Those who have been watching television programs and movies in the ‘90s would surely know that Angelica Panganiban is one of the brightest child stars of her generation. At six years old, she has already starred in a number of series and flicks, through which she endeared us with her cuteness and acting skills.

Thus, the description “a cherubim who won all our hearts”, which was used when she was conferred the loyalty award for her 28 years of being proudly “Tatak Star Magic” during the Star Magical Christmas Party last November 27, completely befits her.

Yes, you’ve read and heard it right. Angelica has been gracing the small and big screen with her alluring splendor and unmistakable prowess as an actress for almost three decades already. She started as a child star and had won several recognitions and nominations for her compelling portrayals in several flicks, such as “Separada” (1994), “Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa” (1995), “Ama, Ina, Anak” (1996), and “Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin?” (1997). She went on to show her evolution as an actress in the next projects that she did through the years and continuously reinvented herself, which allowed her to show her versatility.

During the surprise presentation of her loyalty award, a montage of a few of her scenes from the series and movies she starred in the past 28 years, as well as heartwarming tributes and well-wishes from some of the personalities she got to work with, was shown.

Laurenti M. Dyogi, current Head of Entertainment Production and Star Magic, reminisced about working with her a child and teen star through the horror movie ‘Magandang Hatinggabi” (1998) and in the youth-oriented series Ang TV and G-Mik.

Head of ABS-CBN International Production Ruel S. Bayani considered her as “really a pioneer of drama”, since she was part of ABS-CBN’s first-ever mini-series Familia Zaragoza that ran from 1995 to 1996.

Former Star Cinema Managing Director Malou N. Santos recalled how impressed she truly was of her because of how adorable, very talented, natural, and authentic she was as a kid. Thus, they didn’t hesitate to have her sign as the first-ever contract star of Star Cinema. And she has continued to wow her as an adult, as she became one of those actresses who’s able to cut across genres – she’s talented in comedy, excel in dramas, and effective in kontrabida roles.

Angelica’s longtime friend Camille Prats also talked about finding a friend and a sister through her, since they grew up together in the industry. They co-starred a number of projects together when they were still kids and teenagers and totally enjoyed working with her, especially during the time of their classic film “Ang Pulubi at Ang Prinsesa” (1997).

Direk Bobot Mortiz recounted, as well, what made him decide to have her lead the now-defunct comedy program Banana Split, after discovering her innate sense of humor and comedic chops during a show in New Jersey, USA.

His best friend John Prats, who she got to work with in a number of projects since they were kids and now that they’re already adults, related how impressed he is of her timing when it comes to acting and comedy and of her professionalism as she always comes to the set ready and knew the script all too well.

Her stylist-friend Patty Yap commended how she intensively studied and internalized her character in the 2011 comedy movie “Here Comes The Bride,” in which the 36-year-old actress earned Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy) award in the 8th ENPRESS Golden Screen Awards for Movies and Comedy Actress of the Year award in the 42nd Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

Angelica’s director-friend Andoy Ranay, who helmed the 2019 iWantTFC original series “Call Me Tita,” regarded her being a mature and disciplined actor.

Of course, her family also paid homage to her, which included his nephew Dominique Aldrin Panganiban Aquino, sister Arlene Aquino, fiancé Gregg Homan, and mother Annabelle Panganiban.

Angelica was awarded a plaque, which was a commissioned sculpture by Filipino multimedia visual artist Toym Imao.

The teary-eyed actress commenced her impromptu speech by saying that the presentation was “unfair,” since there were plenty of people who helped her arrive to where she is at present and achieve this momentous milestone. But she’s over the moon and grateful for what ABS-CBN has bestowed her.

Photo credit mesmyrrhized IG

She first thanked Cris Navarro-Tapang for guiding her in the decisions that she made through the years, especially when it comes to her career. According to her, it’s Tita Cris who has the gut feel if whatever she would do is right or wrong, or if she would accept a certain project or not.

Instead of filling her speech with gratitude, she opted to address the younger artists, who comprised most of the attendees that night, imparted to them the secret behind her success and longevity in the industry. According to her, it is patience, trust, communication, and fortitude.

“Paulit-ulit kayong susuko, sasabihin n’yo na hindi ata ito para sa inyo. Pero magugulat na lang kayo isang araw, binibigay nansg binibigay, pinapamukha para sa inyo yata,” Angelica said.

Her another secret to success was to be respectful and compassionate towards everyone they work with. She emphasized, “Kailangan n’yong maging mabait sa lahat ng katrabaho n’yo, sa lahat ng staff, ng crew, ng utility, [dahil] lahat ng ‘yon, magiging boss n’yo one day. Maniwala kayo sa akin.”

Then she continued, “Maging mabait kayo sa lahat. Huwag kayong puchu-puchung mga artista. Huwag kayong charot-charot. Ayusin n’yo from the beginning at gamitin n’yo ang talent ninyo.”

Angelica ended her speech by exclaiming “Angelica for the win!” reminding everyone to enjoy the rest of the night and have fun, and greeting everybody “Merry Christmas”.

Congratulations for this awe-inspiring feat, Angelica!