The Treasures of Alden Richards

Behind every success story is a story of struggle and endeavor. Alden Richards faced an uphill battle before he entered show business and has since become one of today's most sought-after leading men of the Kapuso Network.

Before he entered the limelight, Alden experienced joining various pageants in Laguna and tried his luck by working as a part-time commercial model.

He even became more eager to make his mark in the industry when his mother died in 2008. Alden shares that it was his mom who encouraged him to enter showbiz, "I really owe everything to her. She’s the one who really inspired me to enter showbiz. I can even recall her telling me that she wants me to be seen on TV someday.”

Alden is co-host of Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in the GMA 7 reality talent search Bet ng Bayan

It was in 2011 when Alden became part of GMA Network and landed his first lead role in the afternoon series Alakdana with Louise delos Reyes. Their tandem became a hit and the network gave them more projects including My Beloved, One True Love and Mundo Mo’y Akin.

Not long after, Alden already captured the hearts of viewers as his acting prowess gained recognition in the 2011 Golden Screen Awards as the Outstanding Breakthrough Actor for his performance in Alakdana. Because of his versatility and love for his craft, Alden was also given the opportunity to showcase more of his talent in the musical variety show Sunday All Stars, and work with some of the industry’s respected artists and directors, including Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera in the series Carmela.

Continuously reinventing himself, Alden feels privileged to portray Jose Rizal in GMA News and Public Affairs' bayani-serye Ilustrado.

Aside from these programs, the Kapuso actor has spent the last few months traveling across the country to showcase homegrown talents via the widest reality talent search of GMA 7, Bet ng Bayan, where he works with the Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

And just recently, Alden went to Vietnam to attend the third Hanoi International Film Festival. With filmmaker Adolfo Alix Jr., Alden represented the indie film Kinabukasan (The Day After), which was nominated under the short film category. It is also in the film that he got the opportunity to work with the Superstar of Philippine Cinema Nora Aunor.

Alden is undeniably more than just a pretty face. At a very young age of 22, Alden is out to prove that he is a capable, versatile actor. With his humility and eagerness to improve his craft, Alden can definitely establish his mark in the showbiz industry.

Read more as the Kapuso Prime leading man shares some of his treasures in life.

Most treasured person. Proving the value of self-worth, Alden shares the importance of recognizing and appreciating oneself. “Myself, kasi siyempre before you can treasure someone or anyone you should treasure yourself first.”

Most treasured thing. “What fans give me, I treasure it. Kahit ano pa yan, simpleng letter lang itinatabi ko. Kasi yung effort nila para maibigay sa akin, they really go out of their way to give me something memorable.

Alden shares he is blessed to have a dog given to him by his fans. “’Yung bigay ng fans from the States. Si Globie, a Siberian Husky.”

With director Adolfo Alix Jr., Alden represents the indie film Kinabukasan (The Day After) at the third Hanoi International Film Festival

Most treasured place/travel destination. “San Francisco. The first time I went there, I felt so at home. Kahit na doon nakatira yung aunt ko, iba yung feeling. Parang kapag nandoon ako, stress-free environment lahat,” Alden reveals.

It was in May 2012 when Alden first went to the States to attend the premiere of The Road in Los Angeles, California. In the GMA Films-produced movie, Alden played the role of a psycho-killer. It gained positive reviews from America’s top film critics. He then returned to the US last June 2014 to participate in a concert organized by a telecommunications brand.

Most treasured show. While he values every role and opportunity given to him, Alden discloses how honored he is to play the role of Jose Rizal in Ilustrado. “Siyempre Jose Rizal ‘yan. It’s history, it would help students to know more about Rizal.”

Alden admits that he doubled his efforts for the project, from transforming his looks to critically watching a number of documentaries and movies about Rizal. Also in the series were Kylie Padilla (Leonor Rivera) and Solenn Heussaff (Nellie Boustead).

Most treasured role. As for the character he played that he cherished the most, Alden answers, “Si Tisoy sa One True Love. Kasi ang dami niyang na-move at na-touch na lives. Doon din ako pinaka-naka-relate.”

It was in 2012 when Alden got his first starring role in a primetime series, which was helmed by esteemed director Andoy Ranay. The series was even extended due to the program’s phenomenal success.

Most treasured advice. If there is one advice about life that Alden truly keeps, it is from his mom. “She always said, everyone deserves to be acknowledged. ‘Wag kang maging suplado to people who call your attention. Everyone deserves na mabati mo kahit hindi ko kilala.”

What can the viewers treasure in your latest show and role?

The Kapuso actor showcases his talent as a first-time host in Bet ng Bayan. Alden shares how blessed he is to be part of the program.

“It’s definitely a privilege to become part of a show like (Bet ng Bayan) that aims to discover nothing but the best Filipino talents across the country. If there is something that the viewers can treasure in Bet ng Bayan, it is the story of the lives of the contestants. Because all of them have different reasons for joining — for family, self-improvement. You can really see how eager they are to achieve their dreams.”

What personal treasure do you want to share with your followers?

“Faith in the Lord, that’s No. 1 and of course, hard work. Before I started ganoon ako, I took for granted almost everything. Nagkaroon lang ako ng priorities when I entered showbiz. Always fight for what you want. Hard work and prayers always help," Alden reveals.