Alden Richards’ star power has continued to soar since his showbiz debut in 2010 as a young and dashing leading man. Now recognized as Asia’s Multimedia Star, his fame skyrocketed when he became one half of “AlDub,” his widely popular love team with Maine Mendoza on the noontime show “Eat Bulaga!”
What began as an unintentional pairing on the small screen quickly became a nationwide sensation, propelling Alden to become one of the most sought-after celebrities in the Philippines, with unprecedented popularity and a loyal fan base.
The 32-year-old bedimpled actor is not one to rest on his laurels. Years after the “AlDub phenomenon,” Alden has worked tirelessly to prove that his rise to fame was no mere accident, but the result of his dedication, passion, and grit.
His Most Important Series To Date
It’s no surprise that Alden took on a challenging role in GMA-7’s latest historical drama series, “Pulang Araw,” which began airing on Netflix in July. Set during World War II, “Pulang Araw” traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends —Adelina (Barbie Forteza), Teresita (Sanya Lopez), Hiroshi (David Licauco), and Eduardo (Alden)—as they navigate love, dreams, loyalty, and moral dilemmas amid the chaos of war.
In the series, Alden portrays a guerrilla fighter during World War II, a role that pushes him to explore deep emotional and dramatic scenes, showcasing his ever-evolving acting skills. At a recent media conference, he opened up the emotional challenges he faced while bringing his character to life.
“May reality aspect ang ‘Pulang Araw.’ Nangyari siya talaga. Ang mahirap sa akin is kung paano kumalas sa trauma. Paulit-ulit tumatakbo sa isip ko na dinanas ito ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino. It’s very emotional and disturbing kahit inaarte lang namin, ramdam namin ‘yung trauma,” he said.
What’s Next for Alden
Alden is set to reunite on the big screen with Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo for the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” rekindling the chemistry that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The duo, known as “KathDen,” has just finished a month of filming in Canada, where Filipino fans flocked to the set to catch a glimpse of them.
Titled “Hello, Love, Again,” Alden and Kathryn will reprise their roles as Ethan and Joy, who met and fell in love in Hong Kong but had to end their relationship to pursue their own dreams. The sequel is set five years after their initial goodbye, where they reunite in Canada and confront the changes they have undergone as individuals since then.
As he continues to take on more challenging and diverse roles, Alden’s future in the industry looks brighter than ever. With projects like “Pulang Araw” and his upcoming film with Kathryn, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Alden has proven that success is not merely about talent or luck—it’s about heart. - Len Armea, Photos courtesy of GMA
Read the full article in the September 2024 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal, out now in Japan.
