Locsín grew up in Bulacan and was the second child in a brood of three. Her parents were separated when she was fourteen and she has since lived with her father. Locsin's career in show business began after she was spotted by a talent scout when she cut class with a friend while shopping at SM Mall. She auditioned for several commercials and soon after she landed a contract with GMA Network.
Locsín first appeared in Click, a teen-oriented program on the GMA Network, as the tomboyish Charley (short for Charlotte) where she was paired with (Railey Valeroso).However, she only became widely known when she first appeared on the cover of FHM Philippines. The same magazine frequently lists her as one the "100 Sexiest Women in the World", as well as sexiest Filipina, ranking No. 2 behind Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. She has also been known the current sex symbol of the Philippines.
After appearing in Click, Locsin gained further exposure as she was cast in television shows like Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw Pa Rin, All Together Now and Love to Love
In 2004, Locsin received what is considered her biggest break yet. She starred as one of the lead stars in the telefantasya Mulawin. After her role as the half-human, half-avian Alwina where got to be paired with Aguiluz (Richard Gutierrez),she auditioned for the title role of the classic Filipina superhero in Darna television series. She won the part hands down, and was chosen to don the iconic red suit and crest among numerous actresses who tried out. Locsin reunited with former love team Dennis Trillo as they top-bill in GMA's newest fantasy-themed series, Majika.
Aside from television, Locsín also starred in films. Among her big screen credits are Kuya, Mano Po 2, Singles, Sigaw and in 2005 the box-office hit Let The Love Begin, alongside perennial partner Richard Gutierrez. Her team-up with Gutierrez is considered by some as one of the best pairings in the country. She reprised her role as Alwina in the movie adaptation of Mulawin.
Locsin also had her fair share of controversy after appearing in one of the Axe TV ads, many feminist groups, as well as former Senator Nikki Coseteng, complained about the offensive gestures in the advertisement. In the television commercial, Angel is teasing a man by showing off money and her body but the man approaches Angel and takes only her money. Because of the complaints, Unilever Philippines, the maker of Axe, slowly pulled out the commercial.
Locsin, on 21 April 2006, spent a pre-21st birthday get-together with close friends and relatives in Aurora Ville Resort. After a short program hosted by Joel Almagro, Locsin thanked the organizers for a simple but sincere effort to make her day complete. This, after spending the whole day with kids with various medical conditions and giving free medical aid.
the move to kapamilya
Then came one of the biggest controversies involving Angel to date. Her move to ABS-CBN was met with so much fanfare that she was always on top of the headlines and talk shows for several months. Her transfer didn’t really sit well among the bigwigs of GMA-7 and were very vocal of condemning her actions. The sex scandal issue only made matters worse. Jennylyn Mercado was even dragged into the limelight when her career in GMA-7 stopped temporarily allegedly because of the transfer.
Nevertheless, with the help of her family, friends, and her new management, she was able to pull herself through. Her first project was with Piolo Pascual , who also was her co-endorser in a number of products. Lobo became an instant hit because of the very unique story and the different kind of Angel that TV audiences saw. Finally, she wasn’t just fighting, but she was also taking the route of being a drama princess. Her show rated very well in different provinces and even outside the country, where the TFC channel can be shown. Thus, Angel wasn’t only known in the Philippines but also all over the world. Today, she is currently honing her horseback riding skills in preparation for her first Star Cinema movie, which will be shot in Australia together with Piolo Pascual.
She also clarified several unfounded rumors of her supposed rift with Claudine Barretto in a beauty salon. Different speculations came up, which include a tension-filled argument and confrontation between the two. Though neither party spoke openly about the incident, the ABS-CBN management, where they both belong, issued an official statement and that the case is already resolved.
Angel is considered to be Marian Rivera ’s professional rival considering that both are known for their assertive nature, strong acting abilities, and great bodies. The competition was further fueled when Marian became a Jag endorser, while Angel moved on to Folded and Hung.
Romantically, Angel found herself in a number of serious relationships. Her relationship with Mico Sotto ended abruptly when the latter died after a tragic fall in a condominium. Soon, she found comfort in the arms of Mico’s cousin, Oyo Boy Sotto , though it didn’t last long either because of lack of time. These days Angel is often seen together with Luis Manzano , son of Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos . Dennis Trillo was once rumored to be one of his persistent suitors.
