Multimedia Star Alden Richards has revealed he wanted to pursue a college degree to fulfill the wish of his father as he renewed his contract with GMA recently.
"Ang gusto ko pang ma-add sa ginagawa ko is to finish school. I’ve been working on it lately. I’ve been studying and collecting data kung magkaroon man ako ng free time is to really finish school," said Alden, during a Zoom conference with the entertainment press recently.
"Ang gusto ko kasi i-major is Business Economics, like stock market. Anything that involves yung ekonomiya ng isang bansa. It’s very interesting to see.
"Parang with those knowledge kasi, I will know that my country and other countries are performing well. Isa yun sa mga plans ko in the near future," he added.
Alden said his late mother Rosario Faulkerson wanted him to become a movie star. But his father Richard Faulkerson Sr. dreams of earning a college diploma for him.
"Kung yung mom ko po is yung dream niya sa akin is to be successful in the field of entertainment, yung dream naman ng diploma is for my dad. Siya naman ang may gusto," Alden said.
Alden, 29, said he is a proud Kapuso for many years now.
“I'm a homegrown Kapuso at isa yun sa pinagmamalaki ko because my dreams came true sa tulong ng GMA. It’s an honor to be part of people's lives and I get to do it because of GMA,” Alden shares.
He added that he has always considered GMA his second home. “I'd like to celebrate this kasi every year na nadagdag sa taon ko with GMA is a milestone for me and it made me feel that I am in the right place. Isang malaking karangalan po talaga maging parte ng GMA for 10 years. Here's to another 10 years and I’m really looking forward po to more beautiful projects and opportunities with the Kapuso network.”
During the contract signing, top GMA executives showed their full support to Alden via Zoom, video messages, and their presence at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development, Concurrent Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Program Support Regie C. Bautista, First Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie A. Magno, First Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling De Jesus-Bodegon, First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, First Vice President and Head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Senior Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Consultant for Business Development Department II of the Entertainment Group Bang U. Arespacochaga, GMAAC Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun S. Ferrer, and GMAAC consultant Johnny Manahan all attended the momentous occasion.
Also in attendance was The World Between Us director Dominic Zapata.
Atty. Gozon has only good things to say about Alden, “Alden’s passion, hard work, and dedication are truly admirable. He deserves to be called Asia’s Multimedia Star. Pinagpapala siya ng Diyos dahil sa kanyang magandang pag-u-ugali. Alden, sana ay tuloy tuloy ka naming makasama sa marami pang taon sa paghahatid ng saya sa ating mga Kapuso. Hindi lang dito sa Pilpinas, kundi pati na sa buong mundo.”
Duavit, on the other hand, is proud that Alden has remained grounded and humble despite of his many achievements, “Sa kabila ng lahat ng tagumpay, sa kabila ng pag-aangat mo ng antas, ng husay mo, naging karanasan, at tagumpay. Isang bagay ang kapuna-puna na ibig kong banggitin ngayon - that you are the same person that I knew when you started and I know you to be now. This is very rare. Ito siguro ay isa sa mga bagay na nasa Kagitanaan ng iyong tagumpay. Hindi ka nag-iiba. Ang gusto kong iparating sayo ay ang taos puso naming pasasalamat because of the pride and the joy you bring all of us bilang isang Kapuso.”
Yalong affirms this, “Alden is undeniably one of our biggest homegrown talents and he continues to give honor to the Kapuso network. His charm, superb acting, and genuine kindness endear him to Filipinos all over the world. I’m sure he will receive more blessings in the coming years.”
Gozon-Valdes believes that Alden has so much more to accomplish, “You’re really truly blessed. Napakagaling mo, you have everything, you have the looks, you have the talent, and most importantly, you have a strong faith in God. So, I know na malayong malayo pa ang mararating mo and we’re very happy to be with you in that journey.”
Meanwhile, Rasonable expresses her utmost appreciation for Alden’s professionalism and kindheartedness, “From the very beginning, you have shown passion and dedication to your work. But more than that your good heart, your kindness, and concern for everybody that you work with and for others especially during this pandemic. That's why the Network is always entrusting you with many big major projects. We are so proud of you and we look forward to many years of working with you. We are proud to be Your Kapuso."
Santiago-Lara could not be any prouder of the highly talented Kapuso TV host, actor, and performer. “I want to congratulate you for all the successes and milestones that you have achieved throughout the years. Because of your passion for your craft, you always strive to do your best. I know it for a fact. You give it your all. Pero hindi ka lang mahusay sa trabaho, mabuti kang tao, marunong kang magbigay sa kapwa at marunong ka lumingon sa pinanggalingan mo.”
Ferrer is elated that Alden remains to be a part of the Kapuso family, “We are so proud of your achievements but more than that, we're so proud of the man that you are. You are such a talented actor and you have such a good heart. We're so proud that you are part of the GMA Artist Center family. And we are here with you every step of the way and looking forward to closing more endorsements with you.”
Manahan, in turn, is all praises for Alden’s accomplishments in the industry, “I’m sure GMA is so lucky to have you among its roster of stars because at such an early age you have become an icon, the stuff of legends. Totoong icon ka. You proved that you can do it but through it all, you have remained humble and dedicated to your craft.”
Last June, Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert earned a finalist slot at the prestigious 2021 New York Festivals (NYF) “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition.
On top of being a trusted brand ambassador, Alden has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Celebrities of the Decade at the 10th EdukCircle Awards.
He was recently given a Plaque of Appreciation for his participation in the benefit concert, Awit sa Pandemya, at the 12th Star Awards for Music, and 'Movie Actor of the Year' at the recently held 36th Star Awards for Movies by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).
Alden is currently gearing up for the return of GMA’s top-rating series The World Between Us on GMA Telebabad on Nov. 15. Fans are also looking forward to his exciting movie team up with fellow Kapuso actress Bea Alonzo.