Ogie: I go where the work is

MANILA, Philippines – When Ogie Alcasid started making appearances on ABS-CBN’s ASAP several weeks ago and then he became visible in It’s Showtime as one of the juries in Tawag ng Tanghalan, speculations grew stronger that he is set to return to the Kapamilya network.

True enough, Ogie has recently made official his “homecoming” after signing a contract with some of ABS-CBN’s bigwigs and it was only last Thursday afternoon when he was formally introduced as one of the three judges of the kids’ edition of Your Face Sounds Familiar in a solo presscon. The other two are Sharon Cuneta and Gary Valenciano who both sat in the jury panel during the previous editions of the singing and impersonation contest.

“It was not that easy to decide especially when you’re at the crossroads of your career; na marami ka ng ginawa,” said Ogie on his “much delayed” return to ABS. “Why only now? I guess it was time. Sabi nga, in God’s time at parang ito ‘yung perfect time na ginawa ni God for me to come back here.”

Ogie shared his decision to swing back to ABS-CBN had something to do with his rock-solid desire to share his God-given talents to people. Still, it is a must for him to seek the opinion first of his wife Regine Velasquez before coming to a concrete decision.

“To hear each other’s opinion, of course, is part of our being husband and wife although we never necessarily meddle in our (respective) career moves. We just support each other but it is always a must to hear one’s opinion. Regine’s opinion is probably the most important opinion for me next to God. Kung ano ‘yung sabihin n’ya, may weight ‘yun sa akin.”

Ogie continued, “We always say na kung nasaan ‘yung trabaho doon kami. We, too, always say that we are willing to go wherever we can share and display our talent and passion. So after weighing everything, I’ve realized that it is here where I can utilize my talent more.”

But he was quick to add that arriving at a final decision didn’t happen overnight. “It was a process; part of it was the invitation to guest in different shows here (ABS). The welcome was very warm.”

To recall, the singer-songwriter started his TV career on ABS-CBN via Small Brothers with Janno Gibbs in 1992. Since then, he appeared in different shows in various networks such as GMA 7 and TV 5 aside from topbilling in movies and attending singing engagements.

“I’ve seen old friends once again and they actually reminded me that I started here through Small Brothers then I also had a sitcom called Mana-Mana and a game show, Game Na Game Na.

“At dito ko rin nakilala ‘yung naging unang asawa ko, ha,ha,ha (referring to then Miss Australia Michelle Van Eimeren) when I acted as a tour guide of the (1994) Miss Universe candidates. Memories flashed on my mind when I came back here. So ‘yun, after several meetings, they (bosses) offered me (projects), sabi ko minaniobra ito ni Lord.”

What’s nice about Ogie is his ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with people whom he had worked with in the past. Burning bridges is not his thing. “It is best to invest in building strong ties with people because you’ll never know that they could be the same people you’ll crossed paths with when you get older. I’m proud to say that I was able to do that; wala akong naalala na naka-away ko. It feels good that after all these years, wala silang masasabi sa ‘yo, especially now that I’m in ABS.”

Accepting the kids’ edition of Your Face Sounds Familiar to be his first regular TV show as a Kapamilya didn’t make him think long and hard. He said the idea of sitting as a judge of the singing and impersonation contest appealed to him right away.

“Well, you know that I love kids. I have a five-year-old son (Nate), a 15-year-old daughter (Sarah) and (another daughter aged) 19 (Leila) so I can say that my experience with kids as a father is wide so the program appeals to me. When I was doing comedy, I also got to imitate personalities. That’s why I think ‘yung pagiging judge ay bagay naman.”

In fact, Ogie can’t wait to see the kiddie contestants’ performances. They are Alonzo Muhlach, Awra Briguela, Lyca Gairanod, Elha Nympha, Justin Alva, Sam Shoaf, Xia Vigor and AC Bonifacio.

The impersonation part, Ogie deems, is the hardest thing for the kids “but I think the most important is that they enjoy what they’re doing kahit anupaman yan. The show is an entertainment piece so as long as the kids are entertaining enough and they are able to communicate while performing or while copying, then that’s okay. The impact, I guess, is also an important factor for me. Audience impact is one great edge.”

Asked about his approach as judge to kids, Ogie said that he’ll probably add humor to his comments. “I-hu-humor ko sila while trying to impart something to them. ‘Pag dinaan mo sa humor o nahuli yung kiliti nila, they will probably remember things and understand your (pieces of) advice.”

Would he allow his son Nate to join Your Face?

“I think he’s too young; he’s only five. Next year? Well, Regine wishes to see me and Nate together. If (Nate) wants it, why not? I wouldn’t be thinking twice,” Ogie replied.

(Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids will air Saturdays and Sundays beginning Jan. 7, 2017.)