OGIE Diaz is hoping his former ward Liza Soberano will continue to shine with the new image and branding she recently launched.
Diaz on Monday, Feb. 27, responded to Soberano’s statements about her career transition in his vlog, saying that the actress has the liberty to choose how she would like to present herself and the goals she wishes to pursue.
“At the end of the day, si Liza pa rin ang masusunod kung ano’ng gusto niyang gawin sa buhay niya, kung ano’ng gusto niyang gawin sa socmed accounts. ‘Yung akin suggestion lang, ganun din kay Tito Boy, suggestion din ‘yung kanya or affirmation,” Diaz said.
He said he is thankful for Soberano for being obedient during her time with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, but clarified that she, too, had a say in her career, contrary to the actress’ earlier claim.
“Gusto ko na lang unawain at intindihin ang kanyang kwento tungkol sa 13 years ng kanyang showbiz career. Kung sinasabi ni Liza na parang kino-kontrol siya ng mga tao sa paligid niya, kung ako man ‘yan at sa Star Magic, gusto kong magpasalamat kay Liza kasi sinunod niya kami kaya siguro, sumikat siya,” Diaz said.
He also explained how they ended up with Soberano’s screen name, in response to the latter’s statement that it was simply given to her.
“‘Yung sinabi mo na ‘I didn’t choose the name Liza, it was chosen for me.’ Anak ‘yung screen name na Liza Soberano na ibinigay sa’yo ni Tita Malou Santos, ng Star Cinema, ‘yan ang nagtaguyod sa pamilya mo.”
“Nabigyan mo ng bahay at magandang buhay ang Daddy mo, nakakapagpadala ka rin ng tulong sa Mommy mo sa States. Naibili mo ng bahay sa Amerika ang lola at lolo mo na kumupkop sa inyo ng kapatid mong si Justin nung mga bata pa kayo sa Amerika, lahat ‘yan dahil sa’yo, dahil sa pagiging Liza Soberano mo, anak,” the actress’ former talent manager said.
He then wished Soberano good luck, saying he hopes her career will continue to flourish.
“I wish you good luck sa bagong bihis na Liza Soberano. Alam mo ito, lagi kong sinasabi kahit kanino, malaki ang utang na loob ko sa’yo dahil ang mga kinita ko sa’yo bilang manager ang ipinambabayad ko sa hospitalization ng inaanak mong si Miracle noong 2017…,” Diaz said.
Soberano earlier said she remains in touch with her former management at ABS-CBN, a day after she detailed her career transition, including why she signed up with a new agency.
The 25-year-old actress is now managed by another former Kapamilya star, James Reid, under the latter’s own talent agency, Careless. She signed with the startup in mid-2022.
In her vlog reintroducing herself — released on Feb. 26 after she wiped clean her social media pages to drum up the rebrand — Soberano reflected on her time with ABS-CBN, during which she became a showbiz A-lister and an in-demand endorser. (ABS-CBN News)
