Angel not really into Valentine’s Day

MANILA, Philippines — Love is in the air today, but Angel Locsin said that she’s not really into Valentine’s Day.

“I’m not the type who celebrates Valentine’s,” the actress told reporters on the sidelines of the FDCP Film Ambassadors Night last Feb. 9 at the Sampaguita Gardens in Quezon City.

However, she won’t miss its celebration, thanks to her new beau. 

The actress being interviewed at the FDCP Film Ambassadors Night

“Mas siya yung nag-se-celebrate (He’s more into it). He said he’s preparing something. Maybe dinner lang,” Angel said, referring to businessman/film producer Neil Arce.

The actress confirmed that it was only this love month that they officially became a couple, contrary to rumors fueled in part by trips together like the Anne Curtis wedding in New Zealand last year and Neil’s sweet declarations on his Instagram.

“It’s very new. As in recent lang talaga, just this month,” she stressed.

Angel’s last known relationship was with Luis Manzano while Neil has been romantically linked to other showbiz beauties, the latest of whom was Bela Padilla.

Nevertheless, one good thing going in her new relationship, Angel said, is that it started out as friendship that developed into something more. “We’ve been friends for seven years,” she shared. “(We’re like) barkada.” 

Asked if he has the stamp of approval from her family, Angel said that her father knows Neil and the latter knows how important her family is to her.

The 32-year-old Pilipinas Got Talent judge was also asked if she finds Neil lifetime partner material. She replied that they weren’t going to enter a relationship if they didn’t see that they would be good for each other.

“But right now, we are taking our time” and simply enjoying their time together, Angel said. “I’m just happy to have him by my side.”

Meanwhile, Angel was one of the TV and film actors recognized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for her “outstanding performance” in the 2016 comedy-drama film Everything About Her with Vilma Santos. Her fellow FDCP honorees included Iza Calzado (Bliss), Ricky Davao (Dayang Asu) and Dina Bonnevie (Across The Crescent Moon). 

From friends to lovers: Angel confirmed that it was only this love month that she and Neil Arce officially became a couple. ­—Photo from Neil Arce’s Instagram

Angel also recently renewed her contract with ABS-CBN, marking her 10th year as a Kapamilya artist.

She is set to star in a movie under Star Cinema and a teleserye with Dreamscape. Her last series was La Luna Sangre.