Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, beloved by fans for his soulful music and candid personality, recently made an emotional revelation that left many stunned—and deeply moved. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he admitted that he once struggled to accept a painful reality involving his firstborn daughter, Leila Alcasid.

“I didn’t want to believe it at first…”

In a heartfelt interview, Ogie opened up about the emotional rollercoaster he went through when Leila, his daughter with ex-wife Michelle Van Eimeren, expressed her desire to leave Australia and live in the Philippines permanently to pursue a career in music and entertainment.

“I was torn,” he admitted. “Of course, I was thrilled to have her close again. But as a father, I was also scared—scared of what the industry might do to her, scared that she’d face the same pressures I did. I honestly couldn’t accept it at first.”

The revelation was unexpected—Ogie, known for his warmth and support toward his children, admitted to initial resistance about his daughter’s big life move.

From Denial to Pride

He shared that it took time, prayer, and deep conversations with Leila before he finally let go of his fear and embraced her decision.

“I realized she wasn’t a little girl anymore. She was brave enough to chase her dreams, and I had to be brave enough to let her go and support her fully.”

Since moving to Manila, Leila has blossomed as a singer and personality, earning her own following and making her father incredibly proud.

“Now, when I see her perform or speak her mind with confidence, I feel nothing but pride. But I had to go through a journey of acceptance—and it wasn’t easy,” Ogie confessed.

Fans Moved to Tears

The public was quick to respond with empathy and admiration:

“Ogie’s honesty just proves how human he is. Even celebrities go through deep emotional struggles as parents,” one fan commented.

“It takes a strong father to admit something like this. We love you, Ogie!” another wrote.

A Story Every Parent Can Relate To

What makes Ogie’s confession resonate so strongly is its universal theme—the struggle of letting go. Every parent faces a moment when they must trust their children’s choices, even if it terrifies them. For Ogie, that moment came with Leila—and it taught him as much about love as it did about courage.

Now, their bond is stronger than ever, and Ogie is one of Leila’s loudest cheerleaders.

Ogie Alcasid Reveals Feeling Hurt after Leila Decides To Live Together w/ Boyfriend

Showtime Host Ogie Alcasid Shares Experience in Letting Go Daughter Leila
OGIE ALCASID – The Showtime host admitted that he got hurt when his daughter, Leila, decided to live together with her boyfriend.

In It’s Showtime, one of the longest-running noontime variety shows in the Philippines, it is a usual scenario when the hosts would share about their personal experiences to share insights or bring up realizations and lessons among the hosts and the viewers.

Its Showtime
Photo Source: Philstar
The Showtime host usually ponders on a situation of a guest and gives their own take when it comes to it. Recently, in an episode of one of the show’s current segments, the EXpecially For You, the hosts talked about the side of the parents when times come that they have to let go of their children.

The letting go may be for the purpose of achieving a dream, settling down, or many other situations. While these situations may bring the children growth, truth be told that no parent will find it comfortable right away after they have taken care of their children for years.

Amy Perez even got emotional when she shared about her experience when she let go of Adi, her eldest son with her musician ex-husband, Brix Ferraris. Adi had to leave their house and stay in a boarding house for his studies.

Ogie Alcasid, Leila, Curtismith
Ogie Alcasid also shared about his experience as a parent. The OPM icon admitted that there was a time when he got hurt after his eldest daughter, Leila, decided to live with her boyfriend, Mito Fabie or more popularly called Curtismith.

Ogie Alcasid Daughter Leila
Leila Alcasid and Mito Fabie
According to Ogie, it is no secret to the public that Leila decided to live on her own and when it happened, he really felt bad. The Showtime host admitted questioning his daughter and her boyfriend why they didn’t tell him. However, he also knows that there are cases that youths nowadays will really push through with what they want although their parents are against it.

“Until I said, ‘You know, I feel bad for you for doing that. But you’re already adulting, do that, take care of your life,’” the singer-TV host said.

Ogie Alcasid stressed that the role of the parents is to guide the children. According to him, if it happens that the couple separates and does not end up with each other, they, as parents, must still be there waiting.