An upsurge of ‘kilig’ moments in Alden’s 1st major solo concert

Alden Richards (left) and Maine Mendoza dance to “Unsteady” by the “X Ambassadors.”

We cross paths with certain people at certain moments in our lives, Alden Richards said on the Kia Theatre stage last weekend, for two reasons: So that we could change their lives, or they could change ours.

For the 25-year-old star, that person is Maine Mendoza.

His life in the middle of 2015 was “calm, just chill,” he said, until the then-internet sensation appeared out of the blue and “made a mess” of his life—“a beautiful and glorious mess,” that is.

“Dumating ka sa punto ng buhay ko na kalmado lang ang lahat,” the actor told Maine, his screen partner for the past two years, amid hysteric cheering and shrieking from some 2,000 fans who attended Alden’s major solo concert, “Upsurge.” “Pero wala, binago mo, eh. In-upsurge mo ang buhay ko … At ipagpapasalamat ko ’yun habang nabubuhay ako.”

To the delight of the audience, the love team performed an intimate interpretative dance to the indie rock tune, “Unsteady” by the “X Ambassadors.” And true to the night’s water theme, Alden and Maine ended the number—replete with rain effects—sharing an umbrella and looking into each other’s eyes.

Then, as they embraced, Alden kissed Maine’s head. “We’re stronger together.” The fans ramped up the decibels.

They also sang the hit “Yellow” by Coldplay—Maine’s favorite band. The number provided the fans yet another dose of kilig, as it brought back memories of the British group’s concert in Manila earlier this year, where Maine was spotted being lifted on Alden’s shoulders.

He’s an actor at heart, Alden said, and never in his dreams did he imagine that he would one day stage a concert or become a recording artist—a diamond record-selling one, at that.

But God moves in mysterious ways, he pointed out. And thus he promised to savor every minute of his two-hour concert.

Alden took on local hits like “Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down, as well as worship tunes like “One Way” by Hillsong.

He sang duets with rock artist Raymund Marasigan and singer Janno Gibbs, and engaged in a comedic rap showdown with Jerald Napoles.

Alden (left) with guest singer Janno Gibbs

Showing off his moves, Alden joined Mark Herras, Kristoffer Martin and Rodjun Cruz in lively dance numbers.

Fans squealed their heads off as the Kapuso heartthrob showed off his arms, shimmied and thrust his hips to “That’s Why I Like It” by Bruno Mars.

For his final number, Alden sang “God Gave Me You”—the theme song of “Eat Bulaga’s kalyeserye”—together with a choir.

“Performing for everyone makes me feel great,” Alden said. “I tried hard to process everything, but all these wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t believe in me.”

More than anything else, the concert was Alden’s way of expressing gratitude to everyone who had helped him get to where he is right now.

Turning emotional, Alden dedicated the concert to his late mother, Rosario Faulkerson, who died of pneumonia in 2008.

“It was my mother who always wanted me to become an actor … I draw strength from my mom, and I know that whatever challenge I face, she would always be there,” Alden said.

Alden dances onstage.

Maine (left) and Alden