With a career spanning several decades, Angelica Panganiban has become one of the most respected and versatile actresses in the country. Before achieving success, however, every aspiring artist must face the daunting challenge of *auditioning,* a process that can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
Thankfully, Angelica found the process enjoyable. “Nag-start ako, sumali ako sa Little Miss SM nung 1993. Para siyang Little Miss Philippines pero hindi siya televised. Magmo-model ka, may talent portion, pero wala akong ka-talent-talent kaya tumula ako,” she narrates during an interview with Star Magic.
“Nanalo ako surprisingly ng second-runner-up. May nakakita sa akin na talent agent, tapos lagi niya lang akong pinapapunta sa auditions ng commercials. Nag-enjoy na ako mag-audition nang mag-audition sa kung saan-saan.”
Instagram/iamangelicapOne particular audition stands out from the rest, though! The veteran actress admitted that she went to *extraordinary lengths* to ensure she could try out for ABS-CBN.
“Nag-audition na ako for Ang TV, umakyat pa mga kami sa bakod ng ABS-CBN kasi inabot namin yung cut-off, like parang sasabihin natin parang 4 p.m. na hindi na nila papasukin 'yung nasa dulo ng pila,” she recalls.
“Pero siyempre kami na madaling araw pa lang pumila na parang hindi namin matanggap na hindi kami makakapasok, hindi ba? So 'yung mga parents binuhat kami, inakyat kami ng bakod para makapag-audition pa rin kami.”
As she celebrates 20 successful years into her showbiz career, Angelica expresses profound *gratitude* for the people who have been by her side since the very beginning.
“Masarap sa pakiramdam na kasabay mong nag-grow 'yung mga tao... 'yung nagbigay sa iyo ng project, 'yung mga taong nag-alaga talaga sa iyo since Day 1 na nag-artista ka, gumabay sa iyo,” she says. “Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na sini-celebrate niyo 'yung milestone na ito ng buhay niyo together." Aww!
