Ogie: Larger (and taller) than life

I have always admired Ogie Alcasid’s jaunty spirit – so light, so refreshingly buoyant specially in the rickety world of show business. He remains one of the few celebrities we know who has truly appraised his sense of individuality and kept himself grounded no matter how much success he has raked in.

Fifteen years in the entertainment circuit is no little achievement, and it’s definitely not a big joke either for Alcasid. Although he constantly echoes an image of fun and free-spiritedness which to some may translate to non-seriousness, Alcasid certainly understands the responsibilities involved in his profession and has the maturity and conscientiousness to scale even greater heights.

"It wasn’t always smooth-sailing," he says softly, almost whispering, referring to his many years as an entertainer. " In fact, there were many periods of struggle, specially during my starting years, when I would question, doubt, get depressed and frustrated." But Alcasid is not one who will just raise the white flag.

"Oh no, I don’t easily give up," he stresses. "I don’t think many are aware na malalim din akong tao, especially with things that concern my career." He adds that he would, every so often, re-examine his moves, re-think his strategies, and re-evaluate his plans. "It’s also hard because I’m focused on many things."

Truly, the tree that feeds from genuine talent can bear countless fruits. Alcasid has done almost everything imaginable in his showbiz universe: acting, singing, dancing, clowning, hosting, composing, recording – name it and he’s done it all. He admits that it’s only this time that he feels like his career is peaking despite the many accolades he has earned and the many recognition bestowed on him as an artist.

There are times also when he feels that he might be spreading himself too thinly, doing so many things all at the same time, but everytime these thoughts enter his mind, he looks at the positive side. "I’m just glad and thankful I’ve been continuously blessed with many opportunities to really delve into what I know I can do best and where I can be truly happiest," he says.

A whirlwind romance with the Australian representative to the 1994 Miss Universe pageant, the former Michelle Van Eimeren, opened Ogie’s eyes to a whole new world which eventually led to marriage and parenthood. "Marriage and fatherhood have taught me how to really prioritize and look at things in a different light. It continues to teach me the virtue of selflessness and patience." He adds that he feels lucky to have a wife who understands his "job" and who chose to work behind him, considering that she was also a showbiz frontliner before, having hosted top-rating variety shows and acted in romantic-comedy films.

At present, Alcasid continues to have fun in every project that comes his way. He is thrilled that he still gets the avenues to showcase his many insatiable artistic inclinations. Being part of the Channel 7 roster of talents has made him a constant fixture on the boob tube. His tandem with Michael V is getting funnier in the weekly gag show Bubble Gang. His singing and hosting skills are also constantly polished every Sunday in S.O.P.

As a composer, Alcasid’s works reveal his immense gift. For someone without any formal training in songwriting, and armed only with a good pair of ears and a big heart, Alcasid has been churning out one hit song after another, especially in the last five years.

On making movies, Alcasid concedes that actors do not have as much power in dictating the roles they want to play – especially in comedy flicks, where his timing and tenacity seem to be so in tune. Take for instance his recent movie, AB Normal College, which he straight-forwardly admits "not one real artists can be proud of."

I tell him that he’d be good in roles that can make people laugh and still get through their hearts at the same time, much like what Robin Williams and Tom Hanks are doing. "I wish," is all Alcasid could utter, still sounding hopeful yet showing a little sarcasm.

What truly excites him these days, aside from his five-month old baby girl named Sarah Kate, is his solo concert series for the Valentine month. Billed as OA sa Puso, the Viva-produced concert series are scheduled on all weekends of February.

He lets me in on a planned surprise featuring a popular foreign female singer but wouldn’t say who she is. To sing with Alcasid are three genuinely gifted singers who choose not to carry surnames – Kyla, Karylle and Jaya plus the special participation of his Sex Balls gang ( Michael V, Wendell Ramos and Antonio Aquitaña) which will provide the laughs on some special nights.

Staying on top for a decade and a half is no mean feat, and Alcasid has learned to count – and share – his bountiful gifts and blessings – to people and animals alike. (The Alcasid home in New Manila also serves as a shelter for two dogs and seven stray cats, some brought home from as far as Mindoro island.)

He has given so much of himself, his talents and his love and I think it’s harvest time for someone who has always been larger (and taller!) than life!