At the press launch of GMA-7's latest early primetime series Daldalita last night, October 13, Ogie Alcasid was eager to talk about playing the role of a father.

"Yung pagiging tatay, malapit sa puso ko 'yun, e. It's a role that I love playing.

"So, playing it on TV, I think, it's a challenge and at the same time, natutuwa ako..."

In this new Kapuso soap that will start airing on October 17 before 24 Oras, Ogie will portray Mateo, father to Daldalita, played by the darling child actress Jillian Ward.

"Batangueño ako dito, actually," relays Ogie. "Isang probinsyano na nagsikap, biglang naging beterinaryo.

"I had to move on, namatay yung asawa ko, nawala yung anak ko. Tragedy siya."

It will be the first time for the singer-songwriter-comedian to immerse himself in a dramatic role.

While Ogie has his plate full with other projects—such as gag show Bubble Gang, Sunday musical-variety program Party Pilipinas, and talent search Protégé—he gladly accepted the acting stint that would add a different color to his palette.

"Para naman maiba... kasi siyempre sa Bubble Gang, kengkoy na ako dun. Dito, may konting kengkoy pero more tatay."

His wife, Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez, agrees.

"Si Reg, nung nakita niya yung trailer, cute na cute siya! [Sabi niya] 'O, at least, iba naman yung ginagawa mo.'"

EXPECTANT FATHER. While Ogie was at the said press launch of Daldalita, Regine was at home hosting a baby shower—a third one, Ogie says.

"Meron silang baby shower [ngayon]. Pangatlo na 'yan!

"Okay naman siya, nagpa-OB kami yesterday. At, a... one month to go."

Regine is due to give birth sometime November 22 until the first week of December.