AFTER actress Liza Soberano released her tell-all vlog, her former manager Ogie Diaz responded to his former talent’s sentiments and debunked some of the statements she made about her previous projects.

But Diaz said he remains supportive of Soberano’s new career, which is now managed by fellow actor James Reid. 

After a long hiatus and social media disappearance, Soberano revealed in her vlog that she had to rest and make a self-audit because years of working non-stop had taken the best of her. 

She also said she decided to do a career transition because she was never given a chance to decide for herself what she wanted to do. She always had to agree with those who wanted to make the Liza Soberano name fly. 

Thank you for obeying us 

In an episode of his Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update vlog, Diaz said he has no ill feelings towards his former talent and that he would rather understand her long-held sentiments about her 13-year career. 

“Kung sinasabi ni Liza na parang kinokontrol siya ng mga tao sa paligid niya, kung ako man yan o ang Star Magic, gusto kong magpasalamat kay Liza kasi sinunod niya kami,” he said. 

He said they were at least able to make Soberano famous and give her a career. 

“At Least okay na ‘yan, kaysa naman nagrarant dahil walang nangyari sa career niya diba?” he said. 

You were given a choice 

But contrary to Soberano’s claim that she was never free to decide for herself, she was given options, he said. 

“Anak, lagi kang binigyan ng chance to say your piece, your opinions, your suggestions. Pinapakinggan ka rin naman kapag may complaints ka, pero kung minsan we have to meet halfway. Pinagbibigyan mo naman ang production kapag nilambing ka nila, and I thank you for that. Pakikisama ang tawag doon anak, Pagtatanim para in the future, may aanihin,” he said. 

The Liza name 

As for Soberano’s statement that she was not given a choice to be called “Liza,” Diaz said this name helped her career soar and allowed her to provide for her family. 

“Anak, yung screen name na Liza Soberano na ibinigay sa’yo ni Tita Malou Santos ng Star Cinema, ‘yan ang nagtaguyod sa pamilya mo,” he said. 

He said her achievements as Liza Soberano allowed her to giver her father, mother, and other relatives a good life. 

“Lahat ‘yan dahil sa’yo, dahil sa pagiging Liza Soberano mo. Anak, mas issue siguro yung screen name kung hindi tumatak sa mga Pilipino, kung hindi ka tinangkilik,” he said.

While not exactly dropping the name “Liza Soberano,” the 25-year-old actress said she prefers to be called Hope from her real name Hope Elizabeth Soberano. 

This statement drew various reactions on social media, but the most prominent was that she was “ungrateful” to the network and to everyone who brought her to the top.  

Despite countering some of Soberano’s statements, Diaz said he has nothing but love for his former talent. He wished for her career to soar again and reminded her that he is only one call away. 

She also worked hard for what she achieved, he said. 

“Tandaan mo anak, narating mo ang fame, hindi lang dahil sakin, sa suporta ng Star Magic at ABS-CBN at ng production staff, dahil din yan sa dedication mo sa trabaho, dahil yan sa’yo,” he said. 

ABS-CBN execs fume 

For the most part of her 13-year career, Soberano was successfully packaged as among the most bankable stars of her generation. 

She wasn’t the only beautiful face in ABS-CBN and in showbiz, but she was billed as the Kristine Hermosa of the new generation, which enormously added to her appeal to the people. 

This may be why network executives did not appear thrilled over her recent statements. 

Star Cinema Ad Prom Head Mico Del Rosario posted a Tweet about an ungrateful talent. Although he never named Soberano, his tweet came just right after the actress’ vlog came out, prompting netizens to speculate that he was referring to the “Alone/Together” actress. 

“Hiyang hiya naman ako sa statements. parang walang walang naambag sayo at all ah. kayo talagang mga kayo. hahahaha #hilap,” he tweeted.  

ABS-CBN music head Roxy Liquigan, too, echoed thoughts about being grateful. 

“Be grateful. Not just in good times, but at all times,” he said. 

Meanwhile, former ABS-CBN Headwriter Mark Duane Angos took the higher road and instead chose to see Soberano as a young woman who is still trying to figure out herself and what she wants in life. 

In a series of tweets, Angos explained why he chose to simply understand her and called on his colleagues too to just be patient with Soberano, as eventually, “she will be able to find the right words next time.”

He ended by saying, “love, from the writer who wrote all those teleserye episodes.” 

Liza remains grateful to Star Magic 

Despite accusations of being an ingrate, Soberano said she remains grateful to her Star Magic family. 

Soberano told ABS-CBN News that she was still in constant communication with her former management. She added that she has always been grateful to everyone she has worked with in the past. 

ALSO READ:

Liza Soberano speaks: ‘At 24, I was finally given a choice to decide my own path’

Liza Soberano back on IG after ‘hacking,’ promises ‘life update’ soon

Liza Soberano’s photos on Instagram disappear