“Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert (AR)”—the first-ever virtual reality concert in the Philippines headlined by Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards—marks another milestone after it earned a finalist slot at the prestigious 2021 New York Festivals (NYF) “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition.
The record-setting concert produced by Synergy: A GMA Collaboration and held as part of Alden’s 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry last December has been shortlisted under the Entertainment Special: Special Event category. It is up against entries from the USA, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, and Norway. This is the first-ever international nomination of the said virtual reality concert.
AR combined cutting-edge technology and performances to produce a full-length concert amid the global pandemic. And with physical gatherings and staging of events being discouraged, the virtual reality concert enabled an immersive interaction between Alden and his fans all over the globe.
“I was really happy to hear about the news, and very thankful of course!” shared Alden about AR’s first international nomination. “Shooting in VR was a new experience for all of us. Honestly, it was not easy, but the whole team is just so happy that it gained international recognition,” the multi-awarded Filipino actor and recording artist added.
"First, I would like to congratulate Alden Richards for setting a new record of being the first Filipino artist to stage the first-ever virtual reality concert in the Philippines,” said GMA Network’s First Vice President and Head for Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso. “Second, we are honored that we made history in 'Alden's Reality' as it also earned its first international nomination via the NYF under the Entertainment Special: Special Event category. And lastly, on behalf of Synergy, I would like to congratulate all the people who we had the pleasure of working with for this project amidst the pandemic. As we remain steadfast, this is only the beginning,” he said.
The finalist slot of AR comes at a very fitting time as GMA Network celebrates its 71st anniversary this June. Producing the said show late last year was indeed challenging.
“When I learned that ‘Alden’s Reality’ is a finalist in the 2021 New York Festivals TV & Films Awards (Entertainment Special: Special Event), I was ecstatic! I was witness to the hard work and amount of creative talent that was put into this project so to receive this wonderful news felt so rewarding. I am so proud of Alden and the AR Team,” shared GMA Network Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth Rasonable.
“This is very inspiring especially since this creative endeavor was set amidst the pandemic. It is a testimony of our pursuit of excellence as humans, not fearful of change or challenges,” added GMA Network’s First Vice President for Entertainment Group Darling De Jesus-Bodegon.
Paolo Valenciano, who directed the concert, said the finalist nomination is a welcome addition to AR's success. “We put a lot of effort into ‘Alden’s Reality.’ There were several times where we just wanted to give up because of all the challenges. Natanggal pagod namin seeing the responses from Alden’s fans. Hearing this news (about the NYF) just makes all of it so much sweeter.”
With “Alden’s Reality,” GMA Network gave the Philippines six shortlisted entries—the most number of finalists for the country. The announcement of winners for this year’s NYF is slated for October in Las Vegas.