High-profile connections often come with heightened attention, even when circumstances surrounding them are far from agreeable.
This is what reality looks like for Angel Chua, a Cebu-based entrepreneur caught in the center of controversy following a fallout with ex-girlfriend Tessa Prieto.
Once featured in a lifestyle magazine as a construction company executive, Angel's name now stirs headlines as she becomes embroiled in legal proceedings charging her with physical abuse.
Before the dust settles, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) takes a closer look into the life led by Tessa's mystery ex.
Read: Tessa Prieto breaks up with partner Angel Chua
Full Name
Her full name is Angel Nicole C. Chua.
AGE, BIRTHDAY, ZODIAC SIGNS
Angel is set to turn 42 this year, with her birthday falling on February 11, 1983.
Her astrological sign is Aquarius, known for its independent and unconventional qualities, while her Chinese zodiac sign is the Pig, symbolizing generosity and diligence.
Family
Friends close to Angel disclose that she was adopted.
However, Angel herself has remained largely private about her familial relationships, preferring to focus public attention on her professional accomplishments.
Hometown
A Cebuano, Angel grew up in Cebu City and continues to reside there. Today, she calls Barangay Lahug home.
CAREER
Angel Nicole Chua holds the titles of chairperson and chief executive officer at Premiere Alliance Property Construction Corp. (PAPC).
PAPC is a 100% Filipino-capitalized corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines.
The company claims to have completed a wide array of projects—including hotels, universities, casinos, warehouses, commercial buildings, and road developments throughout Metro Manila and the Visayas Region.
Its website highlights the company's portfolio, which lists eight international projects, 38 nationwide developments, and over 45 specialized export projects, all said to showcase the company's expertise in woodwork, metal, and stonework since 1980.
The company reports its strengths as personalized service, systematic planning, time efficiency, and cost-effective construction methods. It also reports that it maintains safety standards, and nurtures strong client relationships.
Worth noting is that these claims primarily stem from PAPC's official communications, with little external verification available to corroborate the full extent of these achievements.
One of PAPC's publicly documented projects is its 2016 collaboration with Real Living (RL) magazine and Avida Land in designing family-friendly condo model units for the Avida Towers showroom at the Cebu IT Park.
With the help of Cebu talents Maybelline Te (furniture and interior designer), Hannah C. Lim (interior designer), and Maya Franco (architect and designer), the project exhibited PAPCC's innovative approach to design.
Passion for travel
Beyond the corporate world, Angel is known for being a jet-setter. Her social media account often features snapshots of her exploring vibrant cities like Hong Kong and Milan, or relaxing in picturesque destinations.
Angel's relationship with Tessa Prieto
Angel's romantic involvement with Tessa Prieto began in February 2023, after an introduction by Tessa's best friend, interior designer Tessa Alindogan.
Angel and Tessa's adventures have since included attending an intimate wedding in Malta, exploring the vast Sahara Desert in Morocco, and indulging in the luxurious charm of Capri.
Ma. Theresa Isabel "Tessa" Rufino Prieto—who separated from husband Dennis Valdes in 2022 after 26 years of marriage, and whose annulment was officially granted on January 3, 2025—once described her relationship with Angel as "fluid." (PEP interview, January 2025)
Tessa continues to acknowledge that Angel was instrumental in helping her heal and move forward after her failed marriage.
While Angel and Tessa's story initially seemed like another successful tale of love between two women, it eventually unraveled, with the two now entangled in legal dispute.
Read: Is Tessa Prieto in love again after separation from husband?
Controversy
Angel currently faces charges under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262) after Tessa accused her of physical abuse.
Tessa filed a complaint on July 17, 2024, detailing a series of violent incidents during their 11-month relationship.
On September 25, 2024, the Makati Prosecutor's Office found sufficient evidence to charge Angel, citing a video where she was seen slapping Tessa and forcing her fingers into Tessa's mouth while Tessa is seen visibly crying.
However, Angel firmly denies the allegations, arguing that the video was altered and that Tessa's claims are financially motivated.
Angel claims that she supported Tessa financially throughout their relationship and that Tessa now wants to pressure her into continuing to provide financially.
Angel initially filed a Motion for Reconsideration—presenting photos and footage that she says contradict Tessa's accusations—which was eventually denied on December 27, 2024.
In the latest development, Angel has taken her case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) by filing a Petition for Review, challenging the Makati prosecutor’s resolution.
Her legal team asserts that the evidence was misinterpreted and insists that Angel is the true victim in the situation.
Meanwhile, the Makati Regional Trial Court has scheduled Angel's arraignment for April 25, 2025.
If the DOJ does not rule in Angel's favor before then, she will have no choice but to face the court.
On that day, she will stand before the judge, hear the charges against her, and be made to enter a plea.