odel, actress, and host Angel Aquino belongs to that rare breed of women who shine inside and out. She tells Cosmo why, even after all these years, she's still on top of her game.

“I think my name is posted on the bulletin boards of UP with a note that says, ‘Actress For Free. Si Angel Aquino po ang tawagan niyo. This is her cell number,'” kids Angel Aquino herself—she of the high cheekbones, lithe body, and flawless, dusky complexion. At this moment, what's getting her excited are indie films—and she makes it no secret that she'd love to star in whatever indie movie is in the making. “Iba ‘yung energy,” she explains.

Even sans makeup, the 32-year old model, TV host, and acclaimed actress is as stunning as everyone says she is. She's regally beautiful, unbelievably easygoing, and completely unself-conscious, despite her ubiquity—because, admit it, Angel Aquino is everywhere: on billboards, magazine covers, fashion editorials, movies, and of course, on TV where she co-hosts the lifestyle show F.

Angel has come a long way from when she first broke into the modeling scene 11 years ago, and is one of the few who has lasted this long in the biz. No wonder: Touted as model's model, Angel is extremely professional, a joy to work with, and never a diva despite what she's achieved. She keeps busy with F, which she tapes for at least two days a week; the rest of the week, she devotes to fulfilling the pictorial requests and modeling offers she receives until now.

“I wish I can do it all my life,” Angel says of modeling (she also has endorsements for Ensembles, The Spa and Jewelmer). “I started in 1994, and I'm surprised by the things I've already done and the things I'm still doing. Parang meron pa ring bago!”

These days, Angel says she's going “through different phases everyday.” She just finished shooting Nasaan Na Ba Si Francis, a digital film by Unitel showing next year, and Kaleldo, an indie film where she plays the black sheep of the family—not her usual goody-goody character. “It's different,” Angel beams, “and it's something I just couldn't resist!”

You've got a solid career in hosting, modeling, and acting. Do you still get nervous about new projects?

I get very excited! Especially when you called me for this shoot. I never thought that I'd be on the cover of Cosmo again. Every job gets me excited. I still get scared and nervous sometimes, especially for modeling assignments. It's something I thought I'd already left but I think it's my biggest strength. Acting is something that I'm still trying to develop.

So until now, you still want to hone your acting skills?

Yeah. I wish that there could be more venues where I can do it. I'd love to do theater but I just don't have the schedule. I just can't give it time right now. The only experience I have with theater is The Vagina Monologues.

How was your stage acting experience?

It was a frightening experience. It was totally different from shooting a movie and working with serious directors. Once you're there on stage, it'll eat you up if you're weak. That's what you call stage fright. It's a monster that you have to conquer. And I still haven't. those few times that I went on stage for The Vagina Monologues, my knees were shaking talaga. But then you know, you just have to set your mind to it.

How come you're attracted to indie films now?

It's a smaller set-up, with fewer people to deal with. Everything is straightforward. Filming is faster and no-nonsense! You're treated better kasi everyone is a big actor. No one is taken care of better because she's a bigger star.

When it comes to your personal life, what keeps you busy?

My daughters. I want to spend time with and enjoy my daughters. I want to laugh with them, do things with them. I also want to take up a French class, or just learn a new language. I want to concentrate on my strengths.

Are you a hands-on mom?

I've always been busy with other things—with love, with career. When you think about it, I'm still an absentee mom. Half of the time, I'm either traveling or out of the house. I want to do things with my kids—know them better as people and individuals, not just as my daughters.

Few people know that you're a journalism graduate. Does it help your hosting?

I learned a lot from it. In broadcasting and writing scripts, at least I know what's good writing and what's crappy. That's why I feel the way has been paved for me. Some of the things in my life weren't even my decision—they just happened to me. Like, no matter how much I've dreamed of being a flight attendant before, it just didn't happen because I was probably set out for this.

You once wanted to be a flight attendant?

That was my ultimate dream when I was younger, because I had a tita who was one. Even when I was starting to model, I was still looking through the classified ads for job openings and I would send my resume. But I concentrated on modeling. I started thinking that modeling was what I really should be doing—baka dito talaga yung strength ko and not in service. True enough, the trips came. My first job as a model, I was sent to Malaysia to shoot for a commercial!

So where is your favorite place in the world?

Paris —I only saw it for a day and I want to see it again. I want to have coffee there! I promised my daughter, who's taking French, that once she learns the language, I'll bring her to France so we can have coffee, crepes, and croissants. I want to take up French also because I want to help her learn.

Are you the breadwinner in your family? Are you still supporting your mom?

Yeah. Maybe because I gave her the biggest disappointment in the family—I got pregnant when I was 19 and in college. I knew she had high hopes for me. She was also counting on me to help raise my other siblings and put them through college. When I got pregnant, I saw how disappointed she was and it broke my heart. After that, I tried to make bawi.

Is it difficult for you to be doing that until now?

I like doing it. I like the feeling that at least in my own little way, I'm helping other people—starting with my family. I want to be filthy rich so I can help more people.

You've always been known as patient and mabait. Don't you ever lose your temper?

I don't throw fits. Hindi talaga ako ganun. I never scream at my siblings. I never raise my voice at anyone—unless I'm really frustrated. It only happened once in my whole life.

What keeps you grounded?

My family and my background. It keeps me humble because I come from humble beginnings.

So you still go with your sister to Baclaran?

Yeah. We've been going for two years already and it's something that I don't intend to stop doing. When I'm out of the country, I don't get to go. But I go when I'm here, whether I'm tired or not.

What's your biggest rea liza tion about your whole experience?

That you can't rely on other people for your own happiness. It's something you were told, read about, hear from movies and from your friends. It's hard to put into practice. You just have to consciously make a decision everyday when you wake up. I am my own happiness. I make my own happiness. I am the only person who can make myself happy. It's a conscious effort.

What's your advice to Cosmo girls?

Be strong in whatever happens in your life, whatever disappointments, no matter where it comes from. For every fall, what matters more is how fast you pick yourself up. Everyone one of as falters, but it's just really about getting back on your feet.

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