The impression Alden left on Pops

Pops Fernandez (left) and Alden Richards

Pops Fernandez had already met Alden Richards a few years prior to working with him in GMA 7’s ongoing talent search for kids, “Centerstage.”

The impression the actor left on the seasoned sing­er was that he was a “very kind kid.”

And he still is, she said. “He was such a simple, kind young man. He hasn’t changed one bit,” Pops, who met Alden through a common friend—a politician in Santa Rosa, Laguna—recently told reporters. “He’s good and humble. I believe that’s the reason he’s so blessed in life.”

For Pops, her return to the Kapuso network is a full-circle moment, because it was the 1980s GMA 7 variety program “The Penthouse Live!” that helped cement her star status in the entertainment industry.

“It was years and years back. Prior to ‘Penthouse,’ I had been doing guest appearances in shows on different networks. But it was in ‘Penthouse’ where I really got recognized,” she said. “I’m excited and thankful.”

Pops, who previously had a judging stint in the international American reality talent competition “The World’s Best,” doesn’t mind being offered such type of jobs.

“I was actually touched when I was asked to judge. I like doing it. It’s a difficult

job, but very enjoyable,” she rela­ted.

“I get excited whenever I see contestants—even those who didn’t win—still end up finding success. And it makes me especially proud when you see the hopefuls making it on the world stage and getting recognition for their singing and dancing,” Pops added. “Filipinos get noticed more.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO