MANILA, Philippines — ANGEL AQUINO SAID SHE IS THANKFUL for the kind and respectful reaction following her “coming out” moment in a past TV interview, clarifying that it was not something she had planned.
To recall, she made showbiz headlines in October last year after admitting on Bilyonaryo TV that she likes fellow women and can fall in love with them.
“Actually, nabigla din ako. Kasi hindi ko naman siya pinlano. It wasn’t something… I’m coming out today. No! And I feel kasi it’s something that people have known for a very long time and we just don’t openly talk about it,” the 53-year-old actress said in response to a question from The STAR on the sidelines of the Rejuran Infinite Event.
Angel explained that her personal life had long been visible to those paying attention, even if it was not openly discussed.
“You know, they have seen me with people I’ve been with and hindi ko naman siya tinago ever,” she stressed.
She also pointed out that members of the press had been respectful over the years by not making it an issue.
“But thankfully, the press people have been kind not to pick on that, ‘di ba?” she said.
“I’m so thankful, all those years…I mean, I was just being myself. I love people I fell in love with, hindi ako namili.
“But the press did not give me a hard time, didn’t pry, ‘di nila ako pinilit na, ‘O ano balita namin, you’re dating ganyan, you’re dating direk, Malu.’”
When she eventually addressed it more directly, which came across like a spur of the moment, Angel said she appreciated how people responded.
“And then they waited for me to, I guess, say something about it, and when I did, thank you din for the kind response. I’m really grateful about that. I really appreciate the kindness that was offered,” she said.
A reporter asked if she was now willing to take on more GL (girls’ love) and queer projects.
Angel, however, stressed, “The material is still important. Your co-actors, your director are important. Because it’s a very touchy subject. It has to be handled with care.”
She previously starred in projects with similar themes, such as the 2013 coming-of-age film “Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita” where she was the innocent crush of the young titular character, and the short film “Silig,” a romance where she was paired with fellow veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez.
In the same interview, Angel, who has always been known as one of the most beautiful faces to ever grace Philippine screens, also spoke about how she’s able to maintain her looks.
She credited both genetics and early skincare habits.
“I think I have to thank my nanay and my tatay for their good genes, when combined together, ito yun…Because my brothers and my sisters, I think all of us were able to get my parents’ genes when it comes to skin. And I also started early in taking care of my skin,” she shared, recalling how she began moisturizing regularly as early as her teens.
“Because I studied in Baguio (UP) and I remember feeling dry. So I looked for something to help me take care of that. I think I was 19 and I started from that time on and never stopped moisturizing.”
She added that consistency matters more than trends, encouraging others to start simple routines early. “That’s what I always tell people. It’s now never too early to take care of your skin so moisturize… sunblock,” she said, noting that she even only incorporated sunscreen later on and now understands its importance.
However, the mom of two stressed that beauty definitely goes beyond the physical. “After a while beauty fades… if your heart is good and you have a sound mind… yun pa rin ang makikita ng mga tao sa iyo,” Angel said.
For looking enviably fit and great in her 50s, it’s no surprise that Angel was chosen to be a celebrity endorser for the REJURAN, the viral South Korean skin rejuvenation treatment famous for its polynucleotide (PN) injections derived from salmon DNA to address fine lines, acne scars, skin barrier damage and overall long-term skin health.
REJURAN, which officially launched in the Philippines in 2023 under TritanMed Aesthetics Philippines, has also tapped TV host-writer G3 San Diego and singer-actress Agot Isidro as ambassadors. They all graced the brand’s awarding ceremony on Monday night that honored top aesthetic doctors and clinics in the Philippines.