Diet back to drama

MANILA, Philippines - Diether Ocampo has made a career out of playing dramatic roles on the big and small screens. But people have not seen or heard much of him since his last primetime TV series Guns & Roses on ABS-CBN where he shared topbilling role with Robin Padilla and Bea Alonzo. He was supposed to be seen next in another soap, Alta, but there’s no word yet if it will still go on air or is permanently cancelled.

On the big screen, Diet starred in the Star Cinema movie, 24/7 In Love, opposite Maja Salvador. Lately, showbiz items about him were mostly confined to matters that concerned the affairs of his heart.  

“Yes, it’s been a long time,” begins Diether as he tries to estimate the duration of his absence in the TV drama-acting scene. “Probably, 16 months because after Guns & Roses that’s the time I took some rest.”

Diether adds there was not even an idle time during those days away from the grinding cameras. Instead, the long break had been spent on things worthy and beneficial, and, of course, for some leisure. “I trained a lot” is how he best describes his respite from TV acting. “I also studied and, in between, I attended to K.I.D.S. (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation (which he put up to help underprivileged children). I also started doing concepts for future projects.” It was in the reports years ago that Diether has plans of venturing into movie production.

He, too, reveals that he underwent some training in maritime. “Eksakto nga kasi my role has something to do with the maritime industry,” says Diether, pertaining to his portrayal as Anton Lamayre in Apoy Sa Dagat to air weeknights starting Feb. 4. “That’s why it’s really important for us to keep on learning to further improve our personality. Also, exploring new things is beneficial for us.”

Of course, his well of experiences means a lot to him. “Experience is the best teacher so whatever life gives you — whether good or bad — is a source of wisdom. Dun tayo natututo, masaktan ka man o kaya naging masaya meron at meron ka mapupulot. For me, my experience is another source of motivation in acting, especially in scenes that are somewhat similar to what you’ve gone through in life, especially in love.”

Perhaps, having gone through some of life’s rough patches could be the best tool to effectively portray what he considers as “an emotionally draining role.” He will fall in love with Rebecca (Angelica Panganiban) and at the same time, look into the trouble of their businesses. “Mag-aapoy ka talaga sa dami ng emosyon na lalabas. Bawat eksena maraming pinaghuhugutan ng emosyon. Good thing, our directors (FM Reyes and Nick Olanka) and writers are there to support us.”

According to the press release, Apoy Sa Dagat will set TV screens on fire as it unravels a compelling story of burning love among powerful characters. Diether will act alongside Piolo Pascual who plays Ruben and Angelica Panganiban who portrays dual characters Serena and Rebecca.

“You will see how tough our roles are when you begin to watch (the series), especially in the first two weeks. I admit this is not easy to do...yung journey ng characters nag-iiba.”

He expresses his admiration for Angelica whom he has worked with in such teleseryes as Iisa Pa Lamang and Rubi. “She has matured a lot in acting. I guess nag-grow kami together (as actors).”

Asked if he somehow had done something as impossible as the title Apoy Sa Dagat in real life, Diether replies, “I guess when you fall in love, sometimes you can go beyond what’s possible parang ano yan e, you will fight for everything, minsan kahit sarili mo kinakalaban mo. You will do anything kasi may pinaglalaban ka. So far, there’s nothing that I regret about.”

(Apoy Sa Dagat also stars Angel Aquino, Aiko Melendez, Perla Bautista, Sylvia Sanchez, Liza Lorena, Freddie Webb, Melai Cantiveros, Eric Fructuoso, Regine Angeles, Bryan Santos and Mikaila Ramirez, with the special participation of Nikki Gil, Empress and Patrick Garcia.)