MY long-time showbiz friend, artist manager and content creator Ogie Diaz gifted his eldest daughter P1 million on her 25th birthday last August 29.
Although she already got wind of the monetary gift, Erin (who’s my godchild) couldn’t help but cry buckets as she held the symbolic cheque as promised by her dad.
Ogie had promised to willingly part with such a huge sum of money provided Erin remain single. For most 25-year-old whether male or female, getting hitched by that age seems to be increasingly common.
Not one to impose strict rules on his kids, Ogie welcomes Erin’s having a steady boyfriend--just that. But should Erin go beyond her limits: “I won’t hesitate to take back my money gift to her!”
When Ogie handed her the gift on her birthday, Erin was moved to tears as was his wife Mommy Sowl. Ogie was his usual comic self but stood proud of what and who Erin has become.
At the same time, he anticipated online blowback for acting with seeming cockiness with the P1M gift.
The dad of four, however, was quick on his toes to explain: “Baka sabihin ng iba na nagyayabang ako (People might say I’m bragging. I just wanted Erin to enjoy her youth). Kesa naman makita ko si Erin na may-asawa, tapos, iiwan lang sa amin ng nanay niya ang anak niya habang gumigimik siya (I dread the day she’ll leave her child with us while she’s having fun with her friends)!”
Not only was the cash gift meant as a birthday present. “Erin is also going to use it in putting up her coffee shop business. She knows full well that she needs to spend the money wisely.”
In fairness, the P1M pledge is applicable to Ogie’s three other daughters on the same condition. At the party, his second child and fresh college graduate Godhie (who finished cum laude) excitedly hollered: “Three years na lang (Only three years of waiting, I’ll also be richer by P1 million)!”
Ogie snapped back, “You know the rules.”
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Guess who?
This popular actress (PA) fancied a pricey, imported sofa for her living room to the tune of millions. She told her non-showbiz husband (NSH) she was itching to buy it.
Problem was, the NSH dissuaded the PA from doing so for practical reasons. In the first place, why did PA need to purchase an expensive couch when they already had them all?
Friends of PA surmised she needed one for their condo unit where her glam team goes to service her whenever she attends important brand events.
Still, NSH objected to his wife’s whims. Reason: there is more important stuff to spend on than a single furniture piece.