Angelu de Leon's advice to young stars: 'Respect the job'

MANILA, Philippines – Despite being in the industry for over two decades, Angelu de Leon said she didn't expect to last as long as she has in show business.

Talking to the press during the media launch of GMA-7's primetime soap opera “Niño,” the actress said it was only recently—when she talked to co-star Gloria Romero, who has been in showbiz for around 64 years—that she realized she wants keep on acting for a long time as well.

“I do want to reach that 64 years, God-willing, di ba? If you love your job, that really means you're not working for your life. Hindi ka talaga nagtatrabaho kasi gusto mo yung ginagawa mo. So, syempre, kung mamarapatin, gusto mo tumagal,” Angelu said.

The 34-year-old actress began her career as a child star—first as part of the 90s youth-oriented variety show “Ang TV” and then as among the lead cast members of “T.G.I.S.”, the popular youth-oriented drama program, during the mid 90s.

As someone who started out as a teen star, what advice would she give the young stars of today? “Respect the job, respect your respect your peers, respect your colleagues, everyone in the industry. Mahalin nila yung trabaho nila,” Angelu said. She added, “With respect comes everything na eh—respeto sa oras ng mga tao, you'll be punctual, you'll be professional.”

Angelu stressed that it's important for young stars to find a “neutral ground.” “Surround yourself with people who can tell you if your attitude is changing, people who would always remind you na dati ganito ka,” she said.

Angelu is part of “Niño,” which stars young star Miguel Tanfelix as a 15-year-old boy who suffers from mentally incapacities and meets his “tukayo,” a Sto. Niño incarnate played by David Remo.

Also starring Katrina Halili and Jay Manalo, among others, “ Niño” premieres today, May 26 after “24 Oras” on GMA-7.