Luis Manzano defends Angelica Panganiban against prima donna issue

It has been rumored that Rounin star Angelica Panganiban has been the cause of delay in the show's taping schedule because of the young actress's constant absences.

"Hindi naman," said Luis Manzano, defending his Rounin leading lady. "Technically, sira naman na ‘yong schedule. Tapos na dapat kami matagal na pero dahil sa bagyo, nasira ‘yong set. So kailangan naming mag-extend ng taping ulit."

Rounin took a year before it finally aired on ABS-CBN. Special effects and graphics caused the delay, management said.

Luis explained, "She [Angelica] has to accept projects din naman, di ba? Kailangan naming magtrabaho. So, ang dami naming natanggap din na ibang trabaho [while Rounin is in post-prod]. Kahit ako, ang dami ko na rin natanggap na ibang trabaho... So nagkasabay-sabay na. Kailangan din naman namin ng pahinga."

He added, "And I have to say, si Angel, sumi-segue ng taping 'yan. Maging Sino Ka Man from Batangas tapos babalik ng Rizal for Rounin. She's one of the hardest workers sa show."

Luis also dispelled rumors that the sexy young star is a prima donna on the set.

"Si Angel, hanggang 'di sinasabi na pack-up siya, she stays sa set. Never naging prima donna si Angel. Sinasabi niya beforehand na may cut-off siya [kung hangang anong oras lang siya puwede magtrabaho]. Alam naman ng lahat. Nagkataon lang na lahat kami hirap sa schedule," he clarified.

Angelica has two teleseryes, Rounin and Maging Sino Ka Man, as well as a variety show, ASAP '07. Luis also has Rounin and ASAP '07 to keep him busy.

Luis noted, "Hindi rin biro ang ginagawa ng production. Hirap ng ginagawa nila to juggle the schedules of everyone... Kung may cut-off ka, ginagawan naman ng paraan."

On a lighter note, Luis, who once admitted that he had a crush on Angelica, has only good things to say about Angelica and rumored squeeze Derek Ramsey.