Kapuso actor Alden Richards expressed his gratitude as he celebrated his 13th year in the entertainment industry. Thankful for the blessings that have come his way, Alden's journey is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

"Dear Alden, the past 13 years of your career, ang dami ng mga nangyari. Masasaya at malulungkot. May sakit pero may ginhawa. Higit sa lahat, ako'y nagpapasalamat sa dami ng kaalaman na dumating sa'yo. Pero hindi pa tayo natatapos. Marami pang dapat matutunan. Malayo na pero malayo pa," said Alden in a special message to himself during a simple thanksgiving party at the Stardust Bar and Restaurant in Makati City last Sunday.

(Dear Alden, in the past 13 years of your career, a lot has happened. Happy and sad. There is pain but there is comfort. Above all, I am grateful for the amount of knowledge that has come to you. But we're not finished yet. There's still a lot to learn. It's a long way but it's still a long way.)

Alden, star of the upcoming film "Family of Two" with Megastar Sharon Cuneta, shared sneak peeks and flashbacks of his showbiz career for the past 13 years. He admitted he's enjoying being a director these days.

"Nagma materialize po lahat ng imagination ko. 13 years is enough for my creative imagination. With directing, eto naman ang mag materialize sa kanya," he said.

(All my imagination materialized. Thirteen years is enough for my creative imagination. With directing, this is what materialized.)

Alden was also asked to comment on the split between sweethearts Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. He denied rumors that he was courting Kathryn, his co-star in the blockbuster movie "Hello, Love, Goodbye" in 2019.

“Wala pong katotohanan ‘yan. Hindi po totoo. Kasi parang ginagawan na naman ako ng issue para mapunta sa akin ‘yung blame. Nananahimik po ako ngayon, so wala pong ganu’n. Hindi po ‘yun totoo,” Alden said.

(That's not true. It's not true. Because it's like I'm being tagged into an issue again so that the blame goes to me. I'm keeping quiet now, so there's nothing like that. That's not true.)

The actor added: “I know my place in the industry and hindi po ako nakikisawsaw sa issue ng kung sino man.”

(I know my place in the industry and I don't get involved in anyone else's issue.)

Alden also celebrated his showbiz anniversary with a mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Jeffrey B. Quintela, Chief Exorcist of the Diocese of Antipolo City.

"Lagi niyang inuuna ang Diyos at pamilya. He really finds God as most important and then his family. And then his career. So palagay ko yun ang kanyang order in life. Para sa akin, kapag siya ay nakilala mo talaga, he will treasure everything sa inyo. Matandain din siya at naniniwala ako na sinasabi niya lagi na kaya siya nagtatagumpay, dahil daluyan lang daw siya ng biyaya. Kapag tumanggap siya ng biyaya, dumadaloy sa ibang tao. Kaya naniniwala ako na hindi mauubusan ang taong ito kasi connected sa Diyos. At ginagamit din siya ng Diyos para maging tulong sa ibang tao," said Fr. Jeffrey, when asked about the actor. He also claimed he and the actor have been friends for 10 years.

(He always puts God and family first. He really finds God as most important and then his family. And then his career. So I think that is his order in life. For me, when you really get to know him, he will treasure everything to you. He will always remember you careful. I believe in what he says that he is a channel of grace that's why he's successful. When he receives grace, it flows to other people. So I believe that this person will never run out (of grace) because he is connected to God. And God also uses him to be a help to other people.)

On his wish for Alden, the priest said: "Isa lang ang wish ko sa kanya: manatiling mabuting tao kasi yun naman ang mahalaga eh. Yung career mawawala yan eh. Pera mawawala rin yan. Pero yung pananampalataya mo sa Diyos, naniniwala siya na God alone suffices."

(I only have one wish for him: to remain a good person because that's what's important. The career will be lost. Money will also be lost. But your faith in God, he believes that God alone suffices.)

Fr. Jeff added: "We have been together sa mga exorcism eh. Kasi priest-exorcist ako eh. Yung bahay niya, na-blessed natin. Na-exorcise rin natin yun. Nakasama rin natin siya noong mag na-possess na mga fans niya. Tumutulong din siya roon. Doon talaga ang connection namin."

(We have been together during exorcisms. Because I am a priest-exorcist. I blessed his house. I also exorcised it. I also helped him when his fans were possessed. He also helps there. That's where our connection really is.)