Angel Locsin denied the speculations that the reason why Angelica Panganiban is no longer part of their supposed new movie together under Star Cinema was because of their personal differences. Their alleged rift stemmed from their rivalry when they were shooting the film One More Try last year. “Naisip ko nga noh, parang nagkaron nga ng kulay ngayon, pero hindi namin iniisip kasi hindi kami ganon magisip kapag may katrabaho ka. Basta kami masaya lang kami, excited lang kami na bigyan kami ng trabaho.” In the upcoming Star Cinema movie, Shaina Magdayao was added to the cast that also top-bills Angel, Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, and Enchong Dee.
But when the subject of Angelica was brought up, Angel was obviously hesitant to answer questions related to their working relationship. “Well, hindi pa kami nagkikita, yun lang.” Asked if she’s trying to avoid her former movie co-star, Angel explained that she’d rather not elaborate on the issue since it would not do any good to everyone involved. “Hindi naman [sa iwas ako]. Siguro habang mas tumatagal tayo sa trabaho natin, mas pinipili mo na lang siguro kung ano ang sasagutin mo o hindi. Kung hindi rin naman positive para sa aming dalawa, eh ’di wag na lang. Mas ok na ganon na lang.”
Is she willing to work with Angelica again? “Huwag na muna natin pagusapan,” she simply stated.
On a lighter note, Angel felt blessed with her win as Best Actress for her dramatic portrayal in One More Try at the recently-concluded PMPC Star Awards for Movies. She added that it’s really an honor to be included in a roster of nominees that include showbiz icons like Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, and Gina Alajar. “Hindi lang talaga ako makapaniwala. Hindi naman ibig sabihin mas magaling ka. Wala naman duda sa talento ng fellow nominees ko especially sina Ms. Nora, Tita Vilma, and Ms. Gina. Kung may duda pa sa abilidad nila siguro sapakin ko na kung sino man yun. I’m very thankful to PMPC kasi binibigyan nila ng chance yung mas bagong artista kasi ‘di pa kami sanay sa mga awards. Thank you talaga.”
At one point during the awards night, Angel admitted that she was a bit worried that the fans of Nora and Vilma who attended the event might protest the result for the Best Actress category. Fortunately, everyone proved to be a good sport. “Wala ba[ng nag-walk out]? Actually, hindi ako tumingin kasi natakot ako. Ang bait naman nila, nagpapasalamat ako kasi tulad ng iniidolo nila at iniidolo nating lahat, mababait sila. Alam naman natin, hindi naman ako magkukunwari, ibang klase talaga ang talento nila. Pero salamat sa chance. Parang pinaubaya nila, ‘Sa ’yo na muna [yung award],’” she quipped.
Angel further shared that she has the deepest respect for Nora whom she personally greeted right after the program. Aside from being a nominee for Best Actress, Nora also presented the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Award during the program. “Eh kasi karespe-respeto naman talaga. Kasi may isang awards night kami napuntahan, hindi ako nominee nun, hindi ko sure kung nominee si Ate Guy kaya nandun siya. Basta nilapitan ko siya, nasa taas ako, nasa baba siya. Parang nagbigay pugay lang ako nun kasi imi-miss mo ba yung opportunity [na makaharap ang isang superstar]? Kahit ma-turn off siya eh ano naman basta importante makamayan ko siya. So hindi ko inexpect na magkikita kami ulit.”
