In the same interview, Angel disclosed that she has been preparing for the project for nearly two years. But she learned recently that her health will not allow her to push through with the movie, much as she wants to.
Here’s the complete press statement from Kane Choa, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communication, about Angel’s prompt decision to quit Darna: “It’s with deep regret that we announce that ABS-CBN Star Cinema and Angel Locsin 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 regimes for two years.
“Unfortunately, this led to her developing a 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 action scenes in the film. Aside from that, she will need to go undergo rehabilitation and treatment.
“And so, while we have envisioned her to do the iconic Filipino heroine, Angel’s health and safety are both per primary concern. Hence, the decision.
Fans need not worry. They can 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.
“Again, we sincerely thank Angel for her hard work and pray for her recovery.”
In the same interview with Boy, Angel said she can- not determine, much less pinpoint exactly what may have caused or triggered her spine injury.
But people who have followed Angel’s career since she started in showbiz 10 years ago, still clearly remember that in “Love Me Again,” her first and last movie with Piolo Pascual, she needed to ride a horse and had the ani- mal, in some scenes, run very fast. “Ilang beses ding napabalitang nahulog siya sa kabayo, habang pinata-takbo niya ito.
“Puwedeng doon at noon nagsimula ang lahat.
Na na-trigger lang lately when she started doing workouts, including ascending mountains in some nearby towns.
“Kaya, tama ang ABS- CBN, Star Cinema, lalo na si Angel, na i-sacrifice na niyang huwag gawin ang Darna.
“Marami pa naming projects na pang-TV at peli- kula na babagay sa kanya,” said a kibitzer.
As of this writing, Star Cinema and ABS-CBN have yet to officially announce who among their stars will replace Angel in Darna. Although, a report said, it could be Liza Soberano.
Another question: will Erik Matti, who would have di- rected Angel’s “Darna” movie, be replaced, too? (E. Ramos, malaya)