Richard Gutierrez is the country's hottest matinee idol today

efinitely, Richard Gutierrez is the country's hottest matinee idol today.

Not only is he very popular among the young movie/TV fans, but Richard is also idolized for his wholesome image, and as being one very hardworking actor.

And for really working hard, Richard is now reaping the fruits of his labor: He has now to his name a posh condominium unit at one of the country's prime locations, The Fort. Richard also has some other investments, plus a business venture to boot.

Anyway, Richard's popularity zoomed to greater heights when he embodies the stalwart fantasy hero, the half-human, half-bird Aguiluz in "Mulawin the Series," with former "Click" co-star Angel Locsin , although at that time they had different screen partners.

Richard and Angel's loveteam was put to test via the GMA Films movie "Let the Love Begin" which was shown in Febuary last year and which was a monumental box-office hit. In the movie, so enamored were audiences with the gorgeous Richard that they willingly suspended their disbelief and accepted the actor in his dirt-poor janitor-cum-scholar role. To his credit, Richard acquitted himself wonderfully well in the role, making millions of boys and girls feel sorry for him.

A few months after "Mulawin's" TV run ended, Richard followed it up with the martial arts action serial "Sugo," another ratings triumph for GMA 7. "Sugo" has Richard playing dual roles and battling evil forces, for which he had to learn martial arts. Meanwhile, the public clamor for a reteaming with Angel Locsin was hard to resist, as was the demand for a new chapter in the "Mulawin" saga. So when "Mulawin the Movie" was shown in last December's film festival, audiences came in droves and made it a bonafide blockbuster.

It was also the only MMFF entry to be given an "A" rating for excellence by the hard-to-please Cinema Evaluation Board.

Richard and Angel are hoping to strike it three-in-a-row with Regal Films' "I Will Always Love You," also Richard's first movie for the calendar year.

In the kilig movie which was filmed in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, Richard plays Justin, a spoiled rich boy who falls in love with Cecille, a simple provincial lass.

"It's an engaging and touching love story, and Angel is always a pleasure to work with," Richard says. "Our working relationship is as great as ever. I think it helps that aside from the chemistry and rapport we share, we're also very good friends."

Partly shot in San Francisco , the city which no one can leave without leaving part of his/her heart behind, "I Will Always Love You" is the perfect date movie for the love month. Director Mac Alejandre is ecstatic at the prospect of starting a brand-new year with a wondrous, romantic film about a young couple learning to fight for love despite all odds. "Dito sa movie, Richard (and Angel) have never been better as actors, and never more beautifully photographed."

Starting Feb. 8, Richard's huge billboards all over EDSA will not be the sole cause of traffic. Expect his loyal fans to congregate in theaters and cause traffic in the streets on that day, when "I Will Always Love You" opens in selected theaters nationwide.

"I Will Always Love You" is a co-production of Regal Entertainment Inc . and GMA Network Films . It also stars Jean Garcia, Lloyd Samartino , James Blanco, Bearwin Meily, Tuesday Vargas, Miriam Pantig , Lloyd Samartino and Jean Garcia.

Angel Locsin wins Pinoy Wannabe Award at Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards 2007.

Nickelodeon 20th milestone anniversary Kid's Choice Awards 2007: The grandest preview party ever! The carpet was orange. The stars and stunts were big. The entertainment outrageous. And undoubtedly, all Nicksters "freed their mind" and had the greatest SLIME of their lives!

It was an 'orange-letter day' for all Nicksters who celebrated their power to choose, to let it all out and hailed Angel Locsin as this year's "Pinoy Wannabe Awardee" during the recently concluded Nickelodeon's 20th Kids' Choice Awards (KCA) Preview Party. But aside from the record-breaking 42,000 kids who voted, Aliw Theater was jam-packed with a total of 2,600 kids and kids at heart who—together with the biggest stars, biggest stunts, the most outrageous oddballs and larger-than-life entertainment—rejoiced in what was considered the grandest, slimiest mess-fest in all of KCA preview party history!

Hosts Sam Concepcion (last year's Pinoy Wannabe Awardee), the comical and klutzy Nickie plus the Parkour and hiphop dancersled the slime-packed preview party starting with a retrospection of past KCA hosts, Wannabes, slimed artists, highlights and taking kids' votes seriously through the years.

Pinoy Wannabe nominees John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin sent in greetings while Makisig Morales gave a super performance (with his group Mak and the Dudes ).Christian Bautista, who proudly showed off his SpongeBob necktie, rendered his latest single. Imago's spirited performance of their hit single "Taralets!" got the audience groovin'. No one made the Nicksters more animated to stand up, "pound the hammer, drill the floor and shoot the crane" than the loveable Dora The Explorer who helped announce this year's Pinoy Wannabe winner, Angel Locsin.

Though Makisig Morales didn't bag the blimp, kids still considered him their hero when he agreed to sit down the humongous slime machine and got slimed silly…all in the name of Nickelodeon tradition of messy fun!

The celebration, which ended with a fountain of fireworks and confetti burst, was so far biggest, slimiest and most outrageous get-together in Philippine KCA history! back

Angel Locsin to Jennylyn Mercado: Prove your worth

Angel Locsin was placed on the defensive when asked about her take on the spat between her manager, Becky Aguila, and Jennylyn Mercado, a co-'alaga' of Becky. Her response? She complained that she was always being blamed for the troubles of Becky's talents in GMA-7.

In a press conference attended by a Showbiz Talk insider last Friday, Angel, according to him, was exasperated about the issue and said that Jennylyn's camp should not pin the blame on her transfer to ABS-CBN for the young actress' problems with GMA-7. "Hindi ko na problema yon," Angel was quoted as saying. She added Jennylyn should take care of her own career and not blame her for any misfortunes that had happened. She also dared her former GMA-7 co-star to "prove her worth."

Jennylyn previously commented that she would rather severe ties with Becky than face the prospect of GMA-7 dumping her. With a fiery tone, Jennylyn also noted she had not spoken to Angel since the US theatrical premiere of the Angel-Becky production "Angels" in early July. Jennylyn was a lead star in that film. On July 20, Becky announced that Angel was not renewing her contract with GMA-7, the television network that built her successful showbiz career from scratch. A few weeks later, Becky confirmed Angel was transferring to ABS-CBN as an exclusive talent. Angel signed with ABS-CBN in mid-August.

Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin in 'The Promise'

The beautiful onscreen tandem of Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin will once again hit the movie house in the upcoming flick "The Promise". This movie could be the most daring role of the two, as they portray serious and mature characters.

"(We) took it to the next level," Richard stresses, pertaining to their new role as lovers. He is willing to show some flesh if the movie will require but with limitations. The young actor is still nervous, as the details of their love scenes has not been discussed. The film was patterned from a 1939 American film "Wuthering Heights".

This Valentine's Day presentation of GMA Films features TJ Trinidad and Rhian Ramos

Angel Locsin is No. 1 Most Beautiful Filipina of 2007

Starmometer.com recently initiated a survey on the Most Beautiful Filipina of 2007. Results show that Angel Locsin retains her title as the no. 1 Most Beautiful Pinay. She received 2,155 votes in the Top 30 poll with more than 20,000 respondents.

Angel Locsín (born Angélica Locsín Colmenares on April 23, 1985), is a Filipina television and film actress, commercial model, film producer, fashion designer, and product endorser who was introduced in GMA Network's youth-oriented program, Click. Locsin rose to prominence after being cast as one of the lead stars in the fantasy-themed television series Mulawin in 2004.

I agree with the poll. Though I am not an avid celebrity fan, I find Angel Locsin's beauty enchanting and very Filipina.

Based on same survey, sarah Geronimo is No. 2 Most Beautiful Filipina of 2007. Last year's no. 2 was Kristine Hermosa. Sarah climbed 1 notch this year. She received 1,776 votes in the Top 30 poll.

Angel Locsin in Tears After Break-Up with Oyo Boy Sotto

While most of showbiz is still on vacation or still caught up in the MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) fever, Angel Locsin shocked everyone with the announcement that Oyo Boy Sotto and she have broken up.

Days before the New Year's celebration, the teary-eyed young actress confirmed the separation in an interview with Butch Francisco of Startalk on December 28.

Speculations have been rampant as to the cause of what appears to be 2006's last controversial falling out. According to S-Files, there are two possible reasons for the break-up. First, Oyo is allegedly having a relationship with Enteng Kabisote 3 co-star Bing Loyzaga. Both have also worked in "Txt", which also starred Angel. Second, Angel's ties with Asian Treasures co-star Robin Padilla.According to a PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) contributor, the real reason for the break-up is lack of time for each other, especially Angel. The young actress has been frequently traveling for her new show with Robin, GMA-7's Asian Treasures.

The PEP contributor also negates that Angel was hospitalized for depression. The Mano Po 5 star was apparently confined in the hospital after eating too much seafood. Angel's former manager, Becky Aguila—whom she had a falling out with months ago, was said to have visited the young actress.

With only two weeks left before the Asian Treasures television premiere, showbiz insiders are saying Angel's break-up with Oyo spells trouble.

The show's male lead, Robin, is known for being overly gracious to his leading ladies. Just coming from a relationship, Angel might just be vulnerable to her co-actor's charms.

In any film or television outfit, it is not recommendable to have leads developing a relationship. More often than not, the shooting of the scenes is at the mercy of the lovers' tempers. In this instance, a boyfriend for Angel means a security blanket for the production.

As of press time, Angel and Oyo have yet to divulge any more information about the issue.

As most young loves go, hopefully, the two are just taking some time off from each other.

Angel Locsin is newest star producer

In the local movie industry, not a few actors tried their hands in producing movies. There was Amalia Fuentes with AM Productions, Fernando Poe Jr., with FPJ Productions, Dolphy and his RVQ Productions, among many others.

Yet, not everyone who went into production became as successful as these three. And not a few regretted having lost their shirt and ended up being deep in debt.

Now, Angel Locsin has decided to go into producing movies. No, she's not going solo in it but in partnership with her longtime manager Becky Aguila. Together, they formed Eagle Eye Entertainment Productions Inc. and Angels is the company's first major venture.

The movie, a trilogy, is opening today in theaters across the archipelago.

Angel stars in the first story titled "Angel of Mine," which Gina Alajar directed from the screenplay by TV tearjerker writer Gina Marissa Tagasa.

Interestingly, Angel plays a feisty police reporter who also becomes a surrogate mother to an orphaned girl, the daughter of her yaya (wet nurse).

Last Monday, the movie was premiered to a cheering crowd of fans at SM Megamall Cinema 10. Unfortunately, Angel Locsin couldn't leave the set of a movie she is shooting for another movie production. Her fans were disappointed, but Jennylyn Mercado's fans were in their elements shrieking each time the name of their favorite star was mentioned during the pre-screening short program.

Jennylyn and Patrick star in the second story called "Angel of Love" where the two lovebirds play their real selves. In contrast to the more melodramatic "Angel of Mine," this is lighter in treatment. TV director Mark Reyes helmed the second of the trilogy from, again, Gina Marissa Tagasa's screenplay.

Marvin Agustin, rumored suitor of Angel, was at the premiere by his lonesome. He stars in the third story titled "Daddy's Angel." The former Kapamilya star whose career gets a second wind after hopping over to the Kapuso lot, plays a paroled convict who comes home after eight years in jail. His wife was gang raped on the day of their wedding and in his rage killed one of the rapists. While in jail, his wife gave birth to a son by one of the rapists. His mother adopted the son believing it is his son's child. But to the ex-convict it is no more than a painful reminder of the tragedy that befell their lives. Dingdong Dantes wears a different hat this time, as director.

Angels is a clever decision between Angel Locsin and Becky Aguila. Apart from the fact that the stories are shorter than the usual full-length feature films, the time limitation has made the writers and directors become more effective storytellers. I now know the handicap of the Filipino filmmaker. A full-length feature makes them lose focus, injecting unnecessary sub-plots (or back stories as they are called now) and populating the movies with extraneous (useless) characters, like a comedian if only to give the material some kind of a comic relief when in fact the plot can move on without them. That is the reason I can't (even if I try hard) sit through a Tagalog movie without getting bored, angry, or irritated. Tagasa is an experienced TV writer, trained when TV dramas were limited to three settings—sala, bedroom, and dining room. But of course, she has yet to shed the talkiness of her materials and make the images speak for themselves. Oh, I think that's the work of the director to see through the screenplay and order some revisions to make the materials more than a TV drama but something for the big screens with digital surround sound.

Angel Locsin: “Natagpuan ko na ang bagong bahay ko.���

After arriving in the country from her crash course in fashion design at the London College of Fashion and a very short vacation in Los Angeles, Angel Locsin is back in the country to face the controversies. The erstwhile GMA-7 talent arrived at the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) last Thursday, August 9, at around 4 a.m.

Angel was met by her father, Angel Colmenares, her sister Ella, and her manager Becky Aguila. From the airport, she and her entourage proceeded to the Manila Peninsula to rest.

On Saturday, August 11, Angel kept her appointment at ABS-CBN to finally set her signature on two contracts that the Kapamilya network promised her before she left the country.

"It is exactly 12 noon and ongoing ang contract signing ni Angel Locsin sa 14th floor ng ELJ building sa ABS-CBN," narrates Bianca Gonzales, one of the hosts of the Saturday afternoon showbiz-variety show Entertainment Live.

After the ceremony was completed, Bianca was the first to greet the new addition to the Kapamilya family.

"Masaya ako. Sobrang saya ko at natagpuan ko na ang bagong bahay ko," said an overjoyed Angel about her transfer to rival network, ABS-CBN.

"Ang ganda naman nun. I love it!" gushed the equally overjoyed Bianca. "Ikuwento mo naman sa amin kung ano 'yung pinirmahan mong kontrata."

"Pumirma ako ng dalawang kontrata. Isa para sa TV at isa para sa Star Cinema. Habang ginagawa ko 'yon, nanginginig ako. Excited talaga ako at naramdaman ko kung paano ako sinuportahan ng ABS-CBN sa panahon na down na down ako.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila at sa tingin ko, tama ang ginawa ko talaga," she said with a smile.

"Siyempre, the first question is, saan ka nga ba namin unang makikita? What's your first project?" asks Bianca.

"Napag-usapan namin and excited ako, kung papayagan lang ako ni Piolo [Pascual] na makasama…" she trails off. "Pinawisan ako bigla. Sana makagawa ako ng pelikula with Piolo."

An earlier report of PEP says that Angel will star with Piolo in a fantasy-drama series titled Taong-Lobo.

Angel also ticked off the names of other big stars in the Kapamilya Network. "Excited rin ako makasama 'yung mga reyna ng ABS-CBN, tulad nina Ms. Claudine Barretto, Bea [Alonzo], Anne [Curtis], Ms. Judy Ann Santos, at marami pang iba."

Bianca candidly told Angel that male Kapamilya actors are lining up to get the chance to do a project with her.

"In past interviews, kapag tinatanong 'yung mga male stars kung sino ang gusto nilang makatambal, ikaw yung lagi nilang sinasagot," says the host of Entertainment Live. "The other day, sabi ni Piolo, 'Sana movie with Angel.' How does it feel? Nagkita pala kayo ni Piolo kagabi, ikuwento mo naman sa amin 'yung pinag-usapan niyo."

"Nakalimutan ko kasi nakatingin talaga ko sa kanya," says Angel, obviously tickled by the chance to talk with the heartthrob.

The Not So Simple Life of Angel Locsin

Since her character soared high in GMA's fantasy series, Mulawin, Angel Locsin has been unstoppable. Now, the bankable young actress tries her luck into more challenging tasks of her young career, producing a trilogy film called "Angels."

Angel was originally a part of youth oriented show "Click," that was her break. But through continuous hard work, it was not surprising at all that being in her early twenties, she already owns a Php16 million-worth property and has co-produced a Php20 million flick

"Pasalamat ako na naging smooth naman lahat. Mas naging maproblema noong planning, nu'ng binubuo namin 'yung script, story conference, paghahanap ng mga director at ng mga artista. Nakaka-stress din iyong after ng pelikula, pagpapa-print at pag-e-edit, ang gastos nuon," Angel says about her being a film producer for the first time.

She admitted that it was not easy to doing two tasks at the same time. She's starring in the movie, top billing the "Angel of Mine" episode. "Angels" feature inspiring stories and today's hot young actors actors as Jennylyn Mercado, Patrick Garcia and Marvin Agustin.

The "Asian Treasures" lead star noted that she prepared herself in the difficulty of her new venture. Asked which part of the production was the hardest, she retorts "Everything!".

"Lahat! Iyong biglang magkakaroon ng problema. Kunwari, hindi available iyong ganyan (props) na laging may ganoon (conflict) pero buti nagagawan ng paraan at nasosolusyonan."

The favorite TV heroine is very thankful to the people who supported her projects with her manager and co–producer Becky Aguila.

"Nagpasalamat ako sa mga kasama ko sa Angels kasi lahat sila naging professional, walang nale-late at walang nagre-reklamo. Lahat naging excited sa project, nakikipag-cooperate. Pati ang iba ko pang kasama sa trabaho gaya nina Raymond at Richard (Gutierrez). Tuwang tuwa ako sa kanila kasi sa 'SOP," pino-promote nila iyong Angels 'di ba ang sweet-sweet nila."

Producing another film is not impossible for her, but as of now that will have to wait.

Angel Locsin is happy where she is now

You see, Angel's biggest project so far in her new home is "Lobo" with Piolo Pascual.

Angel says she's contended with the way her life and career are going. And the good thing is that she's no longer as stressed out as before and she's coping very well with her work schedule.

With "Lobo," Angel has come of age and her transformation is truly beautiful. In her role as Lyka, she is daring and exciting. Did you notice how sexy Angel is in scenes where she wore a two-piece bikini which is a first in her career?

Come to think of it, Angel also posed sexy on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine in its March issue. She's always been included in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll but Angel has yet to wear swimsuits in her pictorials.

The actress admitted during the shoot that it was indeed her first time to pose in a swimsuit and it was understandable if she was a bit shy and jittery during the pictorial. She said "first time ko talaga ito, but I thought kung gagawin ko ito, it might as well be on Cosmo."

Despite her busy schedule, Angel is constantly in search for things to enhance her personality and knowledge (did you know that she is now learning how to play the guitar?), and along the way, she doesn't forget to be charitable. So it isn't surprising to see Angel giving out food to streetchildren every now and then. She also enjoins girls everywhere to always try to look presentable.

In "Lobo," she's cute, funny, lovable and sexy, and she really fits the role of Lyka to a T. A big fan and admirer of Angel texted us saying that in "Lobo" Angel is back to her best elements, and she is yet to show more. "Expect Angel to attack and tackle her roles with pasion and zest as always," she says.

"Lobo" is definitely ABS-CBN's biggest and most expensive teleserye at the moment. And since the start, it has captured the perfect chemistry between Angel and her leading man, Piolo Pascual. They are indeed a handsome pair.

And if many are now addicted to watching "Lobo," it is because it is romance, suspense and action all rolled into one, not to mention the fact that it's also a beautiful love story.

For fans and supporters of Angel, watch out for her and Piolo Pascual's movie which they will soon start shooting.

A Filipina Angel Stars a new sex tape Scandal

When popular Filipina actress Angel Locsin dumped her longtime TV network GMA-7 for its rival, ABS-CBN, she boosted both companies' profiles in Search. But the buzz generated by her channel-hop paled next to another controversial event allegedly starring Angel—the emergence of a sex tape. Just like Noelia, Johanna Cardona, Galilea Montijo and Paris Hilton.

Angel, after all, has been voted the second most sexy woman in the world, just after that other heavenly looker, Angelina Jolie. When rumors proliferated of the Filipina beauty unclothed, searchers far beyond that country's borders beat a hot path to the Web. Interest in the scandal and Angel's pictures surged. Lookups for "angel locsin video" rose 625%. Other, more descriptive searches, raced upwards, too. But we'll just leave it at that.

Yet, as any number of the actress' fan blogs will furiously inform you, the film has been proved a fake. It's not her! A wickedly well-endowed Thai performer and model named Natt Chanapa actually stars in the steamy scenes. Buzz on the Asian bombshell promptly flooded the Search box, rising nearly 1,500% over the past week. Search terms like "angel locsin look alike" also leapt.

Sadly, Natt has not able to enjoy her spin upwards in Buzz. She's been arrested for her revealing appearance in the video. The Thai government doesn't like sex tapes—or phony angels.

Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual shines in La Loba Blanca

Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual is making the philippine tv exciting and sexy. With their team up in the Teleserye with ABS-CBN entitled La Loba Blanca which supposed to be Taong Lobo. ABS change the title don't know the real fact why they change it. The important thing Papa Piolo and Mama Angel can now been seen in one show. Beautiful People

Luis Manzano issues now

Rumors printed on newpapers that Luis is a "USER" - user to be talked by being close or dating female stars that are new in ABS-CBN. Among which are Toni Gonzaga, Mariel Rodriguez, and now is Angel Locsin. In the Buzz show Luis explained, "Nong si Toni ay nasa Wazzup, wazzup pa lang nakakausap ko na... nasa GMA pa lang siya, wala pa siyang planong lumipat nakakausap ko na siya... at before pa siyang naging sobrang boom na dito sa channel 2 ay nanliligaw na ako kay Toni noon or at least I was trying to...noon before maging Ms. Toni Gonzaga siya. Second na I guess na sinasabi nila ay si Mariel dahil technically nanggaling din sa GMA nung lumabas-labas kami at yung issues namin ni Mariel ang tagal na niya sa ABS...never kami nagka-project together para sabihin na gagamitin ko o whatever....now its Angel...kay Angel I'd rather tatahimik na lang muna ako, I'd rather Talk about what she's doing for the Station"

Aside from this issues Luis is happy now with the company of Angel. "I found a person na napakabait, napakaganda, who is very talented but let's just leave it as that nalang and basta magkasama kami we're d kami humihinto sa tawanan namin. we're very happy pag magkasama kami." Luis already meet Angel Daddy, Manager Becky Aguila and Ali Sotto -the mother of Angel's ex-boyfriend- the late Mico Sotto (Ali is special to Angel because she is treated by Angel as her Mom)

Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano told press they're just friends

Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano were together when they launched Angel's self perfume line the "Angel Locsin wish of happiness" and asked in TV Patrol if they are already in a relationship of boyfriend and girlfriend. Both answered directly that they are going out together but they are just friends. "Ayoko nang magpaulit-ulit diba kasi wala naman dapat pag-usapan, walang dapat e-explain." Angel said. "'yung lumalabas kami, we enjoy each others company pero alam namin na marami pa siyang dapat asekasuhin." Luis never deny that she likes Angel but denied that they are just hiding their relationship so that it would not affect the team-up of Angel's upcoming tv series entitled Lobo with Piolo Pascual in ABS-CBN.

Angel Locsin dating Luis Manzano exclusively

In the press conference of the ABS-CBN's tv Series "Lobo", Angel Locsin admitted that she is exclusively dating Luis Manzano. According to her, she is not the type of girl dating different guys at the same time. She can't do the thing, and that would be a headache to her. She believe this would not affect her career because her fans are smart that her private life is another story from her showbiz life.

Angel Locsin finally dares to bare in "Cosmopolitan"

Trust Angel Locsin to take everyone by surprise. Despite being a constant fixture on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World poll, Angel has chosen to pose in a swimsuit for the very first time on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine.



"First time ko 'to," she told the Cosmo team during the shoot. "I hope it turns out well. Inisip ko kasi, if gagawin ko 'to, it might as well be on Cosmo." After all, posing for Cosmo would mean reaching fun-fearless females like herself.



Despite being one of the biggest names in the industry today, Angel was surprisingly shy at the Cosmo cover shoot, getting quite jittery over the sexy summer shoot and clowning around with the Cosmo team just to loosen up. The jitters don't show in Angel's confident pose, as she says, "Lahat naman tayong mga babae, may body issues, di ba? But you should be happy with your body and comfortable in your own skin."



For Angel, being comfortable in your own skin shows in the way you carry yourself. She encourages Cosmo girls everywhere to make an effort to always look presentable and even dare to be kikay.



"Iba rin yung feeling 'pag nakaayos, kapag lalabas ka't alam mong okay ang itsura mo, ready kang harapin kahit sino." Angel points out, "It's great to be in jeans and T-shirt, but it's also great to be in a dress."



Angel continues to strive towards becoming a better version of herself by branching out of her comfort zone. Since 2007, she has taken time off to study fashion in London, become a first-time producer with the movie Angels, and is now learning how to play the guitar. "You have to keep on learning," she says, "You shouldn't get complacent." Clearly, Angel has become a woman of substance.


Angel sizzles on the cover of Cosmopolitan's March issue, now available in all news stands and magazine stores nationwide at P125 per copy.

‘Demonizing’ Angel Locsin

Angels and demons are supposed to be exact opposites, but Angel Locsin's detractors don't think so. In fact, ever since the actress left GMA-7 for ABS-CBN, some of them have been "demonizing" her. They depict her as an ingrate, because she left the TV channel that invested heavily in her and made her a big star.

In addition, Angel has been accused of "starring" in a sex video—a charge which recently was proven false. To find some space and peace to mull things over, Angel took a quickie fashion course abroad.

Big plans

She's back now, and ABS-CBN has big plans for her. Tit for tat, GMA-7 is now building up Marian Rivera, the new Marimar, and it looks like the comely actress is on her way to bigtime stardom in her own right.

Now that the dust has settled, we can view the "Angel-demon" controversy with greater equanimity and objectivity, to wit: First off, we perfectly understand why GMA-7 reacted so strongly against Angel when she decided to leave for the proverbial greener pastures (and bigger bucks).

After all, the network did invest heavily in her, and showcased her in numerous TV series and films, which effectively made her one of the country's most popular and bankable young-adult actresses. Come contract-renegotiation time, it was right for the network to expect Angel to be grateful.

On the other hand, popular stars expect to get a raise when they renegotiate their contracts, and that too is understandable. Now, we don't know what the figures are in Angel's case, but the usual practice is for producers who build up talents to pay them only a modest amount.

They explain this by citing the huge investment they make in the new star's build-up campaign. And, in Angel's case, her former "mother network" adds that it also enabled the actress to make additional multi-millions in product endorsements, which should have compensated for her relatively modest contract earnings.

Additional factors

Apparently, however, this wasn't enough for Angel and her handlers, so she chose to leave. Additional factors could have been an inordinately hectic work schedule, lack of time left to develop her other talents and interests, etc. Well, now that Angel has "changed channels" careerwise, her mother studio should be expected to make up for this slack, and not just in terms of money—otherwise, what was all the pain and anger for?

GMA-7 is quite right to build up Marian or another new talent to replace Angel as its "signature" young star. As for ABS-CBN, the viewing public expects it to do even better in showcasing its hot, new property than her former network did.

But, the biggest expectations are of Angel herself. After putting everyone empathetically through the wringer these past weeks, her ABS-CBN and Star Cinema projects should be a decided improvement over her GMA-7 and GMA Films portrayals. If they don't pass muster, she'll have a lot of explaining to do.

Image

Postscript: Now that the Angel Locsin controversy has ebbed, one image remains in our mind: At the height of the sturm und drang, the hosts of a show biz talk show were commenting on Angel's "changing channels" move—and they confessed that they had all done the same thing at one time or other in their careers!

So, when all is said and done, what Angel did—like it or hate it—was pretty much par for the show biz course. Except, in her case, she was bigger than most and owed GMA-7 a lot because it had made her such a hot property. —But, aside from that, it was really (show) business as usual.

So, what price gratitude? These days, other factors intrude—like attitude, and plenitude— dude!