Is Angel the new action star?

Since I'm a big fan of Kung fu and other martial arts flicks, wherein of course the flying kicks are as essential as the story, I admit to get pretty feverish over stories that promise to pack a punch.

There's a lot hoopla raised for GMA 7's latest television series, "Asian Treasures." While it is a first in the sense that it's going to take us to places in the tradition, perhaps, of Indiana Jones-meets-Jackie Chan (aren't lead actor Robin Padilla's whip-plus-cowboy hat and wisecracking antics enough of a suggestion?), the martial arts aspect was already attempted in "Sugo." But will "Asian Treasures" transcend "Sugo"-if not deliver where the latter might have failed?

Actually, I'm more excited in the idea that the lead actress, in the person of Angel Locsin, is equally sharing the (real) stuntwork and combat duties in "Asian Treasures."

Last Saturday, I had the chance to talk to Angel, who seemingly looked the part of an action star, as she appeared more buff than ever, and sported a tan.

"Masaya kami despite yung pagod, hirap, mga pasa, mga sugat dahil nakita namin ang suporta ng mga tao," she said of the reported explosive TV debut ratings.

For role immersion, Angel trained for two months in martial arts-muay thai, arnis, knife-fighting and scuba. "Marunong na ako ng scuba kasi diver and competitive swimmer ako before. Pero iba kasi yung fight scenes sa ilalim ng dagat so kailangan paghandaan yun."

The most difficult stunt she has pulled off so far was jumping off a building's second floor. "As much as possible, walang doubles kasi parang pini-peke namin. Pag-may mag congratulate sa amin for a good scene, I'll feel guilty kung double ang gumawa nun."

"Masaya ako na ako ang gumagawa ng stunts, parang feeling ko yung mga pasa-pasa ko yun yung trophy ko," added Angel, who has expressed in past interviews that if she weren't in showbiz, she'd most likely be taking up criminology and pursuing a career fighting bad elements for real.

"Asian Treasures" will be featuring Thailand, Mongolia, China, among other Asian countries. But the shooting has been confined to the country as of press time, showcasing local attractions, especially those with historical significance.

"Mas nag-e-enjoy ako na dito sa Pilipinas mag-shooting kasi marami akong natutunan tungkol sa history natin," she said, adding that late last week, they went to Mt. Samat in Bataan to visit the "Dambana ng Kagitingan."

It is Robin who has been choreographing the fight scenes, and Angel admitted that his conscientious direction of such is making things a bit easier, if not safer, for her. Angel also looks up to Robin in terms of dedication to work. She revealed that a few days ago, Robin broke his nose in a fight scene, but instead of packing up, they went on with the shooting.

When asked if she'd be having a kissing scene with Binoe, she squirmed a bit, admittedly uneasy even at the thought of it. "Wala pa naman sa ngayon. Ayaw pa naming isipin." She readily agreed when we said that it might not be necessary in the story. "Parang pangit kasi. Sinasabi ko sa kanya, Kuya Binoe, hindi naman talaga tayo loveteam eh, ilang taon din difference natin. Tapos tawa lang siya ng tawa."

Aware of brewing intrigues linking him to Robin, as in the case with his ex-leading ladies, Angel clarified that why they click is because Robin sees in her his younger self during his early years in showbiz.

So, how does the "new action star" tag sound to her? She beamed to her ears. "Ni-we-welcome ko yung ganoong pagtingin kasi, yeah, gusto ko talaga maging action star kasi parang wala naming ibang gumagawa niyan.

"So happy ako na ako ang nagsimula, from Mulawin, to Darna, to Majika tapos eto, Asian Treasures."