Liza Soberano and Ogie Diaz. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update
Ogie Diaz said he is opting not to speak against his former talent, actress Liza Soberano, because she was just airing her side of the story and he was not offended by such.
The comedian-talent manager spoke about this in his vlog released on Monday, March 13, as he reacted to the first part of Soberano’s interview with Boy Abunda. Diaz clarified that their recent vlog was recorded last March 11, hence it does not include his reactions to the second part of Soberano’s interview, which was also released on Monday.
“Hangga’t maaari, hangga’t kaya kong unawain ang dati kong alaga na hanggang ngayon naman ay anak-anakan ko, ay hindi para magsalita tayo or kontrahin siya kung ano ‘yung paniniwala niya, kasi paniniwala ‘yon ni Liza,” he said.
(As long as I can be understanding to my former talent, who I still treat as my child until now, I am not speaking or going against what she believes in because it is her belief.)
“Sa tono ng pananalita ni Liza, may himig siya ng hinampo sa akin, pero ako wala—galit, tampo—wala. Lagi ‘yung prayers ko na sana ay nasa maayos na lagay si Liza, nasa maayos yung kanyang mindset at state of mind,” he continued. “Hindi para kontrahin si Liza [kasi] kwento niya ‘yon e.”
(Considering Liza’s tone [in the vlog], she seems to have ill feelings towards me but me, I have none towards her. I always pray that she is in a good state, with the right mindset and state of mind. I would not speak against her because she is just telling her story.)
Diaz stressed how he does not want to talk about the issue anymore because he does not feel the need to discuss to the public how they managed Soberano.
“Nakakapagod na rin naman itong mga sagut-sagutan…At the end of the day, naging Liza Soberano siya, ‘yun ang importante,” he said. (This exchange of responses has become tiring. At the end of the day, what’s important is she became Liza Soberano.)
Diaz confessed that he gets hurt whenever Soberano is being subjected to bashing because of her statements, noting how he feels sorry as a father figure to the actress.
Diaz also pointed out that he does not need apologies from the actress because he does not take any offense at Soberano’s statements. But still, Diaz said he is saddened by the recent exchange of statements from both parties.
“Sumasagot lang naman ako kung ano ‘yung para sa akin [ay nangyari], ito naman ‘yung totoo para sa akin. Kaya kung may tampo man si Liza sa akin, sorry anak if in any way na-offend kita or feeling mo kinalaban kita, or feeling mo kino-kontra kita,” he addressed Soberano. “Wala akong matandaan na kino-kontra kita kasi sinasabi ko lang kung ano yung sa alam ko ay totoo.”
(I’m just responding and saying what I think happened—the truth for me. So if ever she has ill feelings towards me, I’m sorry, child, if I offended you or if you felt like I’m fighting or speaking against you. I do not remember an instance when I spoke against you. I am just stating what is true for me.)
During the vlog, Diaz also dismissed claims that he did not get commission from the actress’ talent fee in the last two years of their contract. Diaz clarified that he still gets commission from the actress until now because some of the endorsements “overlapped” with their manager-talent contract.
The comedian, who appeared to have already watched the second part of Soberano’s interview, announced through his Instagram Stories that he will be speaking up and releasing another video later today.
Image: Instagram/@ogie_diaz
/ra