Angelique Nicolette Teo
Having been in the industry for more than two decades, this multi-faceted personality has gone from strength to strength. From a successful modelling career, she moved on to television and radio presenting; producing with her own evening drive-time show after just one year.
Angelique, or Angel as she is more affectionately known, came into the limelight after winning the inaugural New Paper New Face Competition in Singapore, where she was born. Seven successful years of modelling followed before she moved on to television hosting; starting out presenting an edutainment show for children, filmed at the Singapore Zoological Gardens.
Today, Angelique’s bio reads a mile long with programs airing across more than 23 countries on 42 channels. Her job titles have included; host for two HBO Asia programs; Signature Showcase and Weekends on HBO, host and face of LI (Life-Inspired) TV, host for the Singapore Formula 1 on national TV, scriptwriter and luxury travel-writer.
Angelique is also a familiar face on the gastronomy scene in Singapore as host of big culinary events like the World Gourmet Summit, the World Gourmet Series and regular “Hangouts on Air” with chefs across the region, that broadcasts to her vast audience on Google+.
As an accomplished travel writer, she has been coveted by luxury resorts in Thailand, the Maldives and Vietnam for her social-media standing which, to date*, reaches out to more than 360,000 followers, on Google+ alone (with views of more than 10 million). Add those to her other platforms, and Angelique’s numbers hover around the 600,000 mark.
With so much on her plate, this jet-setting host continues to be one of the most sought- after presenters across the Asia Pacific region and beyond; having hosted for A-list events that included sharing the stage with the likes of Jackie Chan, Rick Astley, JJ Lin, Francoise Nars, Jay Park, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, and numerous others.
Angelique’s quick-witted personality as well as her ease with people from all walks of life, has made her a popular host in the industry for events not only in Singapore, but across the Asia-Pacific region as well as the Middle-East.
Angelique exudes style and class. She is no doubt be an asset to any event or program with her ability to captivate her audience with her charm and wit.
1. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM DESTINATION AND WHY?
I don’t think I can pick just ONE place.
I’d like to travel to every country and city I’ve never been to; South America, the Asia/Europe that I have yet to see like Cambodia, Tibet and Greece.
There’s so much of this world that I’d love to learn about. Travel, to me, is about exploring new cultures, food, people and fast-fading traditions.
To broaden my mind and understanding about how others live and what inspires them and makes them smile.
2. 3 THINGS YOU COULD NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT.
Obviously my mobile device would be top of my list.
Also important would be my Leica camera as I’m a photography buff (and no, I don’t take pictures of my food before eating. I’d rather enjoy the culinary process. If it’s a good meal, its flavours and experience are forever etched in my memory).
Third, my Panama hat by Hat of Cain; it shelters me from the elements and is the perfect fashion accessory that sorts me out when my hair doesn’t.
3. WHICH DESTINATION SURPASSED YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND WHY?
Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood, Thailand.
Stepping off the Cessna private plane onto the tiniest runway I’ve ever seen was the introduction to the playground that brought me back to childhood. Not my childhood in particular, but it certainly brought the kid out in me.
From there, you’re transported by speed boat to the most stunning property I’ve seen to date. Barefoot luxury at it’s most rustic and simplistic without compromising on modern ammenities. With a motto of “No News, No Shoes”, Soneva Kiri allows one to slow down and enhances your appreciation of your surroundings; the sounds of nature, smiles of people, gastronomic flavours and rarely experienced moments (they’ve an observatory, outdoor cinematic viewings, 24-hour chocolate and ice cream rooms).
4. WHERE AND WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MEAL YOU HAVE EVER HAD WHILE TRAVELLING?
It would have to be at Soneva Kiri as well.
The restaurant is called Benz, helmed by Khun Benz, a lovely character from the north of Thailand.
To get to the restaurant requires meeting at the pier around 5.45pm and boarding a speed boat. The ride takes you past the length of the resort at sunset and offers unparralled views of Koh Kood and the Gulf of Thailand.
Slowing down, the boat cautiously maneuvours through a narrow mangrove waterway before arriving at Benz, which is built on stilts.
The cuisine at Benz is like no other. Authentic Thai cuisine from the far reaches of the country, presented in its original form.
The one dish that stood out to me was Miang Kham. This is a leaf-wrapped appetiser that is assembled by the diner. With ingredients like dried shrimp, fresh lime pieces, chilli, groudnuts, tamarind and plum sauce and onions, this raw dish represents all the five fundamental flavours of Thailand. Assembled and bundled in a Cha Plu leaf (much like a Betel leaf), the whole “package” is popped into your mouth before your experience sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty exploding onto your palate.
I was so impressed with this that Khun Benz kindly bundled some leaves and sauces to allow me to recreate the dish at home. More than just the flavours, location and experience, it was the generosity and smiles of the staff that will forever be a part of my favourite holiday memories.
5. WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING TO TRAVEL TO NEXT?
For the year, I have on my schedule Cambodia, Africa and the Maldives. As my scehdule is rather hectic and sometimes erratic, I’m sure these feet will have me exploring more than what’s on my list.
6. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Currently, I’m working very closely with Leica to curate a photography exhibition in the third quarter of the year. As my personal brand is often associated with luxury, I can think of no better brand to collaborate with that will allow me to better my skills at photo-taking, while quenching my passion. I’ll be tying this in with a foundation/charity close to my heart. It’s my time to give back.
I’m also working on new content for never-before-done programs that will explore topics that require greater public awareness and education.
7. Do you have any tips for budding TV personalities?
If you mean for anyone who’s exploring to do what I do in particular, yes.
Don’t let anything get to your head. I know it sounds cliché but humility and honesty will get you further than your ego and pride ever will.
I’ve been in the media and entertainment business for more than two decades and have built a reputation of punctuality and professionalism. Always hold on to your integrity. If a client approaches you to do something you’re not comfortable with, just say “no”. No matter how great the money is.
Remember that it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and just seconds to ruin it.