Talent manager and showbiz insider Ogie Diaz confirmed that his differing political views with actress and Quezon City 5th District Councilor Aiko Melendez were among the factors surrounding the end of their professional relationship.
Ogie, however, stressed that he and Aiko parted on good terms and that their friendship remains intact.
In a message sent to ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Wednesday, August 12, Ogie said changes in manager-talent relationships are normal in show business.
“Normal ’yan sa manager-talent relationship. And Kuya Boy knows that bilang pareho kaming manager. Importante, i-save ang friendship,” Ogie said.
His statement came after Aiko announced on Facebook that she and Ogie had decided to take “separate roads” in their business relationship.
“My manager Ogie Diaz and I have reached a crossroads in our business life, and we have chosen to take separate roads,” Aiko wrote.
“Though one thing remains unchanged, we are still good friends. I deeply value the friendship we have built through the years,” she added.
The actress also thanked Ogie for their years of working together.
“Always grateful Ogie, for the friendship, trust, and memories we’ve shared and will share. Mahal pa din kita alam mo yan mader,” Aiko said.
For his part, Ogie wished Aiko well as she pursues her preferred direction both in politics and entertainment.
“I wish her good luck sa direksyong gusto niya sa kanyang political career and showbiz career as well,” he said.
Ogie also made it clear that Aiko could still approach him whenever she needs advice.
“Andito lang naman ako ’pag kailangan ng advice, hindi tayo maramot sa aspetong ’yan,” he said.
“’Pag happy ang talent sa kaniyang desisyon, mas happy ako dapat dahil naibigay ko yung happiness na gusto ng talent. Good luck, Aiko!” he added.
Ogie further discussed their separation during the August 13 episode of ‘Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update,’ revealing that Aiko informed him of her decision through a private message.
“Si Aiko Melendez ay maayos na nagpaalam through Viber, through message na magko-concentrate siya sa politics, at yung mga gusto niyang mangyari sa buhay niya, yung gusto niyang direksyon, yung gusto niyang tahakin sa politika, eh magawa niya,” Ogie explained.
According to Ogie, politics now takes up a much larger portion of Aiko’s life compared with her entertainment career.
“Siyempre, hindi naman tayo manager niya sa politics, although, kumbaga, yun yung 80% ng buhay ni Aiko eh, sa politics, 20% lang yung sa movie career niya. So pinayagan naman at inallow naman natin,” he said.
When asked directly whether their contrasting political views were also a factor in their professional separation, Ogie acknowledged that they played a part.
“Isa na rin ’yun,” he admitted.
“Oo, magkaiba naman kami ng kulay sa politika ni Aiko. May mga bumibira sa kaniya, hindi kami magkasundo sa kulay niya, ganoon din naman sa akin, bakit daw hindi kami magkasundo sa kulay ko, dapat daw kakulay ko si Aiko, o kakulay ako ni Aiko, ay hindi po,” Ogie said.
Ogie has been vocal about supporting former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor , while Aiko has publicly supported Vice President Sara Duterte.
Despite their opposing political positions, Ogie stressed that he never tried to dictate Aiko’s political choices or interfere with her posts.
“Malinaw po sa amin, hindi namin pinapakialaman ang kulay ng bawat politika namin,” he said.
More importantly, Ogie said their political differences would not destroy the friendship they had developed through the years.
“Basta ang importante, maayos kaming naghiwalay ni Aiko, kahit itinext lang niya sa akin, eh okay lang din, so hinayaan ko na lang din siya,” he explained.
Ogie reiterated that despite no longer being Aiko’s manager, he remains willing to support her personally whenever she needs him.
“Andito lang naman ako kung kailangan ni Aiko. Pag kailangan niya ng payo, kung gusto niya meron siyang balikat na iiyakan, andito lang naman ako as always,” he said.
