After controversy halted his rise to fame, Hero spends time these days painting, producing and directing an indie movie and dreaming of setting up his own ad agency.

IT WAS the time when the phenomenal TV series Meteor Garden catapulted Taiwanese boy band F4 to Pinoy teen screendom when an F4 look-alike of Vic Zhou first graced Philippine television. The boy-next-door charm of Hero Angeles was undeniable and it quickly endeared him to entertainment fans here and abroad. When he reached the topmost spot of ABS-CBN’s talent search, Star Circle Quest, most expected Hero to travel in a non-stop arc and quickly establish himself as one of the most sought after leading men of the movie industry.

He was teamed with Korean cutie Sandara Park and they did two movies together, Bcuz of U and Can This Be Love, both blockbuster hits. He also displayed admirable acting abilities.

And then controversy hit. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing. In showbiz, a little controversy, managed well and sincerely explained (or denied), can be good for one’s career. Except that the HeroSan partnership, which extended off-screen, disintegrated soon after the couple called it quits. Then, a public fight with TV entertainment reporter and host Cristy Fermin, the supposed pasaway ways of his manager, elder brother Henry, and the alleged machinations of ABS-CBN to drop him and then prevent him from jumping to rival station GMA Network took its toll on the teen idol’s blossoming career.

Recently, Hero was honored at this year’s Star Awards. For the most part, however, Hero has chosen to keep a low profile and concentrate on honing his acting abilities and dabbling in a number of new projects.

Hero agreed to an interview with ONE PHILIPPINES but requested no further discussions on disputes long dead. Here then is Hero on hiatus:

Who among the people you’ve worked with do you still look up to and get in touch with until now and why?

I’ve worked with so many people but the people I still get in touch with are my co-questors from my batch, Melissa, Neri and Errol. I also keep in touch with some good people that I’ve worked with behind the camera.

A lot of your fans are waiting for your next move, are there any plans of doing a movie yet? Or being part of a TV show?

Right now, I’m doing an independent film which I will be producing and directing. I guess this will be another step for me as an artist. It’s a fulfillment for someone like an artist to direct and make a film. I like art and I believe making a film is a form of art and it will also make a contribution to the film industry as well in the showbiz world. I have also plans for an art exhibit but I still haven’t got enough artworks to fill a gallery.

We’ve heard that you are an Iskolar ng Bayan. If you finish your degree, will you pursue a career that is related to your course?

I’m a Fine Arts major. After I finish my degree, I might as well be engaged with advertising. Photography, directing, graphic designing, etc. Perhaps building my own advertising agency.

What is your vision as an artist?

My vision, well, maybe I just say this – to always believe in yourself, always support yourself, be brave enough with your own decisions and always fight and learn how to stand up for whatever you believe in. And, of course, always believe in your skills and talents. When the whole world is putting you down, do not worry, because your character is measured by how you stand up for everything. Maybe, a vision for a more realistic world.

Let’s go to something lighter. Do you have anyone special right now? Did you ever have a girlfriend? What do you look for in a girl?

I did have past relationships but right now I’m enjoying a single life. I would just want a simple someone who can accept me and would not change me. Also, I want someone who has a sense of humor, smart, down to earth and would have respect and patience on me. Of course, to be caring and loving is also important.

What are the things that the public does not know about the real Hero?Simple things like, what do you like doing during your free time, mannerisms, etc.

I’m a soap opera fanatic. I’ve watch TV dramas ever since I was a kid. But during my free time, I spend time with my friends but sometimes I do play video games and do nature photography.

You and your brother Henry display a great bond and support for each other, and we admire you for that. Your fearless but strong conviction to fight for your right has made such a mark. Tell us, where do you get the strength? And how do you show support to each other?

We get the strength from each other. From my family and supporters. From the fans and to tell you honestly, from the detractors. They made us strong and gave us the courage to say the truth and fight for what is right.

How do you bond as brothers?

As brothers, we bond together by talking. Sharing stories and laughing at problems. For your information, Kuya Henry is a good comedian. He can make our family laugh!

What do you feel when there are people who seem to destroy the reputation of your whole family even when they shouldn’t be mentioned in the first place?

I feel sad and mad. I feel sad that these things have to happen. I understand that I’m public property but when someone destroys my family’s reputation, I won’t think twice about fighting for them. I love my family so much and I will do anything for them. That’s one of the things that can make me mad.

We want to know who is older, you or Henry, and what does Henry do for a living or does he still study? If so, where and what course?

I’m the third child in our family. Kuya Henry’s the second. He is a multi-tasking person. He does a lot. He is a music journalist, writer, artist and a teacher. He also studied at UP College of Fine Arts.

What are your similarities and dissimilarities?

In many ways we are alike. In many ways too we are different. Well, it’s just normal for brothers and siblings – hahaha! I may be quiet at times and Kuya Henry is a more expressive person. I’ll share one trivia; all four of us (siblings), are artists.

Any message to your fans, critics and detractors?

My message to my fans, thank you very much for the continued support. You’re one of my inspirations and without you, I won’t be here. I love you all! For all the detractors and critics, thank you very much for all your unkind deeds. It made me stronger and better!