Alden Richards: as i knew him...

Since Alden Richards has become a household name in 2015, his star continues to shine as of today. Thanks to Eat Bulaga’s ‘Kalyeserye’ and his accidental tandem with Maine Mendoza aka ‘Yaya Dub,’ Alden took part in the phenomenal loveteam ‘AlDub’ that became his stepping-stone to fame and success.

Looking back, I’ve known Richard (Alden’s real name) before he became Alden Richards that everyone recognizes. It all started when Carlites De Guzman (his discoverer), messaged me on Facebook, asking me if there was an audition in the now defunct Backroom Inc.. Since I started using Facebook, it’s a normal thing for me to get messages like this, asking to be managed and all, so I usually reply with “please send me photos of your talent.”

When I got his photos, I was impressed right away. I swear, Alden was so good looking even in pictures. He was like a combination of Aga Muhlach and John Lloyd Cruz. Because of this, I set up an audition for him. However, they were not able to attend the scheduled audition for a reason that I could no longer remember. Then Carlites asked me again if they could arrange a meeting with me, so I could see his talent in person. To make the story short, I set an appointment with them at McDonald's Timog. Ang tadhana nga naman. Who would have thought that our meeting venue would give Alden the opportunity to be one of the company’s biggest endorsers today? So going back to our first meeting, I finally saw him, a haggard looking teen because they used the public transportation from Laguna to Quezon City, but then, nangingibabaw pa rin ang kagwapuhan niya despite the weariness that he had from a long travel. After treating them with a burger value meal, I offered them a ride in my car and brought them to our office and presented Alden to our management team. Right then and there, he was hired; he did some photo shoots, tabloid interviews and go-sees. However, my most memorable experience with Alden was when I personally brought him to Pinoy Big Brother audition in which he made the cut. The PBB team put him in a hotel in Ortigas for a week and I visited him once or twice, if I’m not mistaken. Anyway, for whatever reason, he was eliminated from the contest even before the airing of the show, which I couldn’t remember anymore why. Without losing hope, despite the disappointment, we both told ourselves that maybe, it was not meant for him to be in Big Brother’s house. Even before his fame, I have so much faith in Alden. In fact, Carlites could still remember it until now that I used to tell him and Alden na “sisikat itong batang ito.” Moreover, Backroom Inc. did its best to give Alden a good break, but for some reasons, it was not yet his time to shine. After sometime, Richard called me and asked if he could try his luck in GMA 7 and the rest is history. I could still remember when he was launched as one of the cast of GMA 7 produced-film Tween Academy: Class of 2012, I even got a personal text message from him, asking me if I could watch the premier night of the movie because he wanted me to be there. That night, kahit pinagkaguluhan siya, he was still able to go to where I was sitting just to give me a hug.

As of this writing, Alden is one of the biggest names in the entertainment world. However, despite the fame and popularity that he has right now, he has not changed. Recently, Carlites told me that Alden wanted to see me in his restaurant in Tagaytay, which made me wonder why it has to be in Tagaytay when I live in Quezon City. Since I also wanted to see him, I decided to go. However, instead of seeing him in his resto in Tagaytay, we ended up having late lunch somewhere near in Nuvali. After chikahan, Alden asked me if it was okay to bring me to his new house, which was just near the area. Only to find out na yun pala talaga ang purpose niya, to show me his house. Then he told me “ito na yung katuparan ng mga pangarap ko kuya Phil.” He toured me around his house including his beautiful room. We had a long chat about his life’s journey, his commitment to his family, his love for his Lolo & Lola, and even some personal secrets that he entrusted to me. But those secrets were sealed with a promise na kami nalang and makakaalam. I also remember asking him; do you have sex life? What do you do when you're feeling bored? How do you handle fame? Hmmm, maybe in my next blog i will print his answers. Hahaha.

(Concha's Garden Cafe)

Because of this gesture, I appreciate Alden more. Even though he is at the peak of his career now, he has never forgotten me as the person who truly believed in his talent when no one else did.:-)

Below are photos taken at the new house of Alden Richards, using my Fujifilm X-A2 series camera.

(Carlites de Guzman, Discoverer/Manager of Alden Richards)

Meanwhile, here are some sneak peak photos for my next blog about Alden; A day in the life of Alden Richards. I had the golden opportunity to hitch along in his ride while he was on his way to the launching of his 2nd album and I was in awe as always with how Alden responded to all my questions. Watch out for my full interview with several photos coming up soon.

Happy weekend y'all. Please care to leave a comment when you drop by.:-)

Xoxo

#AldenRichards #Aldub #Aldenatics #McDonalds #fujifilmXA2series