At this point in her life, Angelu de Leon feels grateful to be able to pursue her passion for acting as well as public service. The Pasig City councilor, who is also a hands on mother to her three children and wife to husband Lorenzo "Wowie" Rivera, could not ask for anything more in her life at the moment. PUSH ABS-CBN caught up with Angelu during the recent launch of Marie France’s Go Lose Pounds weight management program in Makati City.
“Life is very good. Kaya naman ng time management and enjoying. I’m blessed to be doing two things I equally love. And I can’t ask for anything else. Siyempre may mga high and lows, may mga times na matatanong mo talaga sa sarili mo kung anon bang ginagawa mo sa sarili mo (laughs). But you know, overall, I can’t complain. It’s just really good to be doing so many things na hindi naman for your own benefit,” she told PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview.
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The 47-year-old actress, who got her start in showbiz at a young age as part of the iconic ABS-CBN show Ang TV before getting her big break as a lead on the hugely popular teen oriented series like T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado) and Growing Up. Angelu admitted she is thankful that she and her batchmates still have a strong following with those that grew up watching their shows in the ‘90s.
During the Marie France Philippines event, Angelu got to catch up with fellow T.G.I.S alumni Bernadette Allyson and Polo Ravales. There are reports that there is also a reunion project in the works for the show later this year.
“I’m grateful. I don’t know how to say it but merong mga moments, para siyang waves. May mga moments na parang tahimik kaming lahat and then there’s certain times na bigla kaming magkikita kita and then the love for T.G.I.S and the individual love of each fans are still there. I’m just grateful. Siguro yun yung mga times na parang maiisip mo, ‘I must have done something right along the way you know, to be loved like that,” Angelu shared.
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Looking back on when she had to take a step back from acting after becoming a young mom during the height of her career, Angelu shared some important words of advice for young women.
“Yung first talaga is, kung puwede lang, if you would hear my story, sana huwag na kayong mapunta sa landas na yun. I tell my story openly because I want people to say na even if they see the result na I have two beautiful children and ganun yung storya ko, parang maganda yung end product, na kaya naman niya or kinaya naman niya. But during the journey, I will tell you it was not easy. And if you can preserve yourself, if you can live a normal teenage life without that burden for that time, huwag niyo na gawin. Hindi kasi siya madali. May kanya kanya tayong path na tinatahak but if and when you are in that position, I pray and hope that you push through with bringing life into this world.
“Unang una, you have to reflect and know and accept yung responsibility. Alam niyo naman yung ginawa niyo, alam niyo naman paano niyo ginawa yun, alam niyo naman bakit nangyari yun. Pero it doesn’t stop the fact that it is there for a reason and whatever it is, it is precious, it is a miracle. If and when you decide eventually, there will come a point in time that God will be with you. Ako na po nagsasabi, it won’t be easy. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na hindi siya madali, but God will provide the people who will love you and care for you. Basta tandaan niyo, it is a miracle that you have,” she said.
In a recent social media post, Angelu talked about remaining humble and thankful.
She wrote, “Showbiz will always be part of me, and I’m grateful that until now, I’m still part of it.
“But I also understand that time changes, new talents come along, and the younger generation becomes the priority. It’s all about acceptance. I’ve had my moments in the spotlight, and I will forever treasure those experiences. Hindi naman kailangang tayo palagi ang bida. There is beauty in knowing your place, embracing every season of life, and being genuinely happy for those who are given their time to shine.
“Once in the spotlight, forever grateful for the experience.”