotches, dark spots, and allergies.

My neck was stiff, so my doctors prescribed some exercises which I followed. At first I thought this was silly, but the exercises helped me. As we moved forward, they had to remove a lump from my back.

I’m still recovering right now. Recovery is not easy. There are times when I ask myself, babalik pa ba ako? Recovery is about committing to whether you want to get well or not, committing yourself to the right diet, the right routine, everything. What made me continue was the assurance of the doctors around me that I was getting healthier, from week to week. I am getting well. There are changes in my body, the way I feel. I feel lighter, healthier. Now, there is a balance not only in my diet and lifestyle but also with my time schedule, among other things.

Charice

Charice: Pinoy Gleek
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD Magazine December 2010

FROM being a runner-up in a local singing contest to becoming a YouTube sensation to being branded by Oprah Winfrey as the most talented girl in the world, and more recently, to landing a recurring role in the hit U.S. series Glee, Charice Pempengco, or simply Charice, definitely is this year's Top Headliner and thus our Cover Girl for this yearender.



Charice is one of the few Filipinos who have successfully broken through the international music scene. Her-self titled international album made its way to the Billboard Top 100, reaching number 10, while its carrier single, Pyramid, reached number 1 in the U.S. Billboard Dance/Club charts.



But her biggest break this year—possibly her whole career--was when she got the role of a foreign exchange student in season 2 of the Emmy-award winning series, Glee. The whole Philippines eagerly anticipated Glee's season 2 premiere, where their kababayan was set to make her debut. And Charice sure made them proud! As Sunshine Corazon, Charice held her own against the show's lead actress, Broadway star Lea Michele, who plays diva glee club member Rachel Berry, in their Telephone sing-off. And during her second number in the show—Sunshine's audition as a member of McKinley High's New Directions glee club--a cover of Beyonce's Listen, Charice did even better, showing off those powerful vocals. Her Glee appearance so made its mark that Sunshine Corazon even became the second trending topic on the microblogging site, Twitter when the episode aired. Her and Michele's cover of Telephone, a Beyonce and Lady Gaga original, also landed at number 28 on the U.S. Billboard charts, while Listen debuted at no. 38.



And to think that Charice's scoring the Glee gig was rocked by controversy at the beginning. Her Botox and Thermage procedure done by celebrity doctor Vicki Belo to prepare herself for her appearance in Glee caused a stir and even made international news. It even made Glee creator Ryan Murphy rewrite the scenes for Charice with the message, ‘It's important to love and embrace one's naturally round face as it is.'



Prior to guesting in Glee, Charice performing in gay clubs also raised a lot of eyebrows, with some saying it was inappropriate and unexpected for a young singer such as herself. Charice, however, clarified that this was the practice in the U.S. and the best way to promote Pyramid. Apart from that, her talent fee was criticized, as Charice was reportedly worth $100,000 per show. To this ,Charice told ABS-CBN.com: “I’ll be honest. I don’t think that it is that big. I mean I’m just starting. Maybe people are just taking into mind all my achievements, that’s why they’re saying that it is worth that much. As for me, I don’t even know what my talent fee is,” noting that her managers handle all her bookings.



Charice’s mother, Racquel, didn't go unscathed with controversies, with reports saying she was controlling her daughter’s money and career choices. Charice quickly dispelled these rumors, saying she was grateful to her mother. “Thank you for everything that you have done for us. I admire her so much, because I’m only her daughter but all these negative comments are being thrown directly at her. I’m hurt by all these, I can’t imagine what more it is for her. I really admire her courage and strength. Always remember that me and Carl (her brother) are always here for you,” Charice said over a live interview in The Buzz .



Instead of letting these issues get to her, Charice considers them as a source of strength. “It’s my greatest fear. At the same time, it also keeps me going, those people who try to pull me down. That is the hard part, when you are so happy with all that you have achieved and then all of a sudden there are negative issues. It is super-super painful, but for me it is also like a source of strength. If ever you see people who are jealous of you, then you should show them that you are positive, a lot more than they are,” Charice said.



In the meantime, she focuses more on her flourishing career and opening the doors of international music scene to other Asian, especially Filipino, artists. “Sa ngayon po, iniisip ko na lang na talagang nakadepende sa akin na kailangang ipakita ko kung ano ang talent ng Pinoy. Iniisip ko na nagiging strength ko na mas lalo ko pang galingan para maipakita sa ibang mga lahi na meron din dito sa Asia na pwede ring international talaga,” she said.



Great Acclaim



THESE entertainment powerhouses have nothing but praises for Charice:

* “When that girl opens her mouth, angels fly out.” - Glee creator Ryan Murphy

* “You can smell the star on her.” – Ellen de Generes

* “In my opinion, she will put the whole of Asia on the map as a huge global superstar.” – David Foster

*“You are a force to reckon with. That voice comes from something bigger than yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey



Twitter Invasion



STARS tweet their congrats to Charice (@officialcharice) on her Glee debut:

· @officialcharice Great job on Glee! Very happy that so many people will hear your beautiful voice. - Josh Groban (@joshgroban)

· I finally saw the season premiere of Glee. Oh, the drama, the drama! And @officialcharice ROCKED! Congrats! - Lea Salonga, (@MsLeaSalonga)

· Way to go @officialcharice! You make us all proud! Keep ‘em coming!! Pinoy pride baby! - Sam Concepcion (@sam_concepcion)

· I just saw the scene of Charice in Glee where she sang Listen. Oh my gosh. GOOSEBUMPS EVERYWHERE! I'm so proud of her! - Pauleen Luna (@pauleenJLuna)

Sarah Geronimo: The Making of an Idol

Sarah Geronimo: The Making of an Idol

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

Published MOD November 2010

SHE may seem like your typical demure girl, always smiling, answering questions—even controversial ones--in a gentle tone, but Sarah Geronimo has no qualms singing for an audience or acting out a scene in front of the camera.

“I’M not shy when I’m on stage–singing and dancing. That’s the time when I’m the most confident. That’s when I lose my inhibitions. I can do anything up on stage,” Sarah says.

Maybe that is why even at the start of her career, Sarah had already earned praises from big-named stars, seeing the potential in her at an early age.

Maricel Soriano her costar in her first film project, Filipinas, commented during the film’s promo tour, “That girl will go far. She’s only 14, right? For someone like Sarah na first time mag-pelikula, mahusay siya. Bibilib ka sa kanya. Maaaring ang ibang tao may iba pang expectations sa kanya, but for me, okay na okay siya.”

During Sarah’s 2005 solo concert, The Other Side, at the Araneta Colisuem, Regine Velasquez, Sarah’s idol, already crowned her not just as the pop princess but as the country’s pop queen, as she was able to match the Asia’s songbird’s belting power during their rendition of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston songs. “Madaming tao ang nagmamahal sa 'yo at isa na ako duon na laging maasahan mo sa suporta," said Regine.

Indeed, Sarah has proven herself well to her peers as much as to her fans. To all this success, she credits her family.

Like with learning To Love You More, her winning piece in the Star for a Night singing search and which eventually became her signature hit. After an unfortunate incident, Sarah never wanted to belt out this piece. It was her father, Delfin, who pushed her to persevere on learning the tune. With enough determination, she sang the Celine Dion original and won the top prize in the contest.

Now, she continues to grow more as an artist, as she molds her acting prowess, working with actors who she knows she can learn from. She tells ABS-CBN.com, “As an individual na artist mas nakakapag-experiment ako to explore sa career and hindi ka nasa-stuck at hindi ka nakukulong sa isang kahon. Maganda na ganito. ”

In her latest prime time starrer, Idol, she is paired with Sam Milby and Coco Martin. The team-up seems to be growing on Sarah as she comments to ABS-CBN.com, “Pareho nga akong kinikilig sa kanila. Kapag ka-eksena ko si Sam may kilig, kay Coco iba din ‘yung kilig.”

She talks more fondly about her leading men to ABS-CBN.com. “Nakakusap ko na rin si Sam magkaibigan na rin kami. Alam ko kung gaano siya kabuting tao. Thankful ako na nagkaroon kami ng ganitong chance na magkatrabaho dito sa isang napakagandang proyekto. Masaya rin po katrabaho si Coco at minsan nga ang tawag ko sa kanya Direk Co kasi napaka-professional. Para siyang direktor."

With her versatility, noteworthy performances, platinum albums, sold-out concerts, and box-office movies to her name, Sarah reminds us that she is indeed a certified Idol.

Secrets, Secrets

Hair Care. “Siyempre bilang performer, napaka-importante how my hair looks. But with my hectic schedule hindi ako makapunta ng salon or makapagpa-treatment kaya I really need the best hair products available. With Sunsilk, my hair is softer and you can really see the difference from before Sabi ni Yuko (Yamashita, hair expert) i-avoid ko daw ang too much friction, like sobrang towel drying or even aggressive brushing, para laging smooth and straight ang hair ko.”

Money Management. “Ang laking tulong po ng Cebuana Lhuillier sa buhay ng pamilya ko noon. Nagsasangla si mommy before to tend to our expenses. Ngayon naman nandito ako para magbigay inspirasyon din sa ibang tao.”

‘Anything Is possible’

Rhian Ramos

‘Anything Is possible’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD OCtober 2010

WITH three regular shows on GMA-7—Illumina, Kaya ng Powers, and Party Pilipinas— it is amazing that Rhian Ramos manages to make time for herself and her friends.

She says she gets organized and manages her time with the help of her HTC Smart phone which acts as a social calendar and mini computer all in one device. “It really is different when they make the phone easy to use. Who cares about a phone if you can’t do anything with it? I’m not the most technologically savvy person, but I can do much with it,” Rhian says of her phone.

Carry-all. I’m a music lover, I like a phone that can carry music so hindi ako ‘yung type ng tao na maraming gadgets all at once. I don’t carry a bag, so I want everything in my phone. It is a camera, a music player, and a handy computer that I bring about just anywhere. My whole life is practically stored in here--my entire social life, work life, my schedule. I just pocket it with me and bring it anywhere. I cannot live home without my phone. One time umabot na ako ng Quezon City, and I live in Alabang, pinabalik ko talaga ‘yung kotse kasi buhay ko nga ito.

Accidents happen. I was on my way to a taping in Subic. I got lost. Then a car bumped the rear of my car. Thankfully, I was not hurt. That was it. The insurance will take care of it.

Aljur to the rescue. Aljur Abrenica always comes to my rescue when I am hungry. I need not say anything -- somehow he knows I am craving for something and he sends his driver with the food I am craving for. One time I bought four pieces of yema candies for myself. Aljur found out I like such candies so one time, when we were taping in Pampanga, he bought me a bag of yemas.

Anything is possible. Is there a possibility of anything romantic happening between Aljur and me? Anything is possible. But as much as possible, I focus more on my work. Hindi naman kami pumupunta ng taping para magligawan. But anything is possible. We do not know what might happen in the future. I don’t know if there will be anything with us. I’m not saying that there is, but I’m not saying that it is impossible.

It can happen to anybody. I just heard about what happened to Sarah Geronimo's dad -- you know, when a guy attempted to con him. It can happen to anybody. It's scary. I don't have bodyguards. when I need to get something from my car, I go get it myself. My mom often worries about me. Like I thought nothing of my recent car accident. But my mom, she was worried sick.

No gap. There were rumors that Marian Rivera and I have some gap. I don't think so. I haven't seen her since I guested on her show (Show Me Da Manny). Even when Dong (Dingdong Dantes) and I worked together (for Stairway to Heaven), Marian and I didn't see each other. She once said she was not jealous about Dong and I working together. So there--we didn’t have any gap.

Angel Locsin: Where She’s Putting Her Money

Angel Locsin: Where She’s Putting Her Money

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA PUBLISHED MOD August 2010

ANGEL Locsin has already proven herself well in showbiz so she endeavors on a new enterprise where she is putting her well earned money. And she is taking with her the things she learned from the entertainment industry as she fulfills a new role of an entrepreneur.

The actress recently ventured into the food industry by opening her own bar and KTV in Quezon City, which is called Fuel Up. “It’s my first time to do this, to engage in a business, specifically a bar. Lately I’ve been going out a lot because I really don’t know what the people are looking for. The crowd in Makati is different from the crowd in Quezon City, right?”

It is not only research that Angel is doing, as when it comes to her business, she is hands-on. “There are times that I go to the bar and oversee things. I even mix drinks. Of course it’s just a new business. I really have to assist my staff and we need to work hand in hand. We are like one big family there,” she says.

She fondly recalls one incident when she gladly helped out. “There was one time we were shorthanded, and our bartender needed assistance. Our customers wanted some drinks and to take pictures with me. Then, I thought, hmm… why don’t I help out? I asked them, ano gusto n’yo? Our sales went double that night. Every time someone would take a picture they would need to drink beer or take a shot first. It was fun, tapos na-enjoy naman nila, kasi ako ‘ yung nagmi-mix talaga,” she says.

Of course like any regular establishment, Fuel Up also encounters some dilemmas. She shares, “One time, there was a group who went on a field trip in our bar. We didn’t know what to do. Kasi ‘di ba, why would you have field trip in a bar? They were all minors. If we turned them away, they would be offended. Also, our regulars and walk-in customers were there. Even though they were so many-- a bus full! --they weren’t really ordering much. Probably because they were still minors. So we just talked to them and stated our rules. Of course some were offended. But we really needed to do that.”

“Success is not all luck. There are certain opportunities that pass us by, may mga tsamba, but then you also have to prove yourself,” Angel says. Of course we know that Angel proved herself well by not passing by opportunities such as the youth show Click, and in the fantasy series Mulawin where she played Alwina. Even more, she proved her acting prowess via an Emmy nomination for her role as she-wolf in the teleserye Lobo.

Up next for Angel is a movie with Aga Muhlach, tentatively titled Huling Sayaw, where she plays the role of a pole dancer ."When I was offered the role, my reaction was, ‘Are you sure that it is me you want to cast?’ In this movie, I had to do everything that I didn’t want to do, as in lahat.” Angel says. To prep up for the role, she had to take up pole dancing lessons.

“You wouldn’t be able to last in the entertainment industry if you don’t have the talent, proper attitude, and if you don’t work your fingers to the bone,” Angel says.

With this kind of outlook, it is no wonder why she has many projects and endorsements, among them top retail brand Folded and Hung and canned goods giant Century Tuna.

“Some think that showbiz is all glitz and glamour,” she says. “No, it’s not just that. There are days when you don't feel the emotion the director calls for, but you just have to emote it. That’s how draining the work is.”

Problems such as having minors in a bar you own or being cast in a challenging role may be a regular rough patch on the road, but this girl can seem to solve them well, with a dose of talent and a shot of perseverance. “It just takes hard work for you to do your job well. Research, be on time, and be professional,” she says.

Angel Talks Fitness and Money

What’s your daily diet like?

I have to have a cheat day, where in I eat whatever I want. Before, I chow down on a lot of junk food, but now, I don’t eat as much anymore. I stopped eating junk food this year.

Do you have a sports regimen?

I do biking and belly dancing.

How about your exercise regimen?

I jog. I work out. There’s a video called Insanity. You should watch it. The workout is super intense. It is not that new, but it is slowly gaining a following.

How do you budget your money?

I have an accountant who helps me with my budget. I don’t spend that much. I only treat myself with food actually and, oh yeah, shoes. If I don’t need something then I won’t buy it. I keep my payments in the bank and withdraw cash only if needed.

What is one thing that you are saving for?

I already have a house, so I’d like to have more investments.

Define Wealth

I am rich in family and friends. I consider myself blessed for having that kind of family who supports me. At the same time, they don’t tolerate the bad things that I do. They treat you as a normal person and not as a celebrity