MANILA, Philippines — Playing a patrolwoman in Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis is right up Angel Leighton’s alley. Why? The Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent simply loves action and her gymnastics background comes in handy in physically-demanding sequences.
That’s why she enjoys her participation in the Sunday action-comedy series with Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Beauty Gonzalez in the titular roles (as policeman, Major Bartolome “Tolome” Reynaldo and wife Gloria).
“It is the first (Kapuso) project in which I am part of the main cast,” said Angel in a brief chat with The Philippine STAR. “That’s why I’m an introducing artist in it. I guested before in AraBella (an Afternoon Primetime drama) with Shayne Sava and Althea Ablan and Luv Is (series adaptation of a Wattpad webnovel) with Kyline Alcantara.”
Yes, to the weekend viewers, she is Pretty Competente, an enthusiastic police trainee of Bartolome and early object of Gloria’s jealousy. Angel’s character is into intelligence work.
“It has been my dream role since I was a kid,” shared she. “I was very happy to play the character. That explained why I cried and got emotional during the press conference kasi nagawa ko na siya at natupad ko na yung isa sa mga gusto ko sa buhay (because I was able to do and fulfill another item on my wish list in life).”
Pretty joins Lt. Sylvester “Style” Salonga (a police sidekick, played by Niño Muhlach) and Bartolome in solving different cases.
Given the series’ hybrid genre, Angel has her own share of action-packed scenes, and she also shows her flair for comedy. Angel takes on a fun and fearless character to play.
“For me, action is parang astig tignan (or cool to watch), hindi siya basta-basta (it’s not just a walk in the park). You need to learn the right way to execute stunts. You need to be strong and tough since your character will be in fighting mode. Ang cool lang niyang tignan. I idolize Angelina Jolie,” said Angel about her interest in the genre and her character’s representation of an empowered woman.
“It feels good that I’ve been working with veteran actors. I’m so blessed that I’m learning from them, like how to get better or improve myself (in this craft) and in the industry,” shared Angel. “One of the things I have picked up from them is the right delivery of lines. When you’re new, you tend to be monotone in delivering dialogues.”
She has also learned from them to get the right expressions and keep up with spontaneous changes in the script from lines to scenes.
“I don’t go to the gym, payat na talaga ako,” answered she when asked if being in tip-top shape was a requirement for the role. “Before, I was into gymnastics, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to do action, kasi alam ko na kaya ko, mabilis lang at madali yun sa akin, kasi flexible talaga ang katawan ko.”
Angel is among the promising talents of Sparkle GMA who have been given a platform to show their potential. She has been in the business for more than a year.
With the way things are going in her career, Angel is happy and grateful “for everything that has happened in my life,” said she. “I think I need to improve my acting, lahat naman ng bagay pwedeng i-improve. Every day, we learn new things, especially when we are at work. Every day, I get to learn a lesson in life.”
Angel, who can also sing and dance, initially didn’t see herself acting, but that changed when she attended workshops by Sparkle. “Parang naisipan ko na, ‘Ah ang sarap pala!’ (I have come to realize that it’s enjoyable),” said she. “Through it, I get to explore different emotions and experiences that people go through. I’m able to share these to the audiences and inspire them.”
Last Aug. 6, Angel turned 21 and had birthday wishes for herself.
“I just want to be happy, and I also wish happiness to my siblings, family, and friends. Of course, I want my career to be a success,” said she, who is also taping for Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.
As a showbiz newbie, she wants to do a film and another teleserye.
“I hope (these opportunities) will happen soon,” said she, who also looks at the possibility of making a switch to play antagonist and protagonist roles.
Angel said that she’s “willing to wait” for the right time and opportunity to come.
(Watch Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis Sunday nights at 7:50 and Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap weekdays.)