Diether Ocampo was recently spotted with Rima Ostwani, a print and commercial model, while attending the Charles & Keith fashion footwear launch last January 9. The Star Magic talent refused to talk to reporters about his mestiza date.
It was during the January 17 launch of "Scents for Life" that Diet opened up a bit on Rima and her significance in his life. The interview was aired in the January 23 episode of Entertainment Live.
Is this lovely mestiza Diet's new ladylove? Diet replied, "I hope you respect that I want to keep my privacy muna." He then added, "I'm very happy...I'm feeling very inspired... I feel very optimistic. Yun ang importante, e, huwag dapat tayo makalimutan ang magmahal."
Showbiz insiders point out that Rima has a striking resemblance to Kristine Hermosa, his former flame. But Diet doesn't think they look similar at all.
"Pareho silang maputi, pero I don't think magkamukha sila. Alam niyang di talaga ako pipili ng maganda ang panglabas kundi pangloob," said Diet.
Diet's remarks clearly show that he has moved on without Kristine by his side.
When the actress renewed her contract with ABS-CBN last January 19, the staff of Entertainment Live made it a point to ask the lovely actress about her reaction to the new woman in Diet's life.
Is Kristine affected by the news that Diet has already moved on with his life? She said, "Hindi na...hindi na masyado," before giving a light laugh. "Kung saan masaya si Diet, doon ako masaya. As long as alagaan siya, di ba? Walang problema."
In fact, Kristine admitted that Diet already introduced Rima to her in the past. "Yeah, I know the girl. So huwag na nating pag-usapan, please."
The contract signing was attended by Star Magic head Mariolle Alberto, business unit head Deo Endrinal, SVP for Entertainment Cory Vidanes, and ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio.
ELECTION PLANS? Aside from Diet's budding romance, reports say that he has his eyes set on running for councilor in the 2010 elections.
Diether issued a statement clarifying that he is not running for public office.
"There is no truth that I am running for local office and neither am I consulting anybody for political advice. I am not interested nor aspiring for any seat in politics. I would rather talk about improving our social or civic development, especially the southern part of the country, mainly in the Mindanao region where a lot of our Muslim brothers and sisters are in need of support and inspiration from people like us."