Aiko Melendez and manager Ogie Diaz part ways

Former actor and talent manager Ogie Diaz and actress-politician Aiko Melendez are going their separate ways, with Ogie confirming that he is no longer managing the actress-politician as she shifts her focus toward her political career.

Ogie, 56, addressed the matter in his latest vlog, “Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update,” where he clarified that he and Aiko, 50, ended their professional relationship on good terms.

“Hindi ko na po mina-manage si Aiko Melendez. Si Aiko ay maayos na nagpaalam through Viber,” Ogie said.

According to Ogie, Aiko personally informed him through a message that she wanted to concentrate on politics, which now takes up a significant part of her life. 

He said that around 80% of Aiko’s life revolves around politics, while only about 20% is dedicated to her movie career.

Ogie said he respected her decision and allowed her to move forward. “Tayo naman, hindi naman tayo manager niya sa politics,” he said.

The two also have different political views, which Ogie acknowledged may have been one of the factors in their decision. He explained that people have questioned why he and Aiko do not share the same political “color,” with some even suggesting that they should align with each other politically because of their professional relationship.

“Eh, hindi po, hindi naman kami para pagtibayin ng kung anong kulay sa politika,” Ogie said, adding that their differing political beliefs were never something that should come between their friendship.

Ogie also addressed comments from people who suggested that he should advise Aiko about some of the political content she posts online. He said he never interfered because those are Aiko’s personal political views.

He added that similar comments had also reached Aiko, with some people telling her, “Pagsabihan mo iyong manager mo, bakit ganun ang kulay niya sa politics o ba’t ganun ang view niya,” Ogie recalled. 

According to him, however, Aiko never interfered with his beliefs either. For him, what mattered was that they were able to end their professional relationship properly and without animosity.

As for who will handle Aiko’s showbiz career moving forward, Ogie said she may manage things herself. He also mentioned that Aiko and actor-businessman Onemig Bondoc appeared to have joined forces for brand collaborations.

Despite no longer being her manager, Ogie stressed that he remains available to Aiko whenever she needs someone to talk to.

“Nandito lang naman ako kapag kailangan ni Aiko ng payo. Kung gusto niya meron siyang balikat na iiyakan, nandito lang naman ako as always,” he said.

Ogie was also asked if Aiko might eventually follow her children and become part of Viva Artist Agency, where her son, Andre Yllana, is currently managed.

“Sabi ko nga, ano man ang maging desisyon ni Aiko kung magpa-manage man siya sa ibang manager, it's okay,” he said.

Ogie emphasized that what matters to him is keeping their friendship, although he also acknowledged that some relationships can change over time.

“Ang importante lang, dapat sa lahat ng pagkakataon, magkukwento tayo ng totoong nangyari at totoong kwento,” Ogie added.

He also wished Aiko the best and said that all questions and inquiries about her career should now be addressed directly to the actress through her social media pages. “Basta good luck kay Aiko,” he added.

Aiko had previously addressed their professional split in a Facebook post, saying that she and Ogie had reached a crossroads in their business relationship and decided to take separate paths. 

She also emphasized that their friendship remains unchanged and that she continues to value the years they have shared.

“Always grateful [to you] Ogie, for the friendship, trust, and memories we’ve shared and will continue to share. Mahal pa din kita, alam mo yan, Mader,” Aiko wrote.