Alden’s new role: Household ‘runner’ during quarantine

Alden Richards

Alden Richards has expressed misgivings about resuming show biz-related activities any time soon.

“I think it would be difficult to take that risk. In my opinion, it’s too early and it’s not OK to start taping, because there’s a lot of people and physical contact involved,” he said in a recent Q&A session with fans on Instagram Live.

Television and movie production is among the enterprises that will be allowed under general community quarantine (GCQ), which will be implemented in areas with low to moderate risk for Covid-19.Metro Manila, where major networks and film outfits are based, remains high-risk and will still be under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15. But even if the guidelines for the city were to be relaxed, the 28-year-old actor doubts that the industry could go back to normal operations just like that.

“If ever tapings do push through, I think the workforce will be minimal,” he surmised. “But of course, it’s still up to GMA 7 what their decision would be.”

Unfortunately, it goes without saying that his 10th show biz anniversary concert, set on July 25 at the Araneta Coliseum, won’t be pushing through. “Even if it (ECQ) gets lifted, mass gatherings would will still be banned,” he pointed out. Alden is currently staying at his home in Laguna. And after more than a month without television appearances, the Kapuso star decided to go live on social media because he said he sorely misses interacting with “people who love and support me.” Sporting his “quarantine uniform”—a white shirt and a pair of shorts—he also gave his followers a mini tour of his bedroom and his favorite spots in the house. He showed off his collection of Iron Man suits and action figures, and heaps of other toys that are yet to be unboxed. His awards and trophies, on the other hand, are displayed on a shelf near the staircase.

One of his most cherished possessions is a statue of the Virgin Mary that his mother used to own. “We already had it for as long as I could remember. It reminds me of my mother because it was hers,” he related.

Alden is the household’s designated “runner”: He’s the one who goes out grocery shopping and takes care of utilities. As such, it’s crucial, he said, to take extra precaution, especially since he’s living with his grandparents. “I can’t risk their health and welfare,” he said. “I can’t let them get sick.”

“Upon returning home from the grocery, our Ate Virgie (house help) would be waiting for me in the garage, where I change clothes. I disinfect my exposed body parts, especially my arms, before entering the house through the backdoor,” he related. “Then, I go straight to my room and take a bath.”One of the realizations Alden has had during this pandemic is that the virus has been an equalizer of sorts. “Regardless of who you are or what you have, when it comes to life and death… It has been an eye-opener for everyone. There’s a lot at stake. We have to be selfless,” he said. “What’s happening right now is something we can’t fully understand, and feels unfair, sometimes. But maybe there’s a reason for everything,” added Alden, who has been using his free time to “reestablish connections” with family and friends.

Alden encouraged everyone to rally behind those infected with the disease and the front-liners, whom he described as “heroes.” “The best way to help them and prevent the virus from spreading further is by staying at home,” he pointed out. He recently had the chance to talk to front-liners and their conversations have been nothing less than touching. “‘Why do you do it, despite being afraid?’ I asked one of them. ‘Who else will take charge?’ he replied. We owe them a debt of gratitude, because they put their lives on the line and do so selflessly,” he said.

“All my love, support and prayers are with them. They’re heroes. They’re the reasons we’re safe,” Alden added. “Their courage is commendable. They’re our saving grace.”