Proud father Ogie Diaz celebrated a meaningful milestone as his daughter, Godhie, graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Medical Technology.
The talent manager and host shared the news in a Facebook post on June 1, where he uploaded photos from the graduation ceremony and shared the emotional experience he and his wife, Georgette del Rosario, witnessed during their daughter’s special day.
“Juice ko, ‘yun nga lang maka-graduate sa college, sobrang saya na namin ng mama niya, aba’y pinaakyat pa kami ng stage para samahan siyang tumanggap ng tatlong medals bilang recipient ng Faculty of Pharmacy, Manuel L. Quezon Leadership Award College Level, at higit sa lahat, Cum Laude pa.”
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For Ogie, the recognition carried even deeper meaning because it fulfilled a promise Godhie had shared years ago when she first entered college.
“Grabe itong anak kong ito. Kasi noon pa, lagi niyang sinasabi sa amin ng mama niya nung pagtuntong niya sa college, ‘Gusto kong mag-cum laude para hindi lang ako ang aakyat sa stage, kasama ko dapat kayo, daddy.’” he recalled.
Looking back, Ogie recalled seeing signs of his daughter’s determination and sharp mind from an early age.
“Bata pa lang ang anak kong ito, sa talas ng memorya na at the age of 3 ay mabilis kumabisado ng lyrics, kaya sabi ko sa sarili, ‘It’s either mag-aabogado ito o doktor.’ True enough, tama ako.”
Despite his confidence in her abilities, Ogie emphasized that he and his wife never pressured their daughter when it came to academics. Instead, they chose to support her while reminding her to take care of herself along the way.
“But honestly, kami ng mama niya, noon pa, hindi namin siya pine-pressure sa pag-aaral. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya, ‘Anak, alam ko namang kayang-kaya mo yan, pero pahinga ka din pag pagod na pagod ka na, ha? Alagaan mo pa din ang sarili mo, baka magkasakit ka sa kapupuyat sa aral. Tandaan mo, ang pangarap mo ay maging doktor, hindi maging pasyente.’”
The graduation, Ogie said, became a source of joy not only for him and his wife but also for the people closest to their family
The showbiz personality also used the moment to share a message he consistently reminds his children about: to pursue their dreams while opportunities are within reach.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa inyo ng mga kapatid mo, tuparin n’yo ang pangarap n’yo, mag-aral kayo habang malakas pa ang daddy, habang kaya pa niyang ibigay ang pangangailangan n’yo. Hindi yan para sa amin ng mama nyo, para sa inyo at future family ninyo yan.”
“Congrats again, Godhie! Our future doctor!” he ended.
Godhie marks another proud academic achievement in the Diaz family. Ogie’s eldest daughter, Erin, previously graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts. He and Georgette are also parents to Meerah Khel, Georgina, and Cory.