Since dealing with Bell’s Palsy, actress Angelu De Leon has been open about how much of a struggle it has been for her on and off camera. Her first attack happened in 2009, and it recurred in 2016.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell’s Palsy is a condition which “causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.” In her Facebook post last August 12, Angelu reflected on her health challenge and admitted she had gone through a period of depression.
She wrote, “Sa totoo lang, nagkaroon din ako ng depression dahil sa Bell’s Palsy. Bilang artista, ‘mukha ang puhunan mo.’ Kaya hindi madaling tanggapin kapag biglang nagbago ang mukha mo. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, pinagpala pa rin ako ng Diyos—nagkaroon pa ako ng billboard sa EDSA at naging bahagi ng Pulang Araw.“
These unexpected blessings strengthened her resolve and led to her realization about her self-worth.
“Natutunan ko na hindi doon nasusukat ang halaga ko. Maaaring ang mukha ang puhunan sa showbiz, pero ang buhay, pagkatao, at halaga natin ay higit pa sa ating panlabas na anyo. Health is wealth. Huwag nating balewalain ang ating kalusugan. Huwag nating hintaying may mangyari bago natin alagaan ang ating sarili,” she added.
READ: Angelu de Leon recalls her battle with Bell’s palsy: ‘May remnant siya’
Since making a recovery, Angelu has continued working and is active in her duties as a councilor in the 2nd district of Pasig City, Angelu is also a student at Arellano University where she is currently enrolled in the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) which allows enrolles to earn a college diploma in a year by converting their work experience into course units of a bachelor’s degree.
The 46-year-old actress shared part of her academic journey in a Facebook post last August 15. She wrote, “Mag-uumpisa na sa exciting part! Nag-present na ako ng 3 Thesis title proposal! Lord, gabayan Mo ako at bigyan ng confidence, wisdom, at lakas. Laban, Angelu!”
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Earlier this month, the former 90s teen idol also delighted fans by sharing a nostalgic photo on the 31st anniversary of her hit teen oriented program T.G.I.S (Thank God It's Sabado) which first launched her career along with her love team partner Bobby Andrews.The two were fondly known as the lead couple in the show, Peachy and Wacks. In the first photo, Angelu can be seen hugging her co-star Raven Villanueva, who played her best friend in the show.
“TGIS!!! I will always and forever be grateful for this show and everybody involved. Maraming salamat din sa lahat ng nagmahal ng show namin. THANK GOD talaga!” Angelu wrote.
Angelu has been happily married to her non-showbiz husband Lorenzo "Wowie" Rivera since 2010. The couple have a son together named Rafa. Angelu also has two children from previous relationships, Nicole and Loise.