What it takes to be a ‘hurado’, according to Ogie Alcasid

Ogie Alcasid

Sitting as a judge in “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” a segment of the noontime show “It’s Showtime,” has made Ogie Alcasid realize just how difficult it is to assess an aspiring singer’s performance.

“You have to be objective without coming off as a villain,” Ogie told reporters in a recent pocket interview for his upcoming show, “Ogie and the Hurados.”

“There’s no right or wrong opinion. But you owe it to the contestant to be honest. And there are ways of doing it without being hurtful,” he added. “You can say, ‘You have the voice, but it’s not your day today … the performance wasn’t as good.’ You have to draw the line … [when making your] critique. You can’t say, ‘O, mag-juggler ka na lang.’”

“In fact,” he revealed, “some of the judges have been sent to the ‘principal’s office’ [for out-of-line comments].”

Things get even trickier when it’s the children’s edition of the contest they’re doing. “You can’t be too harsh or critical. There’s a psychologist on standby, actually, because some kids cry over it,” Ogie related. “You have to be gentle with them. You can tell them, ‘You did well, but you need more practice … maybe you’re just tired.’”

But more than anything, it’s imperative that comments must be strictly about the performance. “You can’t rag on a contestant’s personality, you don’t judge looks or body-shame … anything that doesn’t have anything to do with singing,” he said.

In “Ogie and the Hurados”—set on Oct. 10 at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater (call 8919999)—the singer-songwriter will be sharing the stage with his fellow judges in “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” including Jed Madela, Rey Valera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Karylle, Randy Santiago, K Brosas and Karla Estrada.

The Top 3 contenders of the singing tilt’s recently concluded third season—Elaine Duran, John Mark Saga and John Michael de la Cerna, have also been invited to perform.

“I and the other hurados meet up often for jamming sessions. So I thought, ‘Why not do a concert?’” Ogie said.

On parenting

On his eldest child, Leila, who is trying to make a name for herself in the music industry, Ogie said it’s important for him to give her free reign to make her own career decisions.

“I was allowed to pursue the things I wanted when I was young. And I want to be that kind of parent to her. I treat her like an adult. I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said.

He knows that being Leila’s father puts a lot of expectations on his daughter.

“I don’t want her to start feeling the pressure that comes with working in this biz. I prefer that she does her own thing at her own pace,” Ogie pointed out. “I don’t want her to limit herself.”

And while Leila’s career has yet to fully blossom, Ogie has complete trust in her abilities. “Her gift is in songwriting. Her sound isn’t mainstream—there are influences of jazz, blues and soul,” he said of Leila, who has so far released three singles. “It’s a sophisticated style.”

When it comes to Leila’s personal life, Ogie said he doesn’t really spoil her, encouraging her to be more independent.

“She pays her own bills. If she wants to travel, I don’t pay for that. I want her to learn how to save and budget her own money,” Ogie said. “But fortunately, she’s a responsible kid.”

(Story on Leila Alcasid tomorrow.)