Diether says he’s a one woman-man. He likes women who are intellectually provocative. And he thinks girls find him funny and sensitive.
Check out this conversation I had with the young actor as he talks about the girls in his life, toxic fame and a role in a Hollywood movie.
Television, movies and endorsements. You seem to be very busy. Why don’t you tell us about it?
Right now I’m busy with Recuerdo de Amor, a new soap opera shown in Channel 2 right after MTB. I just finished a movie with Rosanna Roces called La Vida Rosa under Star Cinema. I’m also part of ASAP. I endorse Pizza Hut and its new flavor, the Mexican Cheesy Crust and also Bench and its new hair gel, Fix.
Do you think you deserve to be where you are?
One thing’s for sure, I didn’t expect to be in this position. When I was very new, I didn’t ask for anything. Patience is a virtue.
To what do you attribute your success?
My family. They’ve always been supportive. Showbiz is full of challenges and my family has always been there. They keep my feet on the ground. They hit me on the head pag yumayabang na ako!
Do you think you’re mayabang?
I was. It came to a point that the attention I was getting was so overwhelming that I could not handle it.
Compare the Diether Ocampo five years ago and now.
Five years ago, I had no direction. Sabak lang ako ng sabak. Now, I’m more focused. I always think of my future. I’m now conscious that this isn’t forever. That’s why I’m thinking of a career behind the cameras. I’m now doing research and I’m planning to take up filmmaking soon.
What made you suddenly realize that fame is fleeting?
No specific incident. I just want to be ready. I’ve gone through a lot and my experiences have taught me very important reasons.
Describe your journey to stardom.
The road has always been slippery. You have to be focused to stay in course the whole time.
Let’s talk about the reel and real women in Diether’s life. What can you say about G Toengi, your first ever partner?
She’s one of the toughest persons I’ve ever worked with. Ha ha! We had a bad start kasi e. We had a hard time adjusting to each other but eventually we became close. I’m very lucky to have been paired with her. I don’t see her that much anymore but she’ll always be a friend.
Claudine Barretto?
She has always been my favorite partner. I constantly learn so much from her and I’ve gained so much confidence with her help. She’s been very supportive and our rapport is very good. But just like any other love team, it had to come to an end. But hopefully, we’ll get to be teamed up again.
Jessa Zaragoza?
She’s fun to work with. When I did Bakit Pa? with her, parang naglalaro lang kami. I’m very happy for her. She’s so successful now.
Rosanna Roces?
Rosanna is such a big surprise for me. She never fails to be excited for me. All my impressions about her, before meeting her were wrong. She’s really a nice person. She’s very supportive to her fellow actors. Osang’s got an attitude and guts!
How about Katrina Paula?
I think it’s a waste of time talking about her. She’s just a mere acquaintance and that ends here. What she was telling reporters about me (that we had a sexual tryst once) isn’t true.
LJ Moreno?
Now, we’re just friends. We don’t go out anymore but we still talk. Kamustahan and all. LJ knows me as a person. Yun’ tipong when we talk, she can tell if I’m lying. But there was so much going on. I’m just sad that we weren’t able to make the most of what we had. But who knows? Maybe in the future things will get better again.
An item came out recently saying that you’re now seeing the sister of Mia Nolasco. Comment.
She’s just an acquaintance. Her family is close to Elwood Perez and I know Elwood even before I started in showbiz. We were introduced and basically that’s it.
Who’s your showbiz crush?
Madami e. But Dina Bonnevie and Donita Rose stand out.
Do you think you’re guwapo?
No. I’d be the last person to describe myself that. Basically, I think it should all boil down to personality. You should have a well-rounded one to attract girls! Ha ha!
Another actor once said that he’s getting involved in a lot of things to prove that he’s more than just muscles. Comment.
I don’t think I have to prove that I’m more than just muscles. Sa acting lahat yan e! Although I have to admit that I still have to improve but I’m constantly trying. I know that having muscles can get you somewhere but it won’t make you last. At the end of the day, talent prevails.
What are the three things that you couldn’t leave home without?
My cellphone, my vitamins and of course, the keys to my house!
What will Diether Ocampo die for?
Any role in a Hollywood movie. I’d do anything to be in one.
Anything?
Yes, anything! Ha ha!