et's start with an Angel…

Angel Locsin needs no further, elaborate introduction to jumpstart this article or any article about her that at that. So does it make the job a whole lot easier for a writer? The answer is NO.

In a star-obsessed nation wherein fresh faces spring like mushrooms out of nowhere at an instant second, it is a rarity to find someone who can enthrall a loyal fan based from all sides of the spectrum at such a young age. The explanation is darn simple: Angel Locsin seems to be like always in the middle.

Neither this nor that. Neither here nor there. Quite but not quite.

In other words, you're not sure on where exactly to put and categorize her. She's young yet she exudes sophistication that goes beyond an ordinary teen star. She has undeniable charisma that endeared her to the masses, at the same time she comes across as someone chic, enough to gain for her a share of admirers that don't quite belong to the ordinary local movie-goers. Kids love her as Alwina of Mulawin and her current portrayal of classic pinoy heroine Darna cemented her place in Filipino pop culture. Recently she was in Nickelodeon's (a cable channel that caters to young audience) top list of young personalities who children look up to. Then a few months later she was crowned as FHM Philippine's Sexiest Woman and was presented in front of a sea of men, who couldn't help but ogle as she stood on stage, looking every inch like a true sex symbol.

Something must be really amiss.

THE FLYING STAR

MAYBE Angel herself is confused and if there's such thing as “multiple personality career syndrome” (something like that, then she must be undergoing one.

“I'm flattered and grateful about the attention. Sometimes I find it amusing that people, whether they're children or adults, like me,” beams Angel.

For an actress who works 24/7, you can't help but adore Angel for trying her best to accommodate her fans, mere spectators who call her name to get a nod from the Darna lead star and, ahem, pesky writers who rove in the background.

“I won't be here is not for them (fans). As an actress that's the least I can do, to pay them back for all my blessings,” says the talented morena beauty.

But she admits the she finds it hard sometimes to meet someone expectations as a public figure. “There are moments when I'm really out of my element maybe brought by fatigue and lack of sleep. Being an actress, people expect me to smile and be pleasant at all times. Pero nakakataba din kasi ng puso na malaman na ibalik mo lang ‘yung hi nila or ngitian mo din sila, eh, nakakapagpasaya ka na ng tao. Only few are given that opportunity,” she shares.

At this point Richard butts in, “Sobrang bait niyan sa tao. Ako ‘pag pagod talaga, may pagkasuplado ako.”

Working together again, it's evident that Angel and Richard shares a mutual respect for one another. “I love working with Richard kasi magaaan siyang katrabaho and he's very professional,” Angel says about her leading man.

“Ako naman, I really miss working with her. “With our schedule, akala ko ‘di na possible,” says Richard.

“Anong hindi possible, we're under contract, ‘no!” a playful Angel tells Richard complete with a laugh.

Isn't it amusing that everything about Angel is associated with flying? I ask Richard, “'Di ba? From her name to role that left a stamp in the public's consciousness, from the brave flying Alwina with wings of Mulawin to the good-hearted flying heroine Darna.

He nods in agreement. “Parang alam ko na ‘yung gusto mong itanong,” Richard probes.

At this point in her career where good breaks are coming in handy, what particular role would she love to try? Angel pauses for a second, “ Dyesebel … I'd love to do that,” she exclaims with an obvious excitement in her voice.

Hmmm… Angel with a fish tail?

Given her track record, why not?

THE CHOSEN ONE

THEN there's the chosen one…

“Thank God, I'm not Richard Gutierrez!” comments twin brother Raymond in an interview with a local music magazine. “He seems to be working a lot. I feel bad for him,” he continues.

Richard smiled when told about his brother's comment. “Well, we're quite different,” he shots back.

While Raymond describes himself as laid back and likes to balance work and play, Richard, on the other hand, can't seem to find time for other things besides work.

“Grabe, my life revolves around work and a few hours of sleep!” shaking his head with the thought. For this interview (shot in location of the movie I'll Always Love You ), he's all focused in memorizing his lines while finding the right emotion for the scene about to be taken.

He glimpses at Angel, all bowed down on the table at the other side. He taps me on the leg, “Wala na namang tulog si Angel,” before flashing half grin. Realizing what he had just said, “Teka, pareho lang din pala kami. I understand my brother now.”

Without taking his eyes off Angel he leaned back to the chair and smiled more broadly, “I feel bad for her… and me.”

When Mulawin ended, it was certain that both Richard and Angel won't be grounded that long. Angel took off first, as she bagged the role of Darna from other hopefuls. A few months later, Richard was chosen to spearhead the cast of Sugo , GMA's adventu-serye.

“My role is very challenging here in Sugo . I want to top my performance in Mulawin , only because as an actor, you always have to improve and outdo yourself,” he explains.

A few minutes later he's on and like a true professional, he emotes and delivers his line flawlessly. Director Mac Alejandre is obviously pleased, only taking a few more shots of the scene for a cup of good measure.

“Several years ago after I came back and decided to try my luck in showbusiness, I admit I wasn't that serious. Nagulat din ako sa demands ng trabaho as I went along. Eventually natutunan ko ding mahalin kaya I guess this time I'm really here for the right reasons,” Richard confides.

He took a long at his watch. Without even saying a word, he signaled to Direk Mac and Angel. He turned to me and shook my hand, “I'll go ahead muna… SOP . Balik din ako mamaya.”

As Richard left the set, I forgot to tell him another excerpt from Raymond's interview. Something that would most likely flatter Richard, “Chard has his life straightened out. He knows what he wants to do, and he's very passionate about it.”

Brother knows best. (Articles lifted from S Magazine) - -