Body Talk with Alden Richards

Losers can turn out to be winners.

GMA’s tween star Alden Richards is one of them.

When he joined the network’s talent search StarStruck a few years ago, Alden didn’t even make it as one of the 14 semi-finalists, not even one of the 40 winnowed from the 100-plus aspirants who auditioned.

Better luck next time.

Two years ago, Alden was retrieved by GMA from the StarStruck also-rans. He’s now one of the company’s brightest and most popular stars, headed for the big time.

After a few TV shows (Tween Hearts, etc.) and a brief introductory role in Tween Hearts the movie (as the student who has a big crush on his teacher, played by Sam Pinto), Alden got a nice break as the replacement for Aljur Abrenica in the Ang Panday 2, the Bong Revilla starrer for last December’s Metro Filmfest. Aljur’s loss turned out to be Alden’s gain. He’s one of Rhian Ramos’ co-stars in The Road, directed by Yam Laranas and showing all over the US and Canada on March 11.

Funfare got word that GMA (the network and the movie company) has big plans for Alden who could be the next big thing if he plays his cards well.

Already, Alden is making heads turn with his Folded & Hung billboards showing him all grown-up and a bit “bolder,” with generous parts of his abs exposed.

A Capricornian (born on Jan. 2, 1992), Alden stands 5’10”; weighs 160 lbs.; and wears small/medium-size shirt, size-27-30 briefs and size-10 shoes. 

How did you prepare for the Folded & Hung billboard? 

“I went on a strict diet. I worked out overtime. But up to now, I go to the gym as often as I can. I can hardly believe that I am on those billboards. Matagal ko nang pangarap ’yan.”

Is that the sexiest that you can do so far?

“I guess so…yes, hahahaha!”

Are you ready for sexy roles (love scenes, semi-nudity, etc.)?

“If given the chance, yes. But no nudity for now. Love scenes? Hmmmmm…I guess I’m ready.”

What kind of diet do you follow?

“No rice, no soft drinks. More fruits and vegetables. It’s more of a low-carb, high-protein diet.”

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

“For breakfast, I usually have oatmeal and wheat bread with banana or any fruit available. For lunch, again wheat bread and/or any viand available and a little bit of complex carbs like pastas, etc. For dinner, as much as possible only crackers and fruit juices.”

What food do you always crave for, what food do you avoid?

“I really have a big-time craving for cheesecakes. I try to avoid sweets, oily and fatty foods.” 

Any snacks between meals?

“A little bit of chocolate. Just a little bit.”

How much water do you take per day (soda, coffee, tea or energy drinks)?

“I usually drink a lot of water and coffee every day. But I think I’m more of a coffee person.”

What vitamins do you take?

“Vitamin C, vitamin E and multi-vitamins.”

What workout do you do?

“I do regular upper-body workout for my chest, arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, back and, most especially, my abs.”

What part of your body needs improvement?

“My shoulders. I have a small upper frame which I must have inherited from my dad. We have the same body structure. Also, my lower abs still have baby fats.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

“My wrist because it’s the most over-used part in weight-lifting.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

“My biceps because they develop really fast. It’s the part of my body that I love to work on.”

What part of a girl’s body do you notice first?

“The curves and the fingernails.”

What else in a girl turns you on?

“Somebody who can carry a good conversation.”

And what’s in a girl that turns you off?

“Bad hygiene.”

How’s your love life? Do you have a girlfriend?

“Single, and still searching.”

Do you have a nightlife?

“I don’t usually go out at night. But if I find time I party but very seldom.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“I really want to get at least eight hours of sleep but because of work, I get only an average of five hours although not every night. I grab every chance I get to sleep.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Nothing on, just comfortable boxer shorts...that’s  it!”

Do you snore?

“I really don’t know. But when I’m really tired, yes I do snore.”

Do you talk in your sleep?

“Yes, before. But as I grow older, hindi na.”

Do you sleepwalk?

“No, I don’t.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?

“Honestly? Five.”

Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“Watch TV while surfing the net.”

First thing that you do before you wake up?

“Brush my teeth, make my bed and cook my breakfast.”

How do you unwind, cope with stress? Massage or meditation? What sport do you play?

“Massage is one of my weaknesses. I love being massaged a lot! But I need a good masseur. I don’t have time for sports these days. I used to play ball, run and bike.”  

Favorite city?

“My city…Santa Rosa. It’s so progressive and filled with beautiful people.”

Favorite hideaway?

“My room; it’s my comfort zone. Inside it, I can do whatever I want.”

How long does it take you to fix yourself?

“After taking a bath, it usually takes me 30 minutes to get ready.”

Are you vain like most good-looking guys?

“Yes, I am. I’d be a hypocrite if I say that I’m not.”

Name three men that you think have nice bodies.

“Hugh Jackman, Dingdong Dantes and Manny Pacquiao.”

And three women that you think have nice bodies.

“Rhian Ramos, Megan Fox and Sam Pinto.”

Using only body language, how would you make a girl know that you admire her?

“By just looking at her eyes and giving her a look of importance.”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit http://www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)