IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Best of Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards’ friendship

(From left) Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. Images: X/@StarCinema, Instagram/@niceprintphoto

The moment Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (collectively known as “KathDen”) were first paired up in the 2019 film “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” it was clear that the magic between them was undeniable. Even though the movie had an open end to Joy and Ethan’s love story, the actors established a close friendship that translated from the screen to real life.

Bernardo and Richards are known as respectable actors in their respective fields, with the actress entering her 20th year in the entertainment industry. Among her recent projects in her “solo” era include the black comedy “A Very Good Girl” and a fiery cover shoot with a local fashion magazine. She is also set to headline the upcoming film “Elena 1944.”

Meanwhile, Richards will be one of the leads of the historical drama “Pulang Araw” and has the upcoming movies “Out of Order” and “The Cassandra Project” in his arsenal.

Regardless of their solo ventures, however, it’s beyond doubt that Bernardo and Richards’ friendship has always been a hot topic among entertainment circles, with rumors of a possible reunion film and romance hounding them. It’s proof that their star power, whether as solo artists or as a team, remains solid.

‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’

Bernardo and Richards were announced as the leads of “Hello, Love, Goodbye” which revealed their unexpectedly natural onscreen chemistry. Taking on the roles of Ethan and Joy, their characters find themselves in the midst of a rat race for survival in the streets of Hong Kong.

In a press conference, the actors said they didn’t have a hard time warming up to each other, with both of them sharing that their friendship didn’t have to be “forced” as it came naturally.

As of press time, it is ranked as the second-highest-grossing film in the Philippines, after it was overtaken by the Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes-led movie “Rewind.”

‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ promos, interviews

Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo at the press conference of “Hello, Love, Goodbye” on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at the Dolphy Theater in Quezon City. (Photo by KRISSY AGUILAR / INQUIRER.net)

One of the highlights of Bernardo and Richards’ promotional activities for “Hello, Love, Goodbye” was their opening up about their friendship at a “Magandang Buhay” interview aired on July 31, 2019.

“Noong nakakapag-kwento na ako kay Kath ng mga bagay na medyo personal,” Richards began, referring to the actress using her nickname. “Malalaman mo kasi sa tao kung napapalagay na ang loob mo sa kanya kapag kaya mo nang magkwento ng something na mas malalim kesa sa usual na usapan. Kay Kath, hindi naging mahirap.”

(When I could talk to Kath about personal matters. You would know if you’re comfortable with a person if you can talk about deeper topics than usual. It wasn’t hard to reach that stage with Kath.)

Without going into detail, Bernardo described Richards as someone straightforward with his thoughts especially when it comes to making certain decisions in his life.

Alden’s duet with Kakai Bautista

Alden Richards, Kakai Bautista and Kathryn Bernardo. Image: Instagram/@arliesalagantin

Much to the surprise of netizens, Richards was among guests during Bernardo’s birthday party in El Nido, Palawan where he was accompanied by their co-stars Kakai Bautista and Maymay Entrata. In one part, the actor and Bautista treated guests to a duet performance of “Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang.”

The Kapuso star even drew cheers after he said between the performance, “Happy birthday, Kath! ‘Di ko ginagawa ito (I don’t usually do this).”

Alden surprises Kathryn

Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo. Image: Instagram/@boopyap, @earlsemitara

It turned out that the El Nido birthday bash wasn’t the last fans would see of Bernardo and Richards, as the latter was invited to the actress’ intimate birthday celebration with her mother Min, close friends, and her glam team.

Supportive smiles were seen among the guests after Richards arrived at the party with a bouquet of red roses and a paper bag from a luxury crystal brand. It seemed his attendance was a surprise to the actress, showing a shocked expression throughout.

The actors then interacted at the bar area where they snapped photos, much to the delight of Bernardo’s friends.

When asked about their interaction, Richards briefly said “what you see is what you get” in a 24 Oras interview without disclosing details about their friendship in particular.

Alden seen at Kathryn’s housewarming

Alden Richards graces Kathryn Bernardo’s housewarming party | Images: Instagram/@neatobsessions/X

Richards was also spotted at Bernardo’s housewarming party earlier this month, where the Kapuso star was seen in the background looking at the actress while gracefully dancing with guests.

Also invited to the party were Darren Espanto, Robi Domingo, Sofia Andres, Loisa Andalio, Chie Filomeno, and Maymay Entrata, just to name a few.

Is Alden courting Kathryn?

Neither Richards nor Bernardo has yet to speak about the relationship rumors hounding them, but entertainment insider Ogie Diaz claimed on the April 14 episode of his showbiz vlog that the “Pulang Araw” star is courting the latter.

Both actors, however, have yet to confirm nor deny the rumors, as of this writing.