I was in awe last Friday because Alden Richards was present at the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) event for the marginalized workers of the television and film industry and because he gave away P100,000 to the underpaid workers of our industry. 

Alden generously shared his time with me, and his dedication to Mowelfund deeply moved me. By the end of our conversation, my admiration for Richard Fulkerson, Alden's real name, had quadrupled. This talented actor is truly a man for others, and his involvement with Mowelfund is a testament to his commitment to the industry and its workers. 

Giselle: I know you are very busy as Asia’s Multimedia star. So why accept this job as a trustee for Mowelfund? 

Alden: When Tita Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Tita Gina Alajar, Tito Rez Cortez, Tito Jim Baltazar, and the other Board of Trustees invited  DingDong Dantes and me to join the Board, we didn't hesitate. This is our chance to give back to the industry that has been so generous to us. I'll never forget Tita Boots' words, 'Amidst the glitz and glamour of the movies, there are the unsung heroes, the underpaid workers who make it all possible. They are Mowelfund’s reason for being.' That was all I needed to hear to be convinced. 

Giselle: This is a pretty impressive set-up in the U.P. Bahay ng Alumni that Mowelfund organized for its 4,000 members—a free medical check-up, free blood work, free dental, free ECG and X-ray, plus a raffle and entertainment from us artists. I heard from Tita Boots’ speech that your production company, Myriad, helped set this up. 

Alden: Yes, Ate Giselle. Mowelfund is a non-stock, non-profit social welfare, educational, and industry development organization. Organizing something this big for our 50th anniversary needs a lot of people, so I asked my Myriad team if they could volunteer their services for this medical mission and the entertainment program. We need to ignite the spirit of volunteerism so that those who can help can actually help. Like you, Ate Giselle, I know you are giving your event-hosting services for free to our brothers and sisters in the industry. I want to take this opportunity to thank in your column my mama in showbusiness, Miss Vilma Santos-Recto, who, in spite of her busy schedule, has agreed to travel from her  Barako Opening event in Batangas to Diliman,  Quezon City, just to inspire our Mowelfund members who are big fans of hers. 

Giselle: Aside from your time, talent, and treasure, Alden, how else do you think you can help Mowelfund and its members? 

 Alden: By creating awareness about Mowelfund Ate Giselle. Many actors and industry workers my age need to be aware of the significant benefits Mowelfund provides. They don’t know they can become a member and receive medical cash aid of P8,000 per year and funeral assistance of P35,000 for their immediate family members. They are unaware of the educational assistance programs for children, both in cash and kind. Most importantly, they are unaware of the Mowelfund Film Institute, which aims to improve our local cinema. For inquiries, please email [email protected] or visit our website mfi.com.ph