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.

The Well Loved Personality

Angel is a lady with top rating television series, top grossing films and several endorsements. In addition she?s part of those personalities who have diversified followers, ranging from children to adults. She has played the admirable ?Darna? in the small screen then posed as FHM?s Sexiest Woman in 2005.

?Ang sarap ng buhay ng artista. Pupunta ka sa set, dapat alam mo na ang linya mo, may make-up ka na, bibihisan ka at aarte ka na. Dito (Angels) mahirap kasi artista ako at producer din ako, mahirap!?

Undeniably, Angel?s successful career is connected to her screen partnership with Richard Gutierrez whom she co-starred with in Mulawin and box office hit movies ? ?Let the Love Begin,? I Will Always Love You,? ?Mulawin The Movie? and ?The Promise.?

On the other hand she’s also a saleable endorser, she was able to work with ABS-CBN?s premier actor Piolo Pascual for a coffee commercial. In one interview, Piolo cited that he wants to do a movie with Angel.

?Ako din! Sobrang gusto ko ring makatrabaho si Piolo kasi magaling siya. Napi-feel ko na marami akong matutuhan kapag kasama ko siya.?

Angel shared that when they were doing their coffee ad, where they were shown as seducing each other, she couldn?t look to Piolo out of shyness. She was surprised afterwards when Piolo confessed that he felt the same.

Ange’s showbiz recognitions include the German Moreno Youth Award (FAMAS), Miss FAMAS Popularity and Princess of the Philippine Movies and TV (Box Office Entertainment Awards) also in 2005.

Life Outside Showbiz

After four top rating shows in a row, Angel is planning to take a break from her showbiz career for two months. She?ll take fashion design course in London, which according to her is a preparation for her future.

?Mahal ko ang ginagawa ko, hindi ako nagrereklamo pero gusto kong gumawa ng bagay na ikade-develop ko, para sa akin din naman iyon. Actually, para sa pamilya ko rin dahil ?pag nagka-business ako sila rin ang makikinabang? Kailangan ko lang ayusin ang sarili ko para makagawa ako ng maayos na trabaho.?

The actress is determined to pursue her study and reportedly rejected another project. She clarified that it was a break for her to improve her craft as well as to empower her knowledge in other aspects.

Angel Locsin is simple lass, which aside from having heavenly face, curvaceous body, talent and achievements is also a woman who shows great love for her career, family with a clear outlook in life.

Mariel Rodriguez: A Dream Come True

The bubbly yet sophisticated Mariel Rodriguez graced the heavy spotlights as a commercial model and gradually walked her way in becoming an actress.

Before Mariel’s hosting stints, she landed a couple of commercials for beauty, food, and other consumer products such as Clean and Clear, Close Up, and Pizza Hut. With hardwork and lots of guts, she flew off the Philippines for an audition to the Singaporean-based TV series Rouge, which was aired on MTV Philippines. Rouge started her acting career not only in Singapore but also here in Manila.

As soon as she came back to the Philippines, Mariel Rodriguez joined the team of the adventurous and thrill-seeking hosts of GMA7’s Extra Challenge. Aside from a couple of TV guestings for teen-oriented programs, Mariel eventually graced the MTV Pilipinas studio and joined the other MTV veejays’ wacky and cool stints for the music lovers.

With her mindset to do the best in every work given to her, it is no wonder why Mariel Rodriguez became a successful TV personality in her three-year stay in the entertainment industry.

“In every endeavor I do, I promise myself to do my best. Everytime I’m given a job whether as host or actress, I give my everything to get the job done,” Mariel said in a newspaper article.

Maria Erlinda Termulo is popularly known as Mariel Rodriguez to her fans and to the avid viewers of ABSCBN’s noontime game show Wowowee and the Filipino-pioneered reality show Pinoy Big Brother. Full of hopes and dreams, Mariel Rodriguez sketched her career path at the start of her acting and hosting stints. The goal-oriented host aspired to be one of the Philippine actresses she admired in the movies and the television shows.

Mariel began to visualize herself as a villain in her younger years.

“When I was young, I always liked playing kontrabida?Cherie Gil roles. I think I could do an okay villain,” she said. On the contrary, the mainstream entertainment industry accepted Mariel Rodriguez as the funny girl-next-door who radiated a vibrant aura that contaminated everyone who saw her.

“When I entered showbiz I really thought that I was going to do more of acting, and that’s really what I wanted to do from the start. I wanted to be a dramatic actress,” she said. “But lately, I’ve leaned more towards comedy and hosting. It is really far from what I wanted to do but if I was given a choice, I want to do drama and be in movies. I also want to be in a teleserye,” the model-turned-host added.

Reflecting from her first acting stint to her latest Maalaala Mo Kaya guesting, she saw how she was transformed from the playful performer of Rouge to a serious actress in the Philippine primetime.

“The Mariel in Rouge? All I cared about was looking good in Rouge. I swear. Whenever I would watch a scene I’d say, ‘Oh no, I have no lip gloss there,” or, like ‘Oh no, that’s not my best angle,’” she recalled.

“I didn’t feel conscious, even when I had a crying scene and my face got even more distorted (referring to her role in Maalaala Mo Kaya). I was dedicated to give justice to my role as compared to the Mariel in Rouge. I’m definitely more mature now,” Mariel said.

Mariel felt that she owed her biggest break to Pinoy Big Brother and learned a lot from the experience. “I’m really lucky that my manager is also a host so he really guided me every step of the way,” she said.

From all these work experiences Mariel had, she knew that there is still something out there to be learned?whether it may be in the field of acting or another kind of hosting for a different kind of television show.

“I don’t think I’m on top. I’m still working my way,” she said.

Mariel Rodriguez is just blossoming as an actress. No wonder if she will once again captivate the audiences as they see her more serious side just like in Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Aga Muhlach, Philippine Movie’s Ultimate Leading Man

It was through 80s famous youth film ?Bagets? that teen sensation Aga Muhlach became a household name. His boy next-door image and killer smile made him an incomparable star even until now that he has grown up and happily married to beauty queen/ TV-Host Charlene Gonzalez.

As many people say, Aga is the man with no angle. Whatever pose or action he registers on screen, he’s still a head turner. It also applies to his career as he is one of the most bankable and award- wining actors that many actresses are dreaming to work with.

Joyce Jimenez (?Narinig Mo Na Ba Ang La8st?), Claudine Barretto (?Kailangan Kita? & ?Dubai?), and Kristine Hermosa (All My Life) are few additions to his leading ladies. On his new flick, the booming young actress Angelica Panganiban becomes his love interest.

?I?ve been craving for a project like this. Makasama ko ba naman ang ultimate leading man ? saan pa ba naman ako? This is it,? Angelica?s excitement shows when asked about working with the A ?list actor in ?A Love Story.?

This year, Aga is also set to shoot in a Star Cinema and Viva Films venture that will match him with hot star Anne Curtis.

With veteran actresses, Aga doesn?t only make blockbuster films but also critically acclaimed projects. In ?Sinungaling Mong Puso? with Star For All Season Vilma Santos, he bagged the best actor award from FAMAS while in ?Napakasakit, kuya Eddie? with ex partner Janice de Belen, he won the best Supporting Actor trophies from Gawad Urian.

The romantic dramas ?May Minamahal? with Aiko Melendez and ?Sana Maulit Muli? with international artist Lea Salonga he won best actor trophies from Metro Manila Film Festival and FAMAS.

Again with Maryo J. delos Reyes?s film ?A Love Story,? Aga will work with another premier actress, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. On another project, if the production will push through, he will reunite with Mega Star Sharon Cuneta. Their first team up was in the movie ?Kung Ako Na Lang Sana.?

Ace Actor

Aga?s most recent big screen project was 2005 film ?Dubai? with Claudine and John Lloyd Cruz. The said OFW-oriented movie gave him an acting award from Star Awards for Movies.

?Binabasa ko pa lang ang script, I got excited already. I?m back! And I?m back with a project na maipagmamalaki ko,? Aga shares about his latest movie that will be shown on August 15.

?Maria (Maricel Soriano) and I have never worked on a project before, magkaibigan kami pero heto na ang chance na makatrabaho ko s?ya. Ang Feeling ko kumpleto na ako.?

Nowadays, Aga is maintaining his lean physique for his health and for his work.

?I think it?s my responsibility to look good and feel good for the movie. It?s about time and I am not getting any younger,? Aga said.

On the small screen, Aga is again starring in a new sitcom with Bayani Agbayani, Nova Villa, Pokwang and Roderick Paulate. In ?That?s My Doc? that will start on July 29, his love interest is the Ms. International 2006 Precious Lara Quicagaman.

Of course, you will remember Aga?s first show under ABS-CBN, which was the hit ?Oki Doki Doc?.

Aga as the head of the family

Aga confesses that he is a homebody and enjoying quality time with his beautiful family. His wife and their five-year-old twins Atasha and Andres are also sought after endorsers now.

?Napakasuwerte kong magkaroon ng asawang tulad ni Charlene. Sabi ko nga sa kanya, para kang isang anghel na bigay ng Maykapal sa akin,? Aga?s praise to his wife.

On the other hand, when it comes to Luigi or Igi Boy his son with Janice, Aga radiates a caring father longing to raise his son well. Igi Boy is having a problem with his study.

?We can?t do anything about it. My son doesn?t like school talaga. May ganu?n talaga. You cannot force naman your child, so, ako, hindi ko na lang siya pinagagalitan parati,? Aga says.

This nephew of one the Queens of Philippine Cinema Amalia Fuentes and cousin of former child wonder Ni񯠍uhlach, is really more than an all-time heartthrob. He also exemplifies that he?s not only the best partner on screen but also in real life.

Marvin Agustin Has Double Inspirations

More and more bachelor actors become unwed fathers and award winning actor and businessman Marvin Agustin is one of them. One of Philippines’ top TV stars is proud being the father of fraternal twins ? Santiago and Sebastian.

Indeed, the Asian Treasures star has carved successful careers both in the entertainment industry and restaurant business, even before his sons came. At an early age he took the responsibility of supporting his family while his father did his time in jail years ago.

Launched as member of Star Circle Batch two, Marvin immediately became a favorite in various teen oriented shows and his tandem with Jolina Magdangal marked smash hit projects both in boobtube and the big screen.

They did ?Gimik,? ?Labs Ko si Babes? ?Hey Babe,? F.L.A.M.E.S. the movie? and ?Kung Ayaw mo, Huwag mo?. Jolina and him re-teamed for the top rating program ?I Love NY? aired at GMA last year.

His wacky personality was exposed further with his buddies Dominic Ochoa and the late Rico Yan in the sitcom, Whattamen of ABS-CBN.

But his first serious acting break was the mini series ?Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako? where he was paired with Kristine Hermosa. He also demostrated his dramatic prowess in ?Esperanza? where he played the brother of Judy Ann Santos.

The much deserved award finally came when he portrayed the character of former boxing champ Rolando Navarette in ?Maalaala Mo Kaya.? He won Best Single Performance by a Lead Actor in 1st Golden Screen Entertainment TV Awards in 2004.

Since then, Marvin went on to appear in many award-winning movies including “Kutob”, which one gave him best actor trophies from Metro Manila Film Festival and Luna Awards.

Marvin The Businessman

Marvin was discovered in a restaurant where he worked as a waiter. Now, he is not only a TV and movie personality but also a restaurant and bar owner. He established Sumosam, Oyster Boy Bar, Caf頠Ten Titas and managed a franchise of Mr. Donut.

?Walang hatian na nangyayari kasi both ventures (acting and entrepreneurship) are very close to my heart. Ini-enjoy ko pareho. You have to love what you?re doing para hindi siya maging trabaho,? Marvin answered on how he handled his showbiz career and businesses.

He considers his twins as his inspirations and guides to his many roles. And it seems his kids are his lucky charms, too.

?Ang kukulit na nila they?re turning two this year,? Marvin shared about Sebastian and Santiago.

After ?I Love NY? and ?Asian Treasures? he will play another challenging role in new teledrama ?Mga Mata ni Angelita.?

In his latest flick, ?Angels?, Marvin was able to work for the first time with film director Dingdong Dantes. Marvin says Dingdong was a good and very sensitive director.

Asked whether he would like to try directing, too: ?Wala pa siguro right now. Ang dami ko pang bagay na dapat asikasuhin muna. Although gusto ko it?s been a dream. Pero saka na natin mare-realize iyan.?

Despite being a full-fledged dad, Marvin?s name is still being linked to beautiful young ladies like Pauleen Luna, Valerie Concepcion and Angel Locsin. He is being paired with his ?Angels? producer and ?Asian Treasure co-star Angel and as rumor has it, they’re a hot items.

Marvin would not claim that they have relationship but he said Angel is a very close friend. Looks like there’s another inspiration for our boy…

Straight from The Heart

Heart Evangelista is one of the most familiar faces in Philippine television. Her defining moment in the entertainment industry transformed from an experimental teenybopper in a youth-oriented show and several shoe and apparel endorsements to a lady clad in low-cut dresses and sexier outfits in magazine photo shoots and primetime series.

The hardworking personality of the bubbly young star was based on her strongest desire is to fulfill her childhood dreams of becoming an actress.

?Ever since I was young, I wanted to act. I’ve been through a lot already. I auditioned and lined up and had trainings for so long and finally I?m here?it is like graduating from high school or grade school. I didn’t expect it to be this much. I just wanted to see myself on TV,? Heart said in an interview.

Heart Evangelista recently made a come back in the ABS-CBN talent management after she took a chance to manage her own career path together with the pool of talents managed by Genesis Entertainment. She had several TV guestings on ASAP and did new projects under the roof of ABS-CBN Star Magic.

“Hiram na Mukha” was featured in ABS-CBN?s Sineserye, a short TV series that brings back the memories of timeless classics and blockbuster movies that hit the big screen in the 80s and the 90s, this is a remake of the 1992 film starring Nanette Medved and Christopher de Leon.

Heart (Carissa) played Medved?s role together with her co-stars TJ Trinidad (Hugo), the plastic surgeon who transformed the monkey-looking Carissa into a lovely lady that looks like his deceased wife, and Geoff Eigenman (Mendez Pedrosa) played as the love interest of Carissa prior to her plastic surgery. i

After long hours of taping, Heart makes time to see her family and friends and bond with them. For Heart, it is important to spend time with your loved ones since time runs so fast to miss those precious memories with them.

“When I’m free, I need to be relaxed, I have to be with my family and friends, because time for me is gold. I go to a parlor, anything that can relax me physically, get a massage or get a foot spa,” she shared.

At a very young age, she knew that all her folks wanted was to protect her and keep her away from nasty rumors. Her parents? image of the entertainment world was an environment full of temptations and bad influences that might ruin her studies and future.

?They said showbiz is magulo, and maraming intriga. But maybe it really depends on who you get involved with (in the business), so they didn’t want me to join showbiz at first,? Heart recalled.

?Kasi siyempre ang daming at stake before, like my studies. Some of the people that are in showbiz are wild. Sa tingin nila (her parents) I’d be molded into someone like that. So natakot sila. Pero naging okay na sa kanila,? the Philippine Idol host said.

Every step that Heart took was not easy especially if the main man in the house is objecting her daughter?s chance of a lifetime. She described her father as ?super strict.? Still, Heart took a chance in persuading her father to agree with her terms and conditions: “If I don’t get in, never mind na. I’ll forget na.”

“But I did, so he didn’t do anything na. He just told me not to forget about my studies and not to change because I was earning my own money and everything,” she giggled while recalling the incident.

She was very lucky and happy to be discovered in a Body Shop store branch in Alabang while strolling with her sister. Her break as a product endorser began when she made a Rexona commercial and jumped in the bandwagon of actress wannabes on an audition for ABS-CBN?s Star Circle Batch 9. She honed her acting skills and was molded into a public figure by attending several public workshops and short courses on personality development.

She treasured her craft so much and did her best until she is in the limelight. She knew that the young star is no Sharon Cuneta to stay under the hot spotlight and camera flashes a lifetime.

What?s her greatest experience to treasure as an actress?

“The best thing about acting is when you watch yourself on TV or on the screen, because it’s like you’ve been working the whole day, 24 hours, then there’s a crying scene, and you watch yourself and finally you did it. And you get to work with different directors and act with big stars.”

Well, Heart Evangelista has a long way to go and a long career to look forward to in Philippine showbiz.