NEWSFLASH

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PREGNANCY COST MARICEL HOLLYWOOD ROLE

Manila, Jan. 24, 1998 - Several Manila columnists feel sorry for Maricel Laxa, whose pregnancy got her name crossed out of the role opposite Nick Nolte and Bill Pullman in a Hollywood movie being shot in the Philippines.

Maricel's mom, former actress Imelda Ilagan, said that the Hollywood production group wanted to accommodate her by adopting the pregnancy to the role.

"But in the end, they decided against the idea," Imelda said. "They were worried that the health of the baby might get affected."

Maricel is due to give birth next month to her second baby. She and husband Anthony Pangilinan, a TV newscaster, have a 2-year old daughter, Ella.

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