After record-breaking feat, Alden Richards set to go international

Alden Richards

After winning an award in Korea and starring in a movie that has just become the highest grossing in the Philippines, Alden Richards and his home network, GMA 7, are now setting their sights on potential international projects.

“We’re trying to focus on being seen internationally. In the second week of September, I will be in Thailand to attend an event by a broadcasting network. I will do shows by GMA Pinoy TV. Then, there will also be a possible collaboration with an international television outfit,” he told reporters shortly after he renewed his exclusive contract with GMA 7, and showed the trailer to his upcoming series, “The Gift.”

“We’re excited … something to look forward to,” added Alden, who was given the Asian Star Prize at the Seoul International Drama Awards last Aug. 28—just a week before Star Cinema announced that his film with Kathryn Bernardo, “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” is now the biggest Filipino box-office hit, after it raked in over P880 million worldwide.

“One of our bosses actually went with me to Seoul, met with TV networks and told them we’re open to doing a Filipino-Korean project,” he related.

While he can’t go into details just yet about the Kapuso network’s plans to expand his market outside the country, the 27-year-old star said landing an international or a Hollywood role is “the ultimate dream.”

“It must be very heartening to represent the country out there,” he said. “I want to show other countries that Filipinos are just as passionate about acting, producing and filmmaking.”

That’s exactly how he felt when he got up onstage at Kyung Hee University’s Grand Peace Palace to receive his Asian Star Prize trophy before a well-heeled audience that included such Korean stars as Jang Na-ra, Ji Chang-wook and Kim Nam-gil.

“Being given that kind of recognition by an international award-giving body is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And I took it to heart. I stood there for the Filipinos; this is for everyone,” he said.

The funny thing was that, initially, Alden thought that he was invited to the ceremony just for a special “face of the night” sort of award. “I learned about it about a month ago… I thought I might as well go because that could be good exposure. But it turned out, GMA 7 had already submitted materials to them for review,” he said.

It only dawned on him that it was a big deal on the day of the event itself. “When I arrived at the venue, I saw that there was a line of limousines around, and I thought, ‘Ah, hindi lang ’to basta-basta.’ Then, I walked solo and got interviewed at the red carpet,” he recalled.

It was his first time in Korea. And in the few days he spent there, Alden fell in love with the country, so much so that he has decided to take his family there for a vacation. Alden could already envision the trip: “We will visit a palace and have photos taken while we’re wearing hanbok.”

Richards (right) and Kathryn Bernardo

Meanwhile, working on the romantic drama “Hello, Love, Goodbye” has been an enriching experience for Alden—and not necessarily because of its monetary success.

“It showed that when actors from rival networks are given a chance to work together, it could result in something beautiful. You don’t need to be in a relationship (with your costar) to make a project work, either. It’s all about good content and having a good message,” he related.

That said, he couldn’t be more thankful to GMA 7’s entertainment executives for allowing him to do the film. And renewing his ties with the network was a “no-brainer,” he said, because they have always been invested in his growth as an artist.

“Loyalty goes a long way. The way they treat me has never changed. They continue to give me a chance to showcase the other things I can do. And they’re generous when I ask for permission to do outside work. What more can I ask for?” he said.

Asked if a sequel to “Hello, Love, Goodbye” is in the offing, Alden said it’s too early to tell. But should there be one, “Direk Cathy (Garcia-Molina), Kathryn and I agreed that it would be done by the same team.”

With this recent string of achievements, Alden’s stock will no doubt rise higher. And that’s all the more reason to stay grounded.

“I believe faith in God keeps my sanity—it’s what keeps me grounded. When the fame, money and clamor are gone, God’s love for you will remain. And the more I get these bonuses, the more I hold onto him,” said Alden, who thanked his devoted supporters and critics alike for making him a stronger person.

“I’m thankful to those who were with me when I was down and told me that there’s something bigger waiting for me when I was on the verge of quitting,” he said. “I love my job, acting, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.”