Angelicopter's giant billboard that caused a stir.

MANILA, Philippines -- Real or enhanced? That was the question  asked by motorists passing along EDSA when they see radio personality Angelicopter's accident-inducing giant billboard.  To others, the nagging question was: "Who's that girl?"

Well, for those who may have been living under a rock, Angelicopter whose real name is Angelika Schmeing-Cruz is a co-host in Magic 89.9's morning show "Good Times".  "Sometimes people call me 'Chopper'," says Angelika referring to the slang word of the helicopter.  As to whether she's comfortable with these names, she replies, "I am. I kinda own it.  When somebody calls me by that name, I actually look now."

Interestingly, Angelika shares the story behind her famous (or infamous?) pet names which she got while trying to make a point.

"I used to be a listener of the show and I would always call the show and get through the line.  One day Mo Twister was ranting about why guys always have to do nice things for women, like open the car door or carry their heavy stuff. You know those gentlemanly stuff.  So I asked him why is he complaining and asked him if he likes sex. And he goes "Yeah. What kind of guy doesn't?" I told him, "Then do those nice things and you might get lucky with your girlfriend...  like maybe get a helicopter (referring to a  sexual position)."  Of course I don't mind saying those things because I'm married na.  That got everybody laughing!  I was just trying to make a point and I buried myself," she recalls.

The seemingly diminutive suffix stuck and endeared Angelika to the show's avid listeners that when Grace Lee, one of the show's hosts figured in an accident while snowboarding and couldn't report for work, she was asked to pinch-hit and eventually join the lively bunch.

"When I was young, I never thought that I'd be a DJ.  Now I do everything kasi when you're on board you have to do everything like play your commercial break and adlib.  And the show is very interatice, it's not just about playing the songs. It's a radio talk show and I get to be me.  It's pretty cool!"

Previous life

Prior to Angelika's radio stint, she worked as the head of business and marketing of Frigate Holdings and Management Corproation, the company owned by exclusive car dealer Wellington "Willie" Soong.

"When Mr. Soong hired me, he was very persistent.  I just gave birth. My son was only four months old. I promised him I would give it a try because I really don't know yet," she says.

Angelika's uncertainty stems from the fact that during that time, apart from raising a child, she was also busy helping out with the marketing side of her husband's real estate development company of which she is very familiar with having done real estate marketing in her previous jobs.

Then came the big switch.  From working corporate to suddenly too many time in her hands.

"In the beginning I would get anxiety attacks." remembers Angelika.  "At 9:30 in the morning I would be sitting home asking myself "What now?"  I really didn't know what to do.  But then the station started booking hosting job, and then modeling."

Angelika used to do commercial modeling back in high school and college.  She took up Political Economy at the University of Asia and the Pacific where Mojo Jojo, one of her co-hosts, also studied.

"At first, I'd think, "Am I really doing this again?" But you know the benefits kasi of when you have your own time and you have a family, it's so important.  I found that out especially because I'm very hands on with my son."

These days, Angelika manages her own schedule between working and being a mother to her two-year old son.  "I have really busy weeks and some okay.  It's a balance and it's fun! [I'm glad I took the radio job] because if I didn't I wouldn't have seen my son grow."

The big reveal

Now, going back to the first question on this article - real or enhanced? - Angelika boldly admits: "Like every other woman, I long to have a proportionate body even before getting married and going through pregnancy."  She further adds, "I recall this one time, when I was still a caller for "Good Times" Mo witlessly asked me if I want a boob job and I said yes without any hesitations."

Angelika is currently the image endorser for Belo Medical Group's Breast Augmentation / Breast Lift cosmetic surgery procedure.  It is a popular cosmetic operation that makes use of silicone gel prosthesis or saline-filled implants.  Insertion of the implants may be placed under the breast, around the areola or near the armpits.

More and more women choose to have breast augmentation or breast lift after giving birth because of the "pancake effect".  The breasts lose volume after pregnancy.  This is why breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed and most coveted cosmetic operations. Primarily, women desire the results of this surgery due to the commonly perceived definition of ideal beauty.  The size and shape of the breasts have become extremely important to a woman in her perception of her body and in her concept of self.

Although Angelika had already decided that she wanted a new, sexier body, she had her share of fears.  "There's a scary feeling that it is permanent, not to mention that my threshold for pain is zero!"  Her fears were easily dismissed.  "Dr. Vicki Belo approached me and I had a check-up with Dr. Caparas.  They explained each and every step of the procedure and what I might feel and what I must do. I instantly felt comfortable and even more excited!"

Belo provides natural-looking implants to complement the total look, giving you a new body and improved confidence.  With the use of the cohesive silicone gel prosthesis, it looks more natural and completely safe.  The procedure takes about two to four hours inclusive of recovery period, and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis.

Aside from the easy and safe procedure, Angelika swears by the care and concern that the staff has shwon all throughout her experience.  "The medical staff always reminded me to avoid strenuous activities and to massage, massage massage!  The care and concern doesn't end after the surgery.  After surgery, they check up on you always.  After one week, they check up on you again, even after four months they still check on me."

When asked if she made the right decision, she proudly says, "Most definitely!  There are no regrets and I believe I made the right decision.  What I love about it is that I can fit in clothes better.  Now I can wear even strapless dresses and it fits perfectly and won't fall.  No more pads! I don't even have to wear a bra."