Angeli Khang is out to prove herself beyond sexy roles

MANILA, Philippines — The “Queen of Vivamax,” Angeli Khang, admitted that she initially had second thoughts when offered sexy projects, but they eventually became the launchpad for her showbiz career.

“Like what my manager told me, use it as a stepping stone. At hindi dahil sexy siya, yun na siya. If people in the industry will see that you really have the talent, then show the people that you have the talent, be proud of yourself,” she told select press in an interview during the presscon of “Unang Tikim,” a girls’ love drama megged by Roman Perez Jr.

The flick is the first Vivamax original movie, now showing in cinemas nationwide. It also stars Robb Guinto, Matt Francisco, Christy Imperial, and Susan Africa.

Now that she has gone mainstream, from joining the cast of GMA Network’s “Black Rider” to getting a big-screen project with “Unang Tikim,” Angeli is relishing the blessings she has received.

“I feel the blessings. I feel the people’s praise and the people’s support. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso,” she said.

She was thankful that Viva had given her the opportunity to have another agency.

“And (I’m) thankful that doing sexy roles and acting became my stepping stone because now the people see na kaya pala and I think I’m more than that. Filming ‘Black Rider’ was very exciting because it was a different genre,” she said, adding that she was able to use her taekwondo skills in portraying her character Nimfa in the GMA action-drama series.

The former cosplayer got interested in showbiz when she was presented with an acting opportunity.

“It has a lot of challenges like you should know how to dance and sing. And being an artist is not just being good at acting, you should also have, I mean, it’s better if you have more talents to show the people. So, there were times like right after school, I would angkas from Las Piñas to Quezon City to go to (the) Viva (headquarters) to practice dance.”

She also tried joining a P-pop girl group but it didn’t push through. She was, nevertheless, grateful for where her career is at right now.

“My family actually never asked me anything,” she replied when asked about her family. “It’s always me who always surprises them with things. But they always tell me to save for my future. ‘Wag na mga material things, pagkain na lang. Date na lang tayo Sunday after church.” She said her family supported her career from the very start and never judged her.

Angeli’s Korean father wanted her to finish her college education in the United States.

“I never told my dad that I wanted to be an actress,” she shared. “What he wanted for me is to finish college, be in the military like him and probably live in the US with him.”

Before the pandemic, her dad urged her to study in the US. He told her that if she would decide to study there, he would support Angeli. If the latter would choose the Philippines, however, he wouldn’t support her.

The pandemic happened and she got into the showbiz industry.

“And after that, the Lord has a different plan for me. And up until now, the blessings are still pouring in.”

At 23, she now owns a car and food businesses. She no longer has to rely on motorcyle-hailing services to go to work, she said. “I’m happy now that I have a car, may pang-gas and everything. I also have a driver. (Although) if I’m given the chance to ride a motor, it’s still a yes. Masaya mag-motor.

“Sometimes, I get surprised. Before I sleep, (I’d say) ‘Lord, thank you sa mga naabot ko now. Every day, I’m being blessed little by little, and more by more by You.’

“And I have a happy family. I have a roof and don’t go hungry and whatever I want, I can get it. The things that I want, the food that I’m craving, I can get them easily now. And I’m thankful for the blessings,” she said.

“Unang Tikim” has two versions — an R-16 for SM Cinemas and R-18 for other cinemas.

The romance-drama is about the story of bisexual Yuna (Angeli) and lipstick lesbian Becca (Robb), a couple who got separated. Years later, their paths cross again with Yuna now engaged to her boss Nicco (Matt) and Becca having a new lover Trisha (Christy). Yuna and Becca realize that they still have feelings for each other.

On the takeaways from LGBTQ-themed flick, Angeli said it’s to “never be ashamed of your loved ones” and be “proud of your loved ones.” She is proud to support the LGBTQ community but said that she likes boys when asked if she is open to such a relationship.