We see nothing but good vibes and colorful ‘chika’-loving personality in Ogie Diaz. The host, comedian, and talent manager is always a source of positivity and credible showbiz reports. But, in this episode of I Feel U, we get to see a deeper side of him as he opens up about his other passions and advocacies.
The interview commenced with Ogie and host Toni Gonzaga looking back on doing comedy and talk-oriented shows together. Toni smiled at Ogie’s compliments about her wisdom and hosting style, saying she learned it from him and their Entertainment Konek co-hosts Director Joey Reyes and Ai-Ai delas Alas.
Ogie has been doing showbiz reporting for thirty-three years. Stars come and go but he never gets tired of his chosen niche. Listening to his stories about his career, it’s worth noting how Ogie maintains credibility. He knows what to divulge for content but he’s also aware of what’s to be kept. Secrets are secrets, “Dala mo ‘yan hanggang kamatayan,” he said. For him, good character especially being trustworthy is what makes up a good legacy.
This kind of attitude is what he also wishes to pass on to his kids. “Para naman kahit mawala ka sa mundo, may kakalabit na lang sa kanila, ‘Uy, kakilala ko ‘yung Tatay mo mabait siya noong araw.’ ‘Yung alaala, buhay pa rin.”
Ogie would admit that it’s hard to please everybody especially for showbiz figures like him. People have always something to say but what matters is he knows himself and he is not stepping on anyone.
Learning the ins and outs of showbiz, he discovered his calling as a talent manager. It started when the late comedian Tado. He has been observant since, taking down notes from seasoned talent managers like the late Douglas Quijano, who is known to be the pillar behind Richard Gomez’s fame.
One of Ogie’s brightest talents is Liza Soberano, who was discovered by then-talent scout and now manager Dudu Unay.
Apart from his showbiz life, Ogie also has humanitarian drives. He is an active member of the Kasuso Foundation, an institution that helps and supports breast cancer patients. The advocacy started in 2006 when his ‘Ninang’ convinced him to donate. He felt as though he had a calling for charitable service, so he continued helping the foundation. Besides, he feels more blessed by sharing to others.