Liza Soberano and Ogie Diaz. Image: Facebook/Ogie Diaz
Ogie Diaz has confirmed that the film “Hello, Love, Goodbye” was indeed offered to Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil first, but he noted that there are projects which would eventually be given to other actors.
Hours after sharing his thoughts on second-choice artists being successful with their chosen film and TV projects, the talent manager said on his YouTube vlog on Tuesday, March 7, that Soberano was then filming for “Bagani” and the “Darna” movie (which was eventually turned into a TV series) when the project was offered to her.
“Totoo naman ‘yun,” he began. “Tulad ng sinabi ni [director] Olivia Lamasan na dating managing director ng Star Cinema sa kanyang panayam kay Toni Gonzaga kung naalala mo pa na originally, [Hello, Love, Goodbye] was for Liza and Enrique Gil.”
(That is true. Director Olivia Lamasan, who was the managing director of Star Cinema even mentioned that on her past interview with Toni Gonzaga, that “Hello, Love, Goodbye” was meant for Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil.)
Diaz then shared that plans for “Hello, Love, Goodbye” eventually fell through because the actress was filming two projects before suffering from a fractured finger sustained during the filming of “Bagani.”
“Dahil merong gagawing proyekto si Liza, ito yata ‘yung panahon ng ‘Darna’ na pelikula bago ginawang teleserye. At nakapag-film na siya ng mga eksena with Erik Matti noon. Tapos may ‘Bagani’ sila, then nagka-problema ‘yung daliri ni Liza so hindi siya natuloy,” he added.
(If I can remember, Liza was doing a lot of projects at that time. It was during the time of “Darna” before it was made into a teleserye, where she filmed scenes with director Erik Matti, then she also had “Bagani.” And then, Liza suffered from a finger injury, that’s why plans fizzled out.)
During her interview with Bea Alonzo, Soberano revealed that the offer still stood for Enrique Gil, however, the female lead role was then pitched to Kathryn Bernardo which she eventually accepted.
While the TV personality noted that there are films and shows meant for certain actors, he admitted that if Soberano’s statement in her interview with Bea Alonzo was indeed true, then Star Cinema owed her something.
“Matalas kasi ang memorya ni [Liza] eh. Kung yun ang sinabi sa kanya at um-oo ang Star Cinema sa kanya, edi may utang ang Star Cinema sa kanya. Kaya lang, naniniwala ako na kung hindi ukol, hindi bubukol. Lagi akong naniniwala na merong project na nakalaan para sa’yo,” he added.
(Liza has a sharp memory. But if that was what Star Cinema said to her, then they owe her something. But even so, I still believe that if things were not meant for you, then they are not for you. I always believe that there are other projects meant for you as well.)
Soberano’s former talent manager also addressed the “Lisa Frankenstein” star’s remarks about the loveteam culture in the local showbiz industry, saying that he chose to understand where she’s coming from.
“Bilang dating manager, kailangan ko siyang unawain kasi ‘yun ang pinupunto ng bata. Kahit isiksik pa natin sa utak niya na, ‘Ito ang showbiz. Hindi pwede yung gusto mo ay kailangang iiral. Hindi naman ganun,’ hindi ko kayang gawin yun kasi siyempre, magbabakbakan lang kami ng opinyon,” he said.
(As her former manager, I have to understand where she’s coming from. Even if we remind her that, “This is the reality of the showbiz industry. You can’t force things to go a certain way,” I can’t do that because we might challenge each other’s opinions.)
Following Soberano’s “life update” vlog, Diaz earlier stressed that he wishes his former ward good luck in her future career pursuits. He also reminded that the actress’ screen name was given to her by Malou Santos of Star Cinema.
The TV personality also spoke about his responsibilities as a talent manager in a separate post, where he noted that the future of his present wards is part of his job. EDV