A FEW years ago, Angel Locsin and Jennylyn Mercado couldn’t even breathe the same air.
The two ingenues, who were supposed to be good friends since they used to share the same home network and even talent agent (Becky Aguila), had a “feud” over Luis Manzano. In case you’ve forgotten, Angel dated Luis and then he met and fell in love with Jennylyn, and then Luis ran back to Angel’s arms.
The two would release pointed statements at each other to the press during that time. It was like the feud of the century. Then, Luis and Angel unceremoniously broke up and the friendship of the two actresses slowly mended. First, they followed each other on Instagram and then Jennylyn was even spotted attending Angel’s birthday party.
But now, the closure of ABS-CBN has brought the two actresses together. Both are vocal about the shutdown of the network and even against some government personalities. They have released fiery posts on social media, earning the ire of some and the admiration of many, including this writer.
On the day that the franchise of ABS-CBN was denied, Jennylyn posted this message on Instagram: “Sa mga taong tuwang-tuwa sa mga pangyayari, huwag niyo sana danasin ang lumuha din at mawalan. Hindi ba tinuruan tayo ng ating mga magulang na maging makatao sa kapwa? Rejoicing [over] other people’s sorrow is not only wrong but [also] inhumane.” She further argued to those insisting that the “law is the law:” “If you say that, then everyone should be held at the same standard, huwag muna tayo mag mañanita. Ang importante ngayon ang mga taong nawalan ng trabaho lalo na at pandemya.” She didn’t stop there. Jennylyn even had follow-up posts for her bashers, saying she cannot remain silent over the issue. And on Harry Roque’s statement about moving on, she retorted: “To move on is to disregard the suffering of others.”
In the meantime, Angel was one of the first celebrities to defend ABS-CBN, as early as when known President Duterte supporter and Pagcor official Jimmy Bondoc wished for the “demise” the network in a Facebook post. Angel posted: “The network might not be perfect but for you to be happy about thousands of people losing their jobs is pure evil. Maybe you’re just having a bad day. I will pray for you.” That started a heated social media exchange between the two.
Since then, Angel has been unabashedly vocal for the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN, claiming it touches on a lot of issues including job loss, press freedom and many more. In the recent big noise barrage organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the actress didn’t mince words as she encouraged—no, demanded—her fellow celebrities to speak up. “’Yung mga kasamahan kong artista na hindi pa rin nagsasalita, ano tatahimik na lang kayo? Wala na kayong network. Ano magpapa-cute na lang kayo sa Instagram?”
I met Angel and Jennylyn more than 10 years ago, when both were barely taking off in terms of their career, on the set of some youth-oriented show I swear I couldn’t remember the title. But what I remember is that the first time I laid my eyes on Angel, and then eventually Jennylyn, I was drawn to their beauty that for a fleeting moment I thought I had become a lesbian. I also remembered how they were nice to me, even respectful. And how when we would talk, they would often be very excited of all the possibilities that showbiz could offer not only in terms of fame but because it was their way to help their respective families.
Time flies so fast. Now, Angel and Jennylyn are among the biggest actresses. I was right in predicting that showbiz would be kind to them. I was also right to be struck by their physical beauty because time has been kind to them. It’s like they haven’t aged a day.
But I was wrong in thinking they had meek personalities. Angel and Jennylyn are two celebrities who use their voices to make a stand. They are fierce, strong women that I hope I can be when I grow up.
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