Celebrating the multi-talented Ogie Diaz

MANILA, Philippines, January 3 ------ Marks the 54th birthday of one of my very few closest friends this side of showbiz Roger Pandaan in real life or more popularly known as Ogie Diaz. No, this isn't a tribute of sorts but a bit of history how we crossed paths, well, as fate would have it. 

It was sometime in 1990 when the morning edition of "Headline Manila," of which I was the entertainment editor, folded up. Since it was my first regular crack at showbiz, I felt I had to settle in another outlet with regular pay although times then were not as hard as they are today. Compared to the tabloids, it was the fan magazines which were lording it over. Considered a behemoth chain of publications then was the Graphic Arts (GASI) which also churned out a good number of the now-extinct komiks. Probably next to the GASI fan mags which produced some of the revered names in showbiz writing was the Mariposa Publications. It was owned by then-couple Loren Banag and Cristy Fermin who dared to thrown down the gauntlet, so to speak, in the highly competitive magazine business. 

Unlike the GASI mags, those published by Mariposa (Gossip, Scandals, Teenstars, Scandals, Rumors and later Bitchy) had to painstakingly make do with very little resources it had. Made as mag covers were solo shots of celebrities on 3R, enlarged around which were graphics (from letter transfers or what we used to call "pulot") of direct quotes ascribed to them. In stark contrast, GASI's mags had well-photographed windows with a stronger visual appeal any reader's eyes could feast on. I remember having spoken personally to Cristy the day I applied for a job as an editor. It was under a coconut tree beside where her van was parked. Cristy took me to the second floor of the duplex office, made me edit a pile of manuscripts on the spot while she watched. Having been used to newspaper work, I must confess magazine editing sounded Greek to me. But it became a cushy job in no time. My fast learnings would not have been possible if it were not because of Ogie who mentored me as much as I taught him on matters he'd graciously ask my help for. I got the job the day I applied. It was perfectly timed as the editor of the magazine (Scandals which was released every Tuesday) I got assigned to had left for good. 

Ogie was already one of its regulars plus he wrote the "blind item" page using a catchy, funny pseudonym "Amy B. Yasis." Ogie maintained columns in all five mags. His manuscripts were honestly any editor's delight. He made it easier for me as the moment I got hold of his Tuesday column, all I needed to do was to supply the head. But wait, it wasn't exactly a blissful life at all. While Ogie's manuscripts were untouched and clean, he'd flunk in the deadline department. While all manuscripts must be strictly in by late afternoon unless there were important events or late breakers, Ogie's would arrive the next morning. I understood it if only because he had so much on his plate. Then, Ogie was already gracing the TV and movies as a newbie in comedy. He was also making a name as showbiz talk show host. Ogie had also tried his luck at talent management. He was also running a VHS rental business shebang in his Loreto, Manila neighborhood. I bore witness to Ogie's career goings-on in those five years of my Mariposa stint until I left. While Ogie began charting his TV career in ABS-CBN, I was with a GMA weekend program as writer. There was hardly any issue despite our network affiliations. In fact, Ogie and I would get reconnected more often — at ABS-CBN mediacons, parties, reunions, random gatherings and alike. Regrettably, we barely keep tabs lately except on social media. But that is what Messenger was designed for it keeps our communication lines open and easy to access. I need not rub this in but Ogie knows how extremely proud I am of his achievements, but more so of his being able to weather life vicissitudes and vagaries. He knows he's one person I hold dear, and vice versa. Happy New Year, 'teh. Happy 54th birthday! Here's looking forward to seeing you cradle your first grandchild. Don't you think it's about time you became a lolo? 

Source: manilatimes.net