Angela Lagunzad is a Filipino journalist, TV host, documentarist, and advocate for persons with disabilities, women, and children. She is currently a news anchor for One PH, a digital news channel of Cignal TV. She is also the wife of actor and restaurateur Diego Castro, and the mother of two children. She has a remarkable life story that showcases her passion, resilience, and dedication to her profession and her causes.
Angela was born on September 9, 1980, in Manila, Philippines. She is the eldest of three children of Antonio and Lourdes Lagunzad, who are both public school teachers. She grew up in a humble and loving family, and learned the values of hard work, education, and service from her parents. She was a consistent honor student and a campus journalist in her elementary and high school years. Angela pursued a degree in Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she graduated cum laude in 2002. She was also an active member of the UP Journalism Club, the UP Broadcasters’ Guild, and the UP Mountaineers. She was also a recipient of various academic and journalistic awards, such as the UP Gawad Plaridel, the Philippine Press Institute Award, and the Rotary Club Award. Angela started her career as a reporter for ABS-CBN News, where she covered various beats, such as politics, crime, health, and education. She also became a segment producer and host for several public affairs programs, such as Salamat Dok, Umagang Kay Ganda, and Rated K. She was known for her fearless and credible reporting, as well as her compassionate and empathetic approach to her subjects.
Angela also ventured into documentary making, where she showcased her skills and talents in producing and directing compelling and relevant stories. Some of her notable documentaries are “Buhay PWD”, which featured the lives and struggles of persons with disabilities in the Philippines; “Buhay OFW”, which highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of overseas Filipino workers; and “Buhay Bata”, which exposed the plight and rights of children in various situations. Angela’s work as a journalist and documentarist earned her recognition and respect from her peers and the public. She received several awards and citations, such as the KBP Golden Dove Award, the Anak TV Seal Award, the Catholic Mass Media Award, and the PMPC Star Award. She was also nominated for the prestigious New York Festivals Award and the Asian Television Award.
Angela’s passion for journalism and advocacy also led her to become a lecturer and trainer for various institutions and organizations, such as the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Department of Education. She shared her knowledge and experience with aspiring and practicing journalists, as well as with students and teachers. Angela met her husband Diego Castro in 2003, at his birthday party at his restaurant near ABS-CBN. Diego, who is the son of veteran actor Johnny Delgado and actress-director Laurice Guillen, was also a former actor and model. He is now a successful restaurateur and businessman. Angela and Diego hit it off and became a couple, despite their differences in personality and background.
Angela and Diego faced many challenges and trials in their relationship, such as Diego’s past relationships and children, Angela’s health issues, and their busy and demanding careers. However, they remained committed and loyal to each other, and supported each other’s dreams and goals. They also raised their two children, Anton and Andrea, with love and care. Angela and Diego finally tied the knot on May 12, 2023, after 20 years of being together and 10 years of being engaged. They had a simple and intimate garden wedding at the House of XO in Quezon City, attended by their family and close friends. They described their wedding as a “leap of faith” and a “fulfillment of their long-time plan”.
Angela and Diego transferred from UNTV to One PH in 2020, where they became news anchors and hosts for various programs, such as One Balita Pilipinas, One News Now, and One PH Specials. They also continued to produce and direct documentaries, such as “Buhay COVID”, which chronicled the impact of the pandemic on different sectors of society; and “Buhay Bakuna”, which tackled the issues and challenges of the vaccination program in the country. Angela and Diego are not only partners in life and work, but also in advocacy and service. They are both active and vocal advocates for persons with disabilities, women, and children, especially those who are marginalized, oppressed, and abused. They use their platform and influence to raise awareness, educate, and empower their fellow Filipinos, and to inspire change and action.
Angela Lagunzad is a woman of many roles and talents, but above all, she is a woman of purpose and vision. She is a beacon of change and a community advocate, who strives to make a difference in the world through her journalism and advocacy. She is a jivan parichay, a life introduction, of what it means to live a life of passion, resilience, and dedication.
