Kind, genuine Ogie

OGIE Alcasid becomes a more engaging host after “a couple of rounds.”

If I were asked to name the genuinely nice celebs in the biz, Ogie Alcasid would top my list. He is kind even when there are no cameras around. Since it’s his natal day this week (Aug. 27), I will pay tribute to my ever-wonderful friend.

Even sans the trappings of success, he has always been a great person. Above and beyond the platinum records, sold-out concerts and hit TV shows/movies, what makes Ogie truly special is his heart of gold.

That his ex-wife Michelle van Eimeren and his present wife Regine Velasquez are good friends says a lot about the kind of man Ogie is. He is indeed a rare breed.

I will spend eternity thanking him for always holding a mini-concert during my parties. Ogie’s duet with Regine was the highlight of my celebration last year. As an added treat, he brought along two of his wards, Davey Langit and Lara Maigue, to sing as well.

I was so touched when he got me a commemorative Michael Jackson issue of Rolling Stone magazine during one of his trips to the United States. He knows that I’m an MJ diehard.

Ogie never runs out of big and little things to do in the name of friendship. He truly lives up to the title of his signature song “Nandito Ako” because you can count on him no matter what.

Birth anniversary cheers, dearest Ogie! Wish I can have you cloned because the world will be lovelier if there are more people like you.

Celebs share their memorable moments with Ogie:

Ryan Cayabyab

If you have seen how good Ogie hosts when he is sober, you should see him after he has had a couple of rounds. He is brilliant. He is very quick and witty. His ad-libs come all the way from Pluto and the audience won’t stop laughing, promise.

Martin Nievera

Ogie is one of the dearest people I know. He is sensitive and funny, not to mention out-of-this world crazy. Just before our concert with Regine and Pops (Fernandez) at SM Mall of Asia Arena, he was in perfect crazy form. In the dressing room, he put on a one-man show of ad-libs and impromptu singing and dancing. He had us on the floor laughing, almost in tears. Just as swiftly, he turned silent, making us think it really wasn’t him that made us laugh.

Noel Cabangon

My most memorable moment with Ogie was when he asked me if I wanted to collaborate with him on a song for President Aquino. “Bagong Pilipinas” was recorded and performed with other artists for the President’s inauguration.

Dingdong Avanzado

Ogie and I go way back… since our La Salle and Kundirana days. He is like a brother to me. That’s why it’s hard to single out just one memorable moment with him. But if I were to pick a recent one… it would be when he gave my daughter Jayda a professional recording USB microphone for Christmas. He is not only generous with his time and talent, but he really shares his blessings. Go Tiger!

Cooky Chua

Back in the 1990s, I interpreted a song in a contest. Ogie was a member of the board of judges. He was encouraging, kind and generous with his comments about my singing. I also had the time of my life with him and other artists during the OPM Fair in Cebu.

Mark Bautista

During my concert at the Aliw Theater, Kuya Ogie was my special guest. He wasn’t feeling well but he still entertained the audience. I admire his passion for his craft. He and Ate Reg welcomed me to their home when I asked for help after Typhoon “Sendong” hit my hometown, Cagayan de Oro. Without hesitation, they gave monetary aid to the victims.

Joey Generoso

So many memories of Ogie through our years of friendship. I treasure singing “Nais Ko,” his composition for Side A. Ogie always brings good vibes—never a dull moment with him.

Voices of Healing

The University of the Philippines (UP) Medical Alumni Fund Inc., with the UP College of Medicine Resource Generation Office, will present “Ang Soap Opera ng Buhay Ko (The Concert: Voices of Healing)” on Aug. 26 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. The show features the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Gerard Salonga, with Lea Salonga, Ryan Cayabyab, Jed Madela, Vice Ganda, Mark Bautista, Cris Villonco, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Bituin Escalante, Pinky Marquez, Franco Laurel, The Tux, Caisa Borromeo, Baihana, Catherine Fisher, The Mass Appeal, Ateneo Chamber Singers and UP Medicine Choir.

Proceeds will go into the construction of the UP College of Medicine Academic Center. Call Karin Estepa at 0922-8253146 or 5264255.