Angel Locsin (by Mosbeau)

After several months of not doing TV or movie projects, Angel Locsin will finally start working after the Holy Week. And she is set to do not only one show, but a movie as well. She is excited of course; after all, it’s been a year since she made “Love Me Again (Land Down Under)” with Piolo Pascual, and it’s been nine months since “Only You” (with Sam Milby and Diether Ocampo) ended.

Angel’s career is expected to flourish once more, but what’s this rumor saying she has been frequenting bars and seen drinking? And is she so hard up now that she uses public transport?

In an intimate dinner with a few entertainment writers, Angel admitted to having gone to bars and having a few drinks with friends. But this is in preparation for her role as a “japayuki” in the yet untitled movie that she is set to do after the Holy Week and which will be directed by Olive Lamasan. “Totoo, nagpunta ako sa isang bar, gumigimik naman ako, pero hindi naglalasing. Sa tanang buhay ko, hindi ako nalasing. Usually, isang shot lang ako. Actually, si Inang pa ang nagsabi sa akin na dapat matuto akong manigarilyo, because my role will also require me to do that,” Angel said.

As to riding taxis and other public transportation, Angel said it’s true, “sumasakay nga rin ako sa MRT,” and she explained that once when she had to go to Hong Kong with her best friend Lani, she had to return at once to do some work, and had to go back to Hong Kong again after a few hours. So it was more practical to use a taxi. Angel finds nothing wrong in using public transportation.

In her teleserye entitled “Immoral,” Angel will be paired with John Lloyd Cruz under the direction of Chito Roño. No, “Immoral” is not a remake of the Vilma Santos starrer but it is an entirely different story in that it has an element of fantasy. In the soap, Angel will be playing a dual role, which makes it really challenging for the actress.

About Luis Manzano

About her ex, Luis Manzano, Angel admitted that their relationship is getting better now, “we’re talking, and I’m happy that we’re comfortable with each other again, but we’re still not back together. Hindi naman madali na ibalik yong dati. It’s been nine months since we parted and it’s not fair to be talking about Luis now, although we talk, we are friends…”

CNN Hero Efren Peñaflorida is Angel’s ardent suitor and he even visited her at home to tell her father about his intentions. But Angel has told him they can only be friends in the meantime.

As to being linked to Chito of Parokya ni Edgar, Angel is baffled, “di ko alam talaga kung bakit kami nali-link, but we are friends. At first, dedma lang kami. But it came to a point that we became bothered na rin.”

Angel’s last work was for an episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” where she had Jake Cuenca as leading man. She was supposed to be in the cast of “Kokey” but there was a change in the casting and she isn’t in it anymore. No, she didn’t back out of the project. “Nagkaroon ng changes, so okay na rin kasi may movie naman akong gagawin,” Angel said with nary a regret.

By the way, Angel is now managed by our good friend Ms. Ethel Ramos, who also manages Aga Muhlach, Angel’s leading man in her newest movie.

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Mon Confiado to do a Hollywood indie movie

Consummate actor Mon Confiado, who’s known to be passionate about doing indie films, is set to do another indie movie, but this time for Hollywood release. He will be co-starring with Hollywood star Patrick Bergin.

Mon has been appearing in indie movies and if he is continuously doing so, it’s because he doesn’t choose his roles.

“There’s no small role for me! I always treat any role, though how insignificant it may be, as a great one, and as such, I prepare myself and I give my best to it!” award-winning actor Mon Confiado said after the screening last Friday of his movie “Pilantik.”

Mon is passionate about his roles. “I am now more focused on being a serious actor,” Mon said. You can see the proof of his statement in “Pilantik.”

“I have a very difficult role in ‘Pilantik.’ I really had to look like a girl, not a macho gay. It’s a physical role which required me to be buried in mud, then get out of it. I got beaten up, made love with men, killed call boys. I ran a lot and went through a gamut of psychotic emotions. I really made a career playing gay characters, this time a psychotic killer!” Mon explained.

The other members of the cast are Penn Medina, Jao Mapa, Chris Martinez and Ma. Isabel Lopez. Argel Joseph directed “Pilantik.”

When Mon played a support role in “Faces of Love,” directed by National Artist Eddie Romero, FAMAS conferred on him the Best Supporting Actor award.

Mon is very much sought-after for indie movies. “I accept all the roles offered me,” Mon said, that’s why he is in practically all indie movies. “Eddie Garcia, whom I respect so much, advised me to accept all roles and give my best playing them!” Mon further explained.

Mon practically grew up as a stage actor. That’s an asset for his acting career.

He said that indie films are now the alternative source for employment and survival for many movie workers who have been rendered jobless from the gasping local movie industry!

“I will always support indie films,” Mon promised.

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Photo exhibit highlights grand opening of Ivision

A photo exhibit called “Lights, Camera, Action,” featuring awe-inspiring photographs from members of the Ayala Alabang Camera Club and guest photogs such who are also doctors, entrepreneurs among others, highlighted the recent grand opening of Ivision Cataract and Lasik Center at the Ayala Alabang Town Center. Guests of honor were Department of Health Sec. Esperanza Cabral, Philippine National Red Cross Gov. Leonida “Baby” Bayani-Ortiz, Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro, and TV personality Angel Jacob.

After the unveiling of the exhibit and the blessing of Ivision, Dr. Enrique Enriquez and his managing partner, Dr. Rainer Covar, treated the guests to a sumptuous cocktail food.

Commercial model, events host and TV personality Angel Jacob believes that in any profession, it is important to have perfect vision. “In my profesion, I need to read scripts when preparing for hosting events. My eyesight needs to be in tip-top shape. I believe that having good eyesight is part of our general well-being. In my case, I have my eyes regularly checked, at least twice a year.”

PNRC Gov. Baby Ortiz agrees. “I go around the Philippines during calamities. It is important that I see everything clearly despite the weather conditions. I have to know what needs to be done to help the people during these trying times.”

Roger Margallo, a news photographer for more than 35 years, says “My goal is to make people aware of what’s happening around them through my pictures. I’m always on the look-out for the perfect shot. It is important that I have a clear eyesight so I can be at my best all the time.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 26 go to former Senator Ernesto Maceda, Atty. Beth Guerrero, Pepito Vera-Perez,US-based Rebecca Rocha, Margie Baterina, Manny Baldemor, Ed Santiago, Alma Ibita Torrente, Jair Williams, Grace Presas-Samar, Josie Remolano, Chicago-based Lydia Ortaliza, Fidez Cuchacpin, and Kathryn Bernardo and David Chua of ABS-CBN Star Magic…