Diether Ocampo is hoping that the success of his first golf tournament would pave the way for more charity events to help raise funds for K.I.D.S (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation.
The Kapamilya star has been very active in promoting and supporting the said foundation, which aims to improve the life and conditions of the Filipino youth nationwide.
At the 1st Diether Ocampo Golf Tournament last June 24 held at Tagaytay Highlands, the actor and newbie golfer told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that the event was suggested by sports anchor Anthony Suntay.
"Hindi naman ako golfer. Pero kasi ganun ako, e, if there's an opportunity for K.I.D.S Foundation para mag-benefit 'yong mga programs namin at lalo na nga't maraming bata ang matutulungan, I cannot say no to that. When Anthony Suntay raised the idea of having a golf tournament to generate funds for charity... Matagal ko nang plano 'yan, kaya lang hindi ko magawa kasi nga I don't know how to do it, and alam kong medyo madugo and mabusisi 'yong proseso to be able to mount one," said Diether.
A golf tournament, explained Anthony, is a good avenue to solicit funds since it usually attracts big sponsors.
"Kasi sabi rin niya, golf is a sport na marami kang mata-tap na mga organizations, private individuals and also corporations who are very generous when it comes to a noble cause. So, I told him and his team na sige let's do it na. Hindi na 'ko nagdalawang-isip basta."
Diether had limited time to learn at least the basics of the club-and-ball sport towards organizing the event.
"But that's not the point," mentioned Diether. "Ang mas importante sa akin is that we would be able to support and sustain the existing programs of the Foundation."
STAYING COMMITTED. Diether's active involvement in charitable endeavors prompted some to think that the actor is perhaps contemplating entry into the political arena, like most of his peers and colleagues.
He had previously denied harboring such ambition in past interviews, stressing that one can help the less privileged even without occupying a government post.
Recently—and with the upcoming administration of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III only a few days away—there were reports indicating the possible appointment of showbiz personalities into various cabinet positions.
"I have nothing against that. Kumbaga, it's their own prerogative," replied Diether, when asked for his opinion on the subject.
"Para sa akin kasi and like with K.I.D.S Foundation nga, sabi ko, parang I brought it upon my myself na parang I don't really need to ask for any position para gawin kung ano 'yong dapat na ginagawa rin nung mga taong nakaupo sa gobyerno. 'Yong mga nandun kasi, they have greater responsibilities. Same thing with my obligation with this foundation, this is my commitment na, e. So my passion to do all these things to support our existing programs is very challenging already.
"So, kapag pumasok pa ako sa pulitika, parang hindi ko na alam talaga. Being in showbiz alone, mahirap na. I'm juggling too many things like doing business on the side and doing charity activities aside from acting."
SUPPORTIVE BOYFRIEND. Also present during the golf tournament was Diether's girlfriend, Rima Ostwani.
The couple might as well enjoy spending quality time together while Rima's schedule still permits it. In a June 17 event held at the Manila Hotel, the mestiza beauty announced her decision to hire showbiz talk show host and Backroom Inc. founder Boy Abunda as manager.
Rima said that she's eyeing the field of hosting and not acting.
According to Diether, "Lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami, si Rima kasi nagmu-model na 'yan dati pa and before, she got into the retail industry. Plano na talaga niyang pumasok sa hosting and even newscasting. In fact, she even applied for ANC [ABS-CBN's global news channel] but apparently naunang tumawag sa kanya 'yong sa retail business."
Diether would rather not think about the negative impression that a romantic relationship between two public figures is bound for splitsville, brought about by the nagging attention and tendency to attract rumors.
"Sino naman ako para hadlangan 'yong mga plano niya?" asked Diether. "I've always been very supportive naman sa mga plano niya. Siyempre ako, inaalalayan ko na lang siya and I'm happy na si Kuya Boy 'yong nakuha niyang manager because she's definitely in good hands."