Actress Angel Locsin
MANILA - Actress Angel Locsin has finally revealed the reasons why she cannot fly and fight like Filipina superhero "Darna" again.
Locsin clarified the issue in an episode of "Tonight with Boy Abunda," which aired Monday.
In an interview with Boy Abunda Monday night on "Tonight with Boy Abunda," Locsin recalled her excitement when she was first offered to star in the new "Darna" movie.
"Super excited ako, kasi minsan nang naibigay sa akin itong role na ito. At alam ko kung gaano kalaki ang naitulong nito sa career ko. At gusto ko naman sanang gawin ito this time dito sa Kapamilya network," she said.
In 2005, Locsin played the role of "Darna" in a prime time television series aired in another network.
According to Locsin, when she received ABS-CBN and Star Cinema's offer, she immediately underwent training through regular exercise and martial arts Muay Thai for more than two years.
However, ABS-CBN and Star Cinema announced that Locsin will no longer play the role.
"It is with deep regret that we announce that ABS-CBN, Star Cinema, and Angel Locsin have mutually agreed that Angel will no longer do the 'Darna' movie due to health reasons. Because of her passion, dedication, and commitment to the project, she underwent various rigorous training regimens for two years. Unfortunately, this led her to developing a disc bulge in her spine. This then limits her from doing strenuous activities such as stunts, liftings, and the usage of harness, all of which will be required of her for the action scenes in the film. Aside from that, she will need to undergo rehabilitation and treatment," ABS-CBN said in a press statement.
The parties decided to prioritize Locsin's health and safety. They also clarified, however, that Locsin will continue her ongoing film project.
"Fans need not worry. They can still look forward to seeing her in a movie that she is currently shooting with Vilma Santos. Angel’s physical condition does not prevent her from finishing the said project," the statement added.
THE INJURY
Locsin's intensive training triggered the development of a disc bulge in her spine. Because of this condition, she can no longer do active stunts.
"Kapag may trabaho, ibinibigay ko talaga 'yong best ko. Ganoon ko kamahal 'yong craft and 'yong role, inaalagaan ko," she said.
Years of hard work and intensive training have damaged Locsin's spine. The actress recalled instances where she could not stand up and walk.
"May isang araw po na gumising na lang ako, hindi na po ako makatayo, ni gapang, ni hatak sa sarili hindi ko magawa," she added.
According to Locsin, even high dosages of pain relievers do not work. Her doctor even warned that her condition might lead to paralysis if left untreated.
Fortunately, in her recent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), her spine's condition has not worsened.
However, Locsin revealed that fear continues to haunt her.
"Natakot ako, Tito Boy. Kasi, kinabukasan ko, buhay ko, nakasalalay kung paano ako pupunta sa trabaho," she said.
She is undergoing therapy. She is also planning to try medications abroad.
LEAVING THE LIMELIGHT
After hearing her condition, Abunda clarified if Locsin's decision on giving up her role as "Darna" was final.
Locsin tearfully answered that her decision was indeed final.
"It's really painful. Masakit po talaga, Tito Boy. Kami po ng ABS-CBN, nakapag-usap po kami, nag-decide po kami na mas makabubuti po sa lahat kung hindi ko na gagawin ang "Darna," she said.
Locsin, however, expressed her gratitude to ABS-CBN for building up her career and thinking about her future.
She also clarified that she chose to speak up to let the people understand the real reason why she made such a decision.
"Kaya po ako nandito dahil darating ang araw na mag-aannounce ang ABS ng bagong 'Darna.' Feeling ko it's my responsibility naman, kasi ang tagal din nilang umasa at naniwala sa akin. So, gusto kong marinig nila galing sa akin mismo kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari bakit hindi ko gagawin ang role ko," she said.
Locsin clarified that she is not yet leaving showbiz. She only needs enough time to recover from the injury.
"Hanggang kailangan pa ako ng tao, hangga't gusto pa ako ng tao, nandito lang ako, Tito Boy," she promised.
STRONG SUPPORT GROUP
Locsin took pride of the support she is getting from her father, as well as her boyfriend Luis Manzano.
"Lagi siyang nandyan. Matalino si Luis eh. Alam niya kung paano niya ako mapapakalma. Alam niya kasing masakit sa akin 'to, hinahayaan niya akong i-express kung ano 'yong nasa loob ko, pero pinaparamdam niya na nandyan lang siya kahit anong mangyari," she said.
Locsin also clarified that she and Manzano have not planned in getting married yet. She, however, admitted that they frequently talk about it.
According to Locsin, Manzano's mother, veteran actress and Batangas governor Vilma Santos-Recto also gave her support to her decision to let go of the "Darna" movie.
Santos-Recto also played the role "Darna" in the 70s.
"Sabi niya sa akin, 'Gel, it's not worth it. Kung ako lang sana nagkaroon pa ako ng baby girl. Kailangan mong iprayoridad ang sarili mo, may mga mas importanteng bagay pa sa future," she recalled.
TRENDING ON TWITTER
Locsin was also a trending topic on Twitter worldwide. Netizens have expressed their insights on social media.
Meanwhile, Locsin has message to all her supporters.
Locsin continues to be positive about the "Darna" movie.
"Kailangan na pong lumipad ni 'Darna.' Marami pong taong naghihintay kay 'Darna,'" Locsin said.