Sexier, more daring Angeline

“I HAVE no issue about being compared to other singers, but I want to have my own identity.”

Last year saw Angeline Quinto top-bill her first TV series—the romantic-comedy “Kahit Konting Pagtingin,” which ran for almost six months. She enjoyed the experience but, Angeline admitted, she had a tough time juggling acting and singing.

So this year, she said, her music career would be the top priority.

What happens if she gets an irresistible offer? “I would have to think carefully,” she told writers at the recent launch of her third album, “Higher Love” (Star Records). “I’d like to focus on singing; it’s what my fans love me for.”

Highest goal

Aside from recording more albums and theme songs for TV dramas, Angeline, who won the reality singing competition “Star Power” in 2011, said her highest goal was a solo concert at the Big Dome. “I’ve been praying very hard for that,” she said.

Performing in such a big and iconic venue, the singer said, was a prospect that’s exciting and daunting at the same time. “For many singers, performing at Araneta [Coliseum] is a defining moment in their career. I do have fans; I’m just not sure if they are enough to fill the place,” Angeline said.

The 24-year-old Kapamilya talent said she’d wanted to hold a birthday concert late last year, but the plan was set aside when her father died in October.

In contrast to her past two albums, which had mostly radio-friendly tunes and slow-burning ballads that showcased her range, “Higher Love” has more upbeat numbers such as “Sana 2X,” whose words she wrote.

The 10-track album also features Angeline’s rendition of Regine Velasquez’s “Babalikang Muli” and Sharon Cuneta’s “Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin,” theme song of the ABS-CBN drama “The Legal Wife.”

Telling a story

“I want listeners to hear something new. The album is about love’s many stages. And the way the songs are sequenced makes the album feel like it’s telling a  story… I wrote ‘Sana 2X’ one lazy  afternoon,” related Angeline, who hoped to incorporate R&B music into her music eventually.

Asked if she planned to continue writing more original material, Angeline, drawing laughter, quipped: “Yes, but probably in Filipino… Sumasakit ulo ko ’pag English!”

Not a few have pointed out that Angeline bore a striking resemblance to Regine, and even sounded like her. “I’m flattered because I look up to her. Pangit naman kung si Ogie Alcasid (Regine’s husband) ang kamukha ko!” she said, laughing. “I have no issues about the comparisons. But of course, I want to have my own identity—I want to be known as Angeline.”

Meanwhile, many of the reporters couldn’t help taking notice of Angeline’s sexy and glamorous photos on the album jacket. She still wasn’t used to wearing revealing dresses, she said, but she was  starting to get more comfortable in her own skin.

“I worked hard on my body—I’ve been going to the gym regularly. ’Yung mga pinasuot sa ’kin parang pang-bold star, hindi pang-singer. I just prayed the photos would turn out nicely,” she said. “I showed cleavage; next time probably my back!”

She jested, “I’d like to go on the cover of FHM… feeling ko, ang ganda ko ngayon!”

Unlike some celebs who doggedly deny undergoing cosmetic surgery despite obvious changes in their looks, Angeline wasn’t shy to admit she had enhancement procedures done. “I’m very open about it,” she said.

“I had my eyes done to make them look bigger. A lot of people used to say I looked sad even if I wasn’t. I also had a Botox procedure on my armpits [to prevent sweating],” related Angeline. She’s undecided about having her nose fixed, she added, “but I’m fine either way.”

Previously linked to Coco Martin and Erik Santos, Angeline said she was looking forward to be in another relationship. “But I’m not about to rush things,” she said. “I’m happy with what I have right now. Career is my priority.”

PHILIP Mahoney

(E-mail [email protected])

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