Angeline: What you see is what you get

MANILA, Philippines - Try asking Angeline Quinto any question and you won’t hear an answer laced with pretensions. She’d rather tell everything in a straightforward manner than keep everyone guessing on issues that involved her. She seems forever candid, blurting mouthful of truths.

No visible sign of insincerity when she tells, “Sarah (Geronimo) and I are okay,” pertaining to rumors that Sarah doesn’t welcome the idea of doing production numbers with her on stage as they are often compared to each other. Both are mainstays of ABS-CBN’s Sunday afternoon variety show ASAP Rocks. 

“I understand her point because even I won’t be comfortable if I hear comments from her fans or my fans will say something against her, nakakailang po yun ayoko ng ganun,” says Angeline, putting to rest the issue that continues to run in the gossip mill. “So to avoid intrigues, perhaps it’s better for us not to be in the same production number.”

Besides, Angeline adds, they often exchange text messages. There was also a time that they talked on the phone. Sarah called to explain her side clearly. “Kaya sobrang okey po talaga kami ni Sarah.”

Angeline has already met Sarah even before she was named Star Power grand champion. Both tried their luck in the singing tilt Star for a Night where Sarah was declared grand winner.

The latest Belo endorser also clears talks that she and Sam Milby are dating. According to reports, they were spotted having dinner together.

“Truth is, we attended a Star Records event and after, we had dinner but we were with his manager,” affirms Angeline. “Sam is a good friend and he’s like a brother to me. Besides, it would be tough for me to be his girl, English-speaking s’ya. Pagod na ko lagi, pagod pa ko sa kanya (laughs).”

What Angeline is too vocal about is her admiration fo r Coco Martin. His good looks and acting talent strikingly appeal to her. She even requested for Coco’s cell phone number so she could invite him to her first major solo concert, Patuloy ang Pangarap, at the SM Sky Dome on July 15, 8 p.m.

But Angeline brushes off the idea of falling in love this soon. Her career is just starting to pick up and realizing her dream one by one pushes her to always do her best. She admits her life took a 180-degree turn right after Star Power. Positive things continue to happen to this day. She is now the voice behind many Kapamilya teleserye theme songs. She, too, has set foot on international shores. She had been to Singapore recently and as of this writing, Angeline is set to join Sharon Cuneta’s six-city US Tour. Canada is next on her singing engagement list for TFC.

“Until now, I can’t believe this is all happening to me. This time, a solo concert. The blessings keep on pouring and I thank God every day. I always make it a point to go to Quiapo church every Friday,” she offers.

Although she is neck-deep with work that she seldom sees her mom Sylvia, Angeline never misses to cook her mom’s favorites every time she comes home like paksiw na bangus and pinakbet.

“My family is my inspiration. I get tired, yes, but I’m willing to take all the challenges because I know that my mom is there, my family… they are my strength,” Angeline shares.

Thus, she just shrugs her shoulders when some people label her as “jologs” or “walang class.”

“I grew up in Sampaloc and came from an average class so why pretend to be sophisticated and cultured? Hindi ko ‘yan feel.”

(Patuloy ang Pangarap is produced by ASAP Live and Star Events. Marvin Querido directs with Johnny Manahan as over-all director. For tickets, call SM Ticketnet at 470-2222.)