"Aalis kami ni Angel ng December 26," said Oyoboy Sotto about his post-Christmas plans with girlfriend Angel Locsin in an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last December 21.
"Kahit ilang araw lang para makapahinga sa sunud-sunod na trabaho... Bagong environment naman ang gusto namin kaya sa Bantayan Island [sa Cebu] kami pupunta. Matagal na naming plano yon at akala nga namin, hindi matutupad."
In the end, the young lovers' planned vacation never happened.
Days after the scheduled trip, signs of trouble between the couple were becoming evident. In an interview with GMA-7's Lhar Santiago, Angel revealed that the trip was cancelled.
"Sorry talaga, mahabang istorya," said the young actress, trying to avoid questions about why the trip was called off.
In last Saturday's Startalk episode, host Butch Francisco reported that Angel and Oyo had broken up. "At least, di ba, na-save namin 'yong friendship," a somber Angel said vaguely. "Hindi ko ipagpapalit ‘yon—‘yong friendship na ‘yon—kasi mahalaga sa akin ‘yon."
The now ex-couple are keeping mum about the subject.
During GMA-7's New Year Countdown, Angel—one of the network's top stars—was not able to attend because of health reasons. Earlier reports reaching PEP said that Angel was hospitalized because of "depression." In fact, the cause was seafood. The young actress, who is a great lover of seafood, had seafood that did not agree with her stomach.
Meanwhile, her male co-stars expressed concern and support for the actress.
"Matagal ko nang kilala si Angel, marami na kaming ginawang projects, [marami na rin kaming] pinagdaanan," said Richard Gutierrez, Angel's co-star in Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di, in an interview with 24 Oras.
He added, "I can say I really care for her as a friend... I just want her to be happy, and I wish her all the happiness. She deserves to be happy. She's working hard and I wish her all the best. And si Angel naman, malapit sa Diyos ‘yon e, so I'm sure iga-guide siya ni Lord."
Dennis Trillo is also one of Angel's on-screen partners. They have worked together in several projects including the fantaserye Majika, the horror film Txt, and the TV adaptation of Darna. Dennis once courted the young actress.
"Okay yung pinagsamahan namin, ‘tsaka mabuti kaming magkaibigan—walang iwanan," said Dennis of his friendship with Angel.
"Wag kang mag-alala, everything will be okay," he added in his words of support for his leading lady. "Ipagdadasal kita para maging mas masaya ka, ‘tsaka sigurado akong magiging maayos ang lahat nitong darating na taon. Kaya relax ka lang!"