Angel Santos in profile

[I]This is second in a series of interviews profiling the lead performers in the original Saipan ShodaVision production of State of Liberty due to air in Saipan in January 2007.[/I]

State of Liberty [I]is set in a fictional bar of the same name somewhere in the hillsides of Saipan. It is run and patronized by a diverse group of individuals, all in pursuit of the elusive American dream. Principal characters are played by actors of Chamorro, Carolinian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Stateseside American, Bangladeshi and Philippine heritage.[/I]

Angel Santos plays the part of Angelo, a Philippine dance instructor who, abandoned by his bodyguard, finds himself caught in the web of several potentially dangerous romantic liaisons.

We asked writer, director; Dan Shor, why choose Angel for this part? “Do you know Angel?” he asked. “He is a compelling character himself. A beautiful dancer with a powerful magnetic presence, women are known to stand in line just to dance with him. And with his background in acting and performance, we feel lucky to have been able to create this role for him.”

Angel is known as a director, choreographer and dancer for most of the large-scale event productions on Saipan including the Miss CNMI beauty pageant.

Angel worked as a professional dancer, singer and actor during his time in Manila.

[B]Question: Where are you from?[/B]

Angel: I was born in Pampanga, the Philippines. I worked as a ballroom dance instructor in Manila before coming to Saipan.

[B]Question: What brought you to Saipan?[/B]

Angel: I was offered a job as a dance instructor at the Aqua Hotel in 1997. It sounded like a great adventure.

[B]Question: Why did you stay?[/B]

Angel: It’s the people. People in Saipan are very accepting and are so very hospitable. If you work hard you can be successful. I just love it here.

[B]Question: Where else have you worked in Saipan?[/B]

Angel: I have worked as a dance instructor at Mochis, Hyatt, Gilligans, GIG all before founding Angel International School of Dance (located in Gualo Rai) in 2001.

[B]Question: Can anyone study ballroom dance with you?[/B]

Angel: Of course. We host ballroom dance night every Friday at Rose Care Lounge (across from McDonalds in Garapan). Anyone can enjoy ballroom dancing with us. We have instructors available for every level of experience. If you like, you can sign up for private lessons at a later time.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to act on television again. Of course, on Saipan, I am known as a dancer, but I do have other talents as well. I just enjoy performing.

[B]Question: What are your hopes for the future.[/B]

Angel: I have several. I would love to represent the CNMI in international ballroom dancing competitions. Though I was born in the Philippines, I see Saipan as my home. I would also love to operate my own entertainment center here with a music club, a theatre and a discotheque all under one roof.

[B]Question: How can this television show help?[/B]

Angel: Of course there is ballroom dancing in the show. The more exposure the public has to this art form and to the people to practice it, the more they will want to be involved.

[B]Question: What about for you?[/B]

Angel: The exposure cannot hurt me either. Especially if it goes international.