Angel Locsin: Angel in disguise

MANILA, Philippines - As an actress, Angel Locsin often works in a set of make-believe, surrounded by out-of-this-world scenes and fantasy plots. It’s undeniable that she’s enjoying the experience. But her reality is just as interesting, filled with special moments that no riches in the world can ever replace.

She’s only 23, but Angel Locsin has already achieved so much, gracing the covers of numerous magazines and her likeness seen in billboards all around the metro. Her love life, or sometimes the lack of it, and other juicy details about this beautiful actress are often the talk all around town. But there are some things about her that she wants to keep out of the limelight — like the fact that she’s an angel in disguise, giving to those who are in dire need of help.

Speaking in the vernacular, Angel reveals that she has been an active member of Gabriela — a non-government organization (NGO) advocating women’s issues — for quite some time.

 “Every Christmas or during my birthday, I try to share whatever blessings that I receive. I go to urban poor communities or other organizations that need help or contribute to relief operations for typhoon victims. And sometimes I just ask for old clothes or funds or whatever that other persons can give just to help out.”

She credits another “angel” in the family, her older sister Angela, as the person who really opened her eyes to situations beyond her comfortable life. “For me, it’s an obligation, as a Filipino, to help others. And sometimes showing that you care is more important than giving financial help. But of course, without the necessary funds then it would also be hard to give help,” tells the young actress.

And though she didn’t ask for anything in return for her charitable works, it seems that Angel has been repaid a hundredfold. Her recently-concluded series Lobo ended on a high note. She won as best actress in the 22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television for her dramatic role in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya opposite Sam Milby. For these and more besides, Angel is most thankful and proud of what she has achieved.

Before this interview, Angel has just recovered from dengue and was hospitalized for five days, then subsequently ordered by her doctors to stay at home and rest for another week. Going back to work — surely a hectic schedule full of pictorials, interviews, and soon, tapings — might mean less time for her other “extracurricular” activities. But not so for Angel. Even now she’s already thinking of ways to help out other communities, like what she did before when she celebrated her birthday with the people in a small community. And unbeknownst to her many fans, Angel even went as far as disguising herself as a scavenger just to be able to visit an area in Payatas undetected. “I even used false teeth!” she laughingly exclaims.

Truly a beautiful person inside and out. Here’s hoping that Angel will never tire of her passion both in acting and in helping out, and will live out her role as an “angel” whether in reel or real life.