Angelica celebrates even ‘small things’

MANILA, Philippines - Angelica Panganiban is seen weeknights and Saturday nights via the Kapamilya laugh-out-loud Banana Split. The now showing Cinema One Originals film titled Alamat ni China Doll  includes Angelica in the ensemble cast. “Yes, I’m excited,” she says. “It’s my first full-length independent film.” And her relationship with John Lloyd Cruz is getting stronger.

These are some reasons why Angelica is always on a celebratory mood. It’s common among Filipinos, who always make a toast to every life’s milestone.

“I’m not into big celebrations,” says the Star Magic talent. “Me and my friends want a quiet celebration. I want it private and intimate, where people can talk and share stories. I’m the type of person who likes to celebrate even small things.”

All this is captured on Excelente’s latest TVC with Angelica as its first brand ambassador, who represents the qualities of the brand — young, unpretentious, real and fun to be with. The campaign is telling everyone that a good celebration means having good company, good food and good drinks that everyone can share and enjoy. It speaks of Filipino camaraderie or pakikipag-kapwa-tao in the vernacular. This care for others is also seen not only in good times but also in trying times.    

“I do my own (little) ways of helping those affected by Typhoon Yolanda,” says Angelica. She can relate to the victims because she and her Banana Split family were in Bohol when the 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the home of the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. It’s a blessing that Angelica and company were “saved. We were blessed that we went home (in one piece) and we’re still alive.”

Although it will take years for affected areas such as Tacloban City and Samar and the people to fully recover from the super typhoon, Angelica and the rest of Filipinos here and abroad see the need to extend their help by doing fund-raising activities.

“We’ll auction personal items,” says Angelica of the Banana Split efforts. “Some are expensive, some are affordable. These items have sentimental value. We just have to finish creating the website. Hopefully, next week, we will announce the details like what we’re going to sell and where the profits will go.”

Fans can also catch Angelica in the ABS-CBN all-star benefit concert titled Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na which is set tonight at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. “We’ll be there but I will not perform,” says Angelica. “We’ll be there to show our support.”

Asked about the overflowing donations coming from Filipino communities abroad and the international community, Angelica replies, “I hope all the (donations and financial assistance) will go to the victims. We will never forget their (help and we’ll be forever grateful). And I hope (the donations) will be used well.” And part of it is to see Yolanda survivors get back on their feet by rebuilding their communities and providing them livelihood.

“What’s good about it is, there are those who are helping them — whether they are politicians, celebrities or ordinary persons. What matters is you’re willing to help the needy.”

Thus, the Pinoy resilience also relies on the spirit of bayanihan.

(Excelente is a light brandy manufactured and bottled from Jerez, Spain and available in stores nationwide.)