Ogie Alcasid gets candid about being a dad: 'Being a father is the hardest job'



OPM icon singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid is set to deliver an evening of lively music, fun, and nostalgia at his upcoming sing-along concert, "Daddyokie," happening at The Proscenium Theater in Makati on June 19 and 20.
"This concert is dedicated to all fathers. That's why I thought of 'Daddyokie.' We, dads, work hard all year, so let’s take this day to relax and enjoy great music together," Ogie shared during a media conference at Five Private Dining in Greenhills, San Juan.
Ogie, who is married to Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, also opened up about the challenges and joys of fatherhood.
"You always want to be the best dad to your kids, but no one is perfect. Finding balance is the hardest part. You can’t always be with them, so communication is essential. That’s especially true with Nate.
"With my other kids, it’s a different approach. Leila is now married, so our relationship has changed. Sarah is learning to be independent, so my focus with her is helping her with budgeting and adult responsibilities.
"It never really ends. Of everything I do, being a father is the hardest job," said Ogie, 58.
Reflecting on the joys of fatherhood, Ogie said, "The most rewarding moments are when you see your child thriving—earning good grades, working hard, and being respected by classmates.
"With my daughters, despite the challenges our family has faced, they’ve grown into stable, loving, and well-behaved young women. That’s what makes parenting worthwhile.
"As parents, you always do your best for your kids, but you can only be the best father you can be. I remember when Leila turned 18; I flew to Australia just to attend her party, then went home right after. I told her I needed to be there for that milestone. Missing important life events is hard.
"She’s about to graduate soon, and I want to make sure I’ll be there. That’s very important to me as a dad.
"As a parent, what is your legacy? Is it your career, your streams, your gold records? It’s more than that. Your real legacy is your children," Ogie reflected.

Ogie emphasized that he always tries to be present for his children’s important milestones.
"I always check my schedule so I can block out dates for my kids. When I saw my eldest walking down the aisle during her wedding, it was emotional. I told myself, ‘Wow! She’s marrying a good man and starting a new chapter in her life.’ That’s a wonderful feeling as a parent," he said. "But I haven’t experienced being a grandfather yet."
On May 29, 2025, Leila married indie singer-rapper Curtismith (Mito Fabie) in Australia. Leila is one of Ogie’s two daughters with his former wife, Australian beauty queen Michelle van Eimeren.
During the same press conference, Ogie shared that his family struggled after losing his father at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I lost my dad during COVID. The hardest part was not being able to see him—maybe some of you also lost loved ones during the pandemic. They’re just in the hospital, and you can’t visit them.
"That was extremely hard for our family. Even now, we often think about how we weren’t able to be with him in his final moments.
"Looking back, of all the things my father did for me, when I was just starting out as a singer, my family wanted me to be a businessman, but my passion was singing.
"He told me, ‘Go ahead, son.’ I remember there was a sale at Yamaha, and he bought me a piano and a microphone. Quietly, he showed his support—maybe he saw something in me.
"When I was in Grade 4 and had a musical performance, he was the only one with a camcorder—but it had no monitor, so the footage was out of focus.
"So he had me perform the song again so he could film it properly, then he edited the video himself. It’s amazing—my father was a genius. He was a successful businessman and lawyer, a wonderful dad, and my idol. Those are just some of the many memories I have," Ogie added.
"DaddyOkie: A Father’s Day Concert" will be held at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell on June 19 and 20. Tickets are available at all Ticket World outlets. Ticket prices: Orchestra Premium: P7,725; Orchestra Center A: P6,695; Orchestra Center B: P5,665; Orchestra Side: P5,665; and Orchestra Dress Circle: P3,605.



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