Angel ‘not a monster’

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:19am (Mla time) 06/25/2007

MANILA, Philippines - Ingrata (Ingrate). Malaki ang ulo (swell-headed). Monster.”

Wilma Galvante, GMA 7 senior vice president for Entertainment, is reciting a litany of disparaging adjectives being hurled against star Angel Locsin.

The young actress was deluged with negative publicity after she reportedly made "inaccurate pronouncements" to the media, during the press conference of "Angels," the movie she co-produced and top-bills.

It was reported that she had turned down the lead role in the forthcoming Kapuso remake of "Marimar."

"It wasn't officially offered to her," Galvante explains. "Of course, she was considered, but when we learned of her plans to take it easy after 'Asian Treasures' and to study fashion design in London, we decided to look [around]. There were others in the lineup."

According to various reports, over a dozen actresses auditioned for the role, including Karylle, Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado, Sunshine Dizon and Iza Calzado. The role eventually went to Marian Rivera.

Clearing the air

Galvante points out: "We just want to clear the air. Angel didn't turn down the role out of arrogance or spite. When she declined, the network understood. She made this decision with the network's approval. She deserves the break. She has been doing GMA 7 shows nonstop since 'Mulawin' three years ago."

Locsin asked to meet with her, the TV exec recounts.

"She was troubled," Galvante recalls. "She cried."

According to a source, Locsin felt unprotected by the network in the face of the mudslinging.

Galvante can't understand why the network is being blamed for the bad press. "Bakit naman siya ilalaglag ng sarili niyang network (Why would her own network undermine her)?"

The Kapuso exec also relates that she met with Locsin's father, Angel Colmenares, and manager, Becky Aguila.

"Her father, a very reasonable man, explained why his daughter couldn't sign a contract right away," says Galvante. "He said it wouldn't be fair to the network if Angel signed up though she couldn't work in the next two months."

Inquirer Entertainment tried to contact Aguila, but learned she was out of the country. The four/five-year contract in question is Locsin's co-management deal with GMA Artist Center.

According to Ida Henares, assistant vice president and head of Artist Center, "even though the contract is finished, we are still doing negotiations and transactions for Angel on behalf of Artist Center."
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