Angel shares her blessings

MANILA, Philippines – She was away from showbiz for three days but Angel Locsin neither went abroad nor headed to a white sand beach for a much-needed rest. She and four other companions — her sister, brother-in-law, personal assistant and a friend — packed their bags and flew to Mindanao to visit Muslim and Christian civilians greatly affected by the recent armed conflict that resulted in the burning of several houses in the area.

It was her first time to visit Munay, a place Angel describes as “a far-flung, no signal area one cannot even search on Google (map), puro clouds lang.” Thus, her beau, Luis Manzano was worried and insisted on getting her some escorts a few days before she left. Even her dad was hesitant about allowing her to go on with her plans. But he knows Angel is bent on helping in any way she can.

“We just came back the other day safe and sound,” Angel says at the recent thanksgiving presscon for ABS-CBN’s Only You. “It was a personal trip and nobody asked me to go there. I just want to do my part…to help… ayoko lang na wala akong pakialam.”

Her heart bled, Angel says, when she saw how people — young and old — suffer from sickness inside the evacuation center in Munay. A lot of them try to survive in their everyday struggles but there were some who already gave in to malaria and other health epidemics in the area.

“It was really heart-breaking to see people in that condition. I went there to see for myself what else I can do to help them. I know this is not easy and until now I’m thinking how to send all their needs like medicines,” Angel shares.

What pushed Angel to go there?

“Simpleng usapan tungkol sa pagbabago at kung ano pwede maitulong. I used to do charity (work) but in this case I think what they need is more than charity. Mindanao is a beautiful place and if the war never stops, a lot of things will be wasted. Sayang, mayamang lupa ang Mindanao… lahat ay madaling itanim doon.”

Having been aware of the situation in the neighboring area of the evacuation center, doesn’t she feel nervous when she set foot in the place?

“I felt scared because we need to coordinate with the mayor who is of the same age as me (24 years old) and talk with the human rights lawyer just in case di kami makabalik alam nya hitsura namin. Ganun ang sitwasyon doon,” Angel replies.

Asked if there is truth to the rumor that she has Muslim blood, Angel says, “I can’t answer that now.”

All she knows right now is that good things are happening to her career. Her TV series, Lobo, with Piolo Pascual won at the recent Banff World TV Awards in Canada. Her primetime soap, Only You, with Diether Ocampo and Sam Milby is a consistent top-rater. She, too, is set to do a movie with Aga Muhlach and hopes a teleserye with John Lloyd Cruz will push through.

“Everything is going great. It inspires me to do my best and share my blessings to people,” Angel says.


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