Angel: Casual relationships not for me

MANILA, Philippines - In the age of social media, when labels on boy-girl relationships run the gamut like answers on a multiple-choice test — dating, engaged, open, close, it’s complicated — it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Angel Locsin can’t somehow define her “relationship” with Phil Younghusband in terms as simple as black and white.

“No labels, but the love is there, it’s not official, but it’s exclusive” were the words, if stringed together, that the actress used when pressed by the media to describe the status of her relationship with the heartthrob footballer, at the presscon for Unofficially Yours, her new Star Cinema movie with John Lloyd Cruz, under the direction of rom-com master Cathy Garcia-Molina. 

“It’s the first time I’m experiencing something that has no labels, but we’re exclusively seeing each other,” Angel admitted. “Kanya-kanyang type lang siguro. Pwedeng nag-go-grow lang tayo. But of course, at the end of the day, you still want it official. But it’s difficult to force something that doesn’t work yet for you.  I admit (it causes) confusion especially if I’m being asked by the media, but what I know is that there’s love. The (official) label and status — that’s something we don’t talk about.”

To recall, the Angel and Phil “love story” had a non-traditional start, unfolding first for the world wide web to see as Phil asked Angel on Twitter to a date on Valentine’s season last year.

Angel recalled that at first, she had no intention of saying yes. Upon the prodding of her friends (and their respective thousands of Twitter fans, if we may add), she gave it a try. Exactly one year after, whatever they now have — the signs all point to something going strong and smoothly.

In some of Phil’s most crucial games with the Azkals last year, Angel provided the cheers and support. When Phil’s mother sadly passed away also last year, the public saw Angel offering her presence and comfort.

Phil may be half-breed (he’s Filipino-British), but Angel said he’s very Pinoy... and very sentimental. “He likes to write you letters.”

She added, “(For me) I’m happy that I found someone who takes care of you, who respects you, who enjoys your company, who inspires you, who brings back that confidence in yourself, and who supports what you love doing. But I feel that malayo pa and that this isn’t it yet. There’s more happiness to come, and mas excited ako dun. I treasure the memories we have so far, but I believe na may mas maganda pa na patutunguhan.”

One thing she has made clear: She’s not into casual relationships, which is the subject explored in Unofficially Yours, which according to direk Cathy, tells a bolder and edgier story, albeit with a rom-com treatment, as compared to the previous films she had helmed.

Angel plays a senior lifestyle writer for a newspaper who mentors a newbie played by John Lloyd.

Direk Cathy explained in a media release: “Basically, it’s a story about a guy who believes so much in love then falls in love with someone who doesn’t. The girl practices casual relationships, non-committal, no ties. The guy’s character wants the girl to believe in love again, that a formal relationship is better than a casual one.”

“My character is liberated,” Angel also explained in our interview, “It’s something new for me.”

Angel said she truly understands where her character’s coming from, that it’s a sensitive and tricky situation that she’s in, and that the character’s very relatable. But it doesn’t mean she can completely identify with it. Angel said, “(My character practices casual sex or relationships). I’m not like that. I cannot accept that. It’s not me.”

Asked if she thinks it’s possible that something lasting and permanent can come out of “relationships” that start out that way, she said, “I believe it’s best if a relationship begins with love rather than lust or any other intention.”

Unofficially Yours opens on Feb. 15 in theaters nationwide.