Angelika Dela Cruz Explained

Angelika Dela Cruz
Birth Name:Maria Lourdes Egger dela Cruz
Birth Date:29 October 1981[1]
Birth Place:Quezon City, Philippines
Other Names:Shine
Years Active:1995–present
Children:2
Relatives:Mika dela Cruz (sister)
Edward dela Cruz (brother)
Nash Aguas (brother-in-law)
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Office:Barangay Chairman of Longos (Malabon)[2]
Term Start:2013
Term End:present
Predecessor:Ernie Dela Cruz

Maria Lourdes Egger Dela Cruz-Casareo, better known by her screen name Angelika Dela Cruz (born October 29, 1981),[1] is a Filipino actress and politician. She started her showbiz career in 1995, and has since appeared in television shows and movies. Originally with ABS-CBN from 1995 to 1999 and again from 2003 to 2007, she became a contract artist under GMA Network in 1999 until 2003, and again since 2007. She is currently serving as the barangay captain of Longos, Malabon, Metro Manila since 2013.[3]

Dela Cruz's acting career was started with ABS-CBN in 1996 in the primetime drama Mara Clara and Esperanza in 1997 until 1999, both starring Judy Ann Santos. She later left the network and transferred to GMA Network to do other primetime dramas such as Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin from 2001 until 2002, Habang Kapiling Ka as a lead actress in late 2002, Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas from 2003 to 2004, and then 2005 the award-winning ensemble cast of Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin in 2006. She became a lead antagonist in the revival of Bituing Walang Ningning opposite Sarah Geronimo, which saw her potential as an antagonist as she did her last soap with the network in Prinsesa ng Banyera. She was given more primetime and afternoon dramas on GMA Network.

Personal life

Angelika Dela Cruz was born to a Filipino father Ernie Dela Cruz and an Italian-Austrian mother Angelica Egger.[4] She has a younger half-sister, Mika Dela Cruz, who is also an actress, and two brothers, Erick and Edward. Edward was one of the lead singers of the boy band "Freshmen", and died in a vehicular accident on June 7, 2010.[4] She is currently the Chairwoman of Barangay Longos in Malabon.

In an episode of Showbiz Central, de la Cruz revealed that she had married Orion Casareo in August 2008 and was expecting a child.[5] She gave birth to Gabriel Casareo on March 22, 2009, via caesarian section.[6] In 2015, she gave birth to her second son.

Acting career

Early success

Angelika dela Cruz started acting at the age of seven when she appeared in the 1988 film Nagbabagang Luha. She was credited as Sunshine dela Cruz.

She gained notice when she won Best New Actress of the year award at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies for her very first movie Nights of Serafina. ABS-CBN saw her potential as an actress and she plays her role as Joyce in the second book of Mara Clara with Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes.[7]

She was also cast in other youth-oriented movies such as Istokwa with Mark Anthony Fernandez and was launched as the lead star in Huwag Mo Nang Itanong and Seventeen... So Kaka. She received critical acclaim in the movie Manananggal ng Manila which she starred alongside Alma Concepcion, Tonton Gutierrez, Eric Fructuoso and Aiza Seguerra. She was once again able to work with Judy Ann Santos in the primetime drama series Esperanza which made her a household name. In the series, she was first paired with Spencer Reyes however, the production staff later on paired her to actor Jericho Rosales. Her team-up with Rosales made its way to the big screen via Magandang Hatinggabi a horror movie produced by Star Cinema and other television projects such as the teen-oriented horror series !Oka Tokat, Star Drama Theater anthology, Maalaala Mo Kaya and F.L.A.M.E.S. They also became regulars in ASAP and Magandang Tanghali Bayan.

Breakthrough

After working with ABS-CBN, dela Cruz tried her luck in ABS-CBN's rival GMA Network. The network cast her in shows including primetime mini-series Di Ba't Ikaw, noontime variety show SOP and action-fantasy series Pintados. She was able to showcase her acting ability by playing the lead role in the mini-series Liwanag ng Hatinggabi with award-winning actress Lorna Tolentino and in Umulan Man o Umaraw. Her breakout role came when she was cast as the lead star of the primetime television series Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin. The show became a huge success and crowned her as the Soap Opera Princess of GMA. She also appeared in the teen-oriented show Click but due to her rising popularity, she was pulled out from the show.[7]

After the success of Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, she once again headlined another primetime drama entitled Habang Kapiling Ka opposite Victor Neri who played Erica Malvarosa. Her outstanding performance in the series gave her a Best Actress nomination at the 2003 PMPC Star Awards for TV. Dela Cruz also took part and matured in movies. In 2000, she earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the movie Deathrow, an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. She also played the lead in the action-drama movie Hari Ng Selda alongside Robin Padilla and the comedy film S2pid Luv with rapper Andrew E. Both were under Viva Films.

After her contract with GMA expired in 2003, dela Cruz moved back to ABS-CBN and teamed-up with her former on-and-off screen partner Jericho Rosales in the TV series Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas with Diether Ocampo and Kristine Hermosa. The series became one of the most watched shows in primetime and its popularity has reached abroad. dela Cruz who played an optimistic and talented young lady who became romantically involved with the character played by Jericho Rosales was applauded by both viewers and critics. After the success of Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas, dela Cruz was cast in another primetime television drama called Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin where she shared the screen with Star Magic's brightest talents such as Claudine Barretto, John Lloyd Cruz, Shaina Magdayao and Bea Alonzo. She also appeared as one of the main hosts of the showbiz-oriented talk show Entertainment Konek and Sunday variety show ASAP.

Villain with Present roles

Her career took a different direction in 2006 when she played an anti-heroine role to Sarah Geronimo in the drama series Bituing Walang Ningning, a TV adaptation of a 1980s movie starring Cherie Gil and Sharon Cuneta. Her superb performance as Lavinia Arguelles won her a Best Actress nomination at the 2007 PMPC Star Awards for Television and a Best Actress award in Gawad Amerika. She later appeared as Kristine Hermosa's ambitious twin sister in the afternoon drama Prinsesa ng Banyera.

In 2008, dela Cruz signed up with GMA Network and made a comeback via primetime drama series Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita where she played the villain role of Via Fausto. The series gave her the opportunity to work again with her previous co-stars such as Marvin Agustin, Tonton Gutierrez and Dina Bonnevie. Later that year, she was given a role in the afternoon drama series Una Kang Naging Akin, again she is the main antagonist which became a consistent top rater in the ratings game. In October of the year, she was cast as the scheming ex-girlfriend of JC de Vera in the primetime series LaLola.

After giving birth, dela Cruz returned to the screen by playing Iza Calzado's good-hearted sister in the afternoon drama series Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit. She most recently appeared in the primetime fantasy comedy series Pilyang Kerubin, telefantasya Dwarfina and the sports series Futbolilits. She made a guest appearance on the pilot episode of Ruben Marcelino's Kokak before being cast as one of the leads in the primetime drama series Biritera in which she received positive reviews.[8] After playing a good character in Biritera, she went back to playing villainous roles in the afternoon drama series Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? and in the primetime fantasy series Aso ni San Roque.[9] In 2013, Angelika once again plays the good character as Rodora Santos / Giselle Atienza-Carbonel in Mundo Mo'y Akin followed by Kambal Sirena (2014) and Second Chances (2015) then later she played Nimfa as the villainous mother of her stepson Jay (Kristofer Martin) in Healing Hearts along with Chloe (Krystal Reyes). In 2016, Dela Cruz played Evelyn as Larry's lovable wife and Ana's protagonist mother in Hanggang Makita Kang Muli.

In June 2017, she joined the cast in GMA's hit drama series Ika-6 na Utos as she played the new character, Geneva Ferrer-Takanashi, an older sister of Georgia (played by Ryza Cenon). In that series, she was first seen as a villain but later became a good/hero.

In February 2019, she played the role of Lucy Lopez in Inagaw na Bituin as the main antagonist and mother to the anti-heroine, Ariella Lopez who was played by Therese Malvar. She also makes her sister and niece's life miserable in that series.

In January 2022, she comes back to GMA's hit drama series Little Princess as she played the role of Elise Reyes, a loving mother to the main protagonist, Princess Reyes-Montivano who was played by Jo Berry, and the Marcus's (played by Jestoni Alarcon) ex-lover or mistress.

Singing career

Despite an active career in acting, Angelika made her first mark in showbiz through her musical talent for singing. In 1994, at the age of 13 she sang the theme song for the Tagalog dub of Sailor Moon which begin airing in October 1994 on ABC-5. The song was a variation of "Moonlight Densetsu" and the Tagalog lyrics were written by Vehnee Saturno.[10]

In 1996, she released a 10-track self-titled album under BMG Records followed by a second album entitled My Only Wish three years later. The Japanese label Imperial Records tapped the singer-actress to record a few songs, which eventually gained international fame and earned for her a budding name in Japan. To give way to her flourishing acting career, Angelika's singing streak took a hiatus for years, until she later managed to sing once again in 2006 when she was included in the soundtrack the television series on which she starred, Bituing Walang Ningning. She recorded two songs for the series: Miss Na Miss Kita and Dito Ba? featuring Sarah Geronimo.

Lawsuit Against BMG Music

On March 17, 1995, de la Cruz (Lourdes Egger dela Cruz in real life) signed a contract with BMG under which she was required to record at least two albums over three years. But Dela Cruz only recorded one album during the period so BMG exercised on March 23, 1998, its option to extend the contract for two more years. She was required to record one album, which she was able to do. Despite the expiration of the option period, on May 8, 2000, BMG informed her she still had to record one album under the option period. On June 5, 2001, Dela Cruz sued and asked for damages, claiming that after recording one album BMG never gave her any proposal for a second one and that despite the lapse of the option period, the firm refused to release her on the ground that she still had to record one album.

The RTC found merit in Dela Cruz's petition, awarding her payment for damages, and the payment of royalties for the unfulfilled number of required songs under the agreement but BMG appealed the case and CA ruled in Dela Cruz' favor. However, CA deleted the lower court's award to Dela Cruz of in actual damages, in moral damages, another in exemplary damages, and in attorneys' fees. The CA said there was no evidence to support the award of actual, moral and exemplary damages. And since both parties have legitimate claims to each other, CA said the award of attorney's fees was not warranted.[11]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
1988 Nagbabagang Luha Dimples
1996 Nights of Serafina Diana
Istokwa Lea
1997 Mananggal ng Maynila Terry
Huwag Mo Nang Itanong Cely
Ipaglaban Mo II Agnes
1998 Magandang Hatinggabi Marianne
1999 Seventeen so kaka Neneng
Esperanza: The Movie Cecille / Regina
2000 Deathrow Isabel
2002 Hari ng Selda: Anak ni Baby Ama 2 Angelica
S2pid Luv Wendy
2011 Babang Luksa Idang
2012 An Angel's Tale Angelika
2017 Madamme Eva

Television

Year Title Role Network
1995–1997 Mara Clara Joyce ABS-CBN
1997–1999 Esperanza Cecille Montejo / Regina Salgado
!Oka Tokat Tessa Sytangco
1997 Star Drama Theater Presents: Angelika various roles
1998 Wansapanataym

"Musika ni Marissa"

Marissa
1999 Di Ba't Ikaw Eloisa GMA Network
SOP Host
Pintados Diwata / Reewa Zulueta
Liwanag ng Hatinggabi Luna
2000 Click Olivia "Ollie" San Gabriel
Umulan Man o Umaraw Andrea
2001–2002 Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin Mylene Fuentebella / Katherine Morales / Carmencita San Diego
2002–2003 Habang Kapiling Ka Erica Malvarosa
2003 ASAP Host ABS-CBN
Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas Mary Ann Santos
2004 EK Channel Host
Maalaala Mo Kaya

"Santo Niño de Cebu"

Sheryn Regis
MTB Ang Saya Saya Host
2005 Entertainment Konek Host
Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin Karri Medrano-Ynares
2006 Bituing Walang Ningning Lavinia Arguelles
2007 Komiks: Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao Kalagua / Dr. Eva Tabinas
Little Big Superstar Star Judge
Prinsesa ng Banyera Mayumi Burgos / Daphne Pertierra
2008 Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita Via Fausto GMA Network
Sine Novela: Una Kang Naging Akin Vanessa Yumul
2008–2009 LaLola Sabrina Starr
2009–2010 Sine Novela: Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit Nancy Rosales
2010 Carlo J. Caparas' Panday Kids Ester / Ether
Pilyang Kerubin Melissa Alejandrino-Santos
2011 Dwarfina Romera
Futbolilits Belinda Almodovar
Spooky Nights: Kadugo Ethel
Ruben Marcelino's Kokak Victoria "Vicky" Asuncion
2012 Biritera Remedios "Remy" Capitollo
Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? Leslie Montelibano
2012–2013 Aso ni San Roque Bulan
2013 Mundo Mo'y Akin Rodora Santos / Giselle Atienza-Carbonel
2014 Kambal Sirena Reyna Arowana
2015 Healing Hearts Nimfa Fernandez-Villamor
2016 Hanggang Makita Kang Muli Evelyn Esguerra-Medrano
2017–2018 Ika-6 na Utos Geneva Ferrer-Takahashi / Gen Santiago
2017 Dear Uge: K-drama Rama Ate
2018–2019 Daddy's Gurl Oprah Saavedra
2019 Inagaw na Bituin Lucinda "Lucy" Lopez
Beautiful Justice Atty. Katrina Vijandre
2022 Little Princess Elise Reyes-Montivano

Discography

Year Title Track listing
  • Fill the World with love
  • Hindi lamang sa Pangarap
  • Sa Atin Lang
  • Kung Bubuksan Mo Man ang Puso Ko
  • Now you Go
  • Sasabihin Ko Na Ba?
  • Ready to Fall in Love Again
  • Tanging Puso Lang
  • Di Ko Alam
  • Pagkatapos ng Gabi
  • I Miss You
  • Paano ba?
  • Nadevelop
  • Hold Me in your Arms
  • Sana ay Magbalik Ka
  • Let the Love Begin
  • Don't throw it Away
  • In the Heat of Summer
  • My Only Wish
  • Ipangako Mo
Unknown Tracks
A Day and A Night More
  • Miss Na Miss Kita
  • Dito ba? (feat. Sarah Geronimo)

Awards and nominations

Film

Year OrganizationAward Movie Remarks
2000 Best Supporting Actress "Deathrow" (2000) !
2000 49TH FAMAS Annual Awards German Moreno Youth Achievement Awardee German Moreno Youth Achievement Award
1999 Best Supporting Actress "Esperanza: The Movie" (1999)
1997 PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best New Actress of the Year "Nights of Serafina" (1996)

Television

Year OrganizationTV Award TV show Remarks
2017 7th EdukCircle Awards Best Supporting Actress "Ika-6 na Utos" (2017)
2014 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Program "Mundo Mo'y Akin" (2013)
2007 21st PMPC Star Awards for TelevisionBest Drama Actress "Bituing Walang Ningning" (2006)
2007 Gawad America Best Actress "Bituing Walang Ningning" (2006)
2006 ASAP Pop Awards Best Character Actress "Bituing Walang Ningning" (2006)
2005 Shall We Dance: The Celebrity Dance Challenge Grand Champion Shall We Dance: The Celebrity Dance Challenge (2005)
2003 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actress "Habang Kapiling Ka" (2002)
1998 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Single Performance by an Actress GMA Telesine "Propeta" (1997)
1997 PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Single Performance by an Actress Maalaala Mo Kaya episode "Jeepney" (1996)

Music

Year OrganizationMusic Award Recipient Remarks
2006 PARI Gold Record Award Bituing Walang Ningning:Soundtracks
2001 Metropop 2001 Song Interpreter of the year "A Day and a Night More"
2001 Gintong Parangal ng Malabon Gintong Parangal Awardee herself
1998 Parangal ng Bayan People's Choice Awardee for Most Promising Female Performer herself
1997 Parangal ng Bayan People's Choice Awardee for Most Promising Female Performer herself
1993 Likhawit 4th placer, Amateur Division herself

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Angelika Dela Cruz Biography – PINOYSTOP. PinoyStop. December 4, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151208170830/http://www.pinoystop.com/bio/celebrity-profile/517/angelika-dela-cruz-biography. December 8, 2015. dead.
  2. News: Angelika dela Cruz wins bid to become barangay captain in Longos, Malabon. Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 28, 2013.
  3. News: Angelika dela Cruz wins bid to become barangay captain in Longos, Malabon. Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 28, 2013.
  4. News: Staff. Angelika dela Cruz and her family grieve over Edward's death. Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 15, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131105075246/http://www.pep.ph/news/25821/Angelika-dela-Cruz-and-her-family-grieve-over-Edward%27s-death. November 5, 2013. dead.
  5. News: Angelika: I'm married, three months pregnant | GMA News Online . GMA News. October 12, 2008 . September 15, 2013.
  6. Web site: March 23, 2009 . Angelika dela Cruz gives birth to a healthy baby boy . 2024-06-06 . www.gmanetwork.com . en.
  7. News: Angelika dela Cruz in her Palace . Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 15, 2013.
  8. News: Angelika dela Cruz enjoys popularity and high rating of Biritera . Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 15, 2013.
  9. News: Angelika dela Cruz, planong pasukin na ang pulitika sa 2013 . GMA News. February 2, 2012 . September 15, 2013.
  10. News: Philippine Entertainment Portal. Angelika dela Cruz in her Palace. June 27, 2014. Philippine Entertainment Portal. YES! Magazine. April 26, 2007.
  11. Web site: Latest News in the Philippines. Manila Standard Today. September 15, 2013.