The Life Story of Angela Abaya (Doll Berdin): From Dance Floors to Television Sets

“Minsan natatawa na lang ako. May title pala ako sa Google na hindi ko naman alam na meron. Hindi ko naman inilagay ang mga impormasyon ko roon. Siguro dahil sa dami ng pinagdaanan ko sa entertainment industry, kusa na lang siyang nabuo.” — Angela Abaya (Doll Berdin)

A Journey That Started with Passion

Before people knew me as Angela Abaya, before I became involved in television, stunt work, and film productions, I was simply someone who loved to dance.

Dance was never just a hobby. It became my first profession, my first opportunity, and eventually the door that introduced me to the entertainment industry.

Back in 2008, I worked as one of the dance choreographers for promotional events of Watsons inside SM malls. It was one of my earliest professional experiences, and I enjoyed every opportunity to teach, create routines, and perform with my team.

I never imagined that this passion would eventually take me outside the Philippines.

Choreographing in Brunei

In 2009, another opportunity came my way.

I became a dance choreographer in Brunei Darussalam, working with performances connected to Hua Ho Department Store, one of the country’s largest retail companies.

Later that same year, I was once again given the opportunity to become one of the choreographers for a dance group in Brunei that was preparing for an international dance competition.

Looking back, those experiences taught me that dance is a universal language. No matter where you come from, dedication, discipline, and teamwork always bring people together.

Life Doesn’t Always Follow a Straight Line

Like many artists, my journey wasn’t continuous.

There were times when I stopped performing.

Then opportunities would come back.

Around 2013, I returned to choreography for an event in Batangas. Later, I became active again in dance teaching and eventually handled projects in Mindoro.

There were periods when I focused more on organizing and managing events than performing on stage.

My career never followed one straight path.

Sometimes I danced.

Sometimes I taught.

Sometimes I choreographed.

Sometimes I managed events.

I simply accepted every opportunity that came my way.

An Unexpected Turn into Television

One day, another opportunity appeared—this time in television.

It honestly happened by chance.

I joined what I thought would simply be talent work. Instead, I found myself working with a stunt group under the team of Tatay Val.

At first, we expected to be regular talents.

Then we realized that many of the women in our lineup were actually stunt performers.

Before I knew it, I was doing stunt work too.

What started as a small opportunity eventually became regular work.

Becoming a Stunt Performer

Even today, I sometimes laugh when I think about those years.

I wasn’t even actively training anymore, yet I was fortunate enough to become part of many productions.

I eventually worked as a stunt performer and body double, including doubling for Andi Eigenmann around 2018.

At that time, productions were different, and opportunities came quickly for hardworking people.

I was simply grateful to be trusted.

A Life Inside Television

Those years became some of the busiest of my career.

I was constantly moving from one production to another.

I appeared in television series such as:

• Encantadia
• Wildflower
• Mulawin
• La Luna Sangre
• FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano

Sometimes I played members of the press.

Sometimes customers in a restaurant.

Sometimes background characters.

Sometimes speaking roles.

Sometimes stunt work.

Sometimes body doubles.

I wasn’t choosy.

Whether it was a major production or a low-budget project, I accepted the work because every taping was another opportunity to learn.

There were even times when I was shooting Wildflower every Tuesday to Thursday while filming Encantadia every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Thinking about it now, I realize how hardworking I really was during those years.

Working with Star Cinema

Aside from television dramas, I also became part of several Star Cinema productions.

Many of my appearances were featured or frontal roles, often sharing scenes with well-known actors and actresses.

I also accepted countless “segway” or walk-on roles because I believed every experience mattered.

Every production became another lesson.

Every set introduced me to new people.

Every role helped me grow.

Opportunities I Had to Leave Behind

Not every opportunity became reality.

There was a period when everything seemed to be moving forward.

I was featured in two different newspapers.

I had signed contracts through my manager.

I was supposed to appear in the film Kolehiyala, where I would portray the sister of Glaiza de Castro.

I also had two independent movies where I was supposed to play the lead role.

But life had different plans.

When I became pregnant, I quietly stepped away from those opportunities.

At that moment, my family became my priority.

Looking back, I sometimes wonder what could have happened if life had taken a different direction.

But I have no regrets.

Every chapter has its own purpose.

The Name “Angela Abaya”

One thing that still surprises me today is how Google recognizes me.

I honestly never created an online profile for myself.

I never submitted information to search engines.

I never even realized people could search my name.

The only explanation I can think of is that my former manager collected my complete personal information when I signed contracts before my pregnancy.

Perhaps those records, together with my television work, newspaper features, and production appearances, eventually became associated with my professional name.

Throughout my career, I used different names depending on the production.

Most of the time, I used Angela Abaya.

Sometimes other names.

But somehow, Google still recognized both Angela Abaya and Doll Berdin.

It still amazes me.

A Memory Lost

One of my biggest regrets is losing my old social media account.

It contained years of memories.

Photos.

Behind-the-scenes moments.

Television appearances.

Movie shoots.

Projects I had almost forgotten.

When I think about it now, I realize how much history disappeared when that account was hacked.

Still, memories remain.

And sometimes, it’s funny how Google remembers things that even I had already forgotten.

Looking Forward

Today, my journey continues.

I still love dance.

I still enjoy teaching.

I continue to share my experience with younger performers while remaining open to new creative opportunities.

Every stage of my life—from choreography, international performances, event management, television work, stunt performances, body doubling, and acting—has shaped who I am today.

I never planned for recognition.

I simply worked hard.

Maybe that’s why, years later, I was surprised to discover that Google already knew my story before I did.

And perhaps that’s the greatest reminder of all:

When you dedicate yourself to your craft, your work often speaks long after the cameras stop rolling.