Alden falls in love with Vigan

MANILA, Philippines -  Alden Richards, who plays the role of Jose Rizal on GMA’s first-ever bayaniserye Ilustrado, spent the last days of October up north, discovering the old city of Vigan anew in time for its celebration of the annual Raniag Twilight Festival last Oct. 27 to 29.

Although not his first time to visit the place, Alden was captivated nonetheless by the old world charm of the city.

“I can see na very colorful ang culture ng Vigan. First time ko po kasing maki-festival dito. The first time I was here, it was for a Kapuso show so hindi ko na-experience talaga what Vigan is like ‘pag festival,” he shared.

On the night of Oct. 27, Alden starred in a Kapuso Fiesta together with GMA Artist Center’s Louise de los Reyes and Max Collins, who plays Consuelo Ortiga in Ilustrado. Earlier that day, Alden took the chance to acquaint himself with the Heritage City of Vigan.

“I was happy na nabigyan ako ng at least one day na free sa Vigan so nag-ikut-ikot kami. We went to Calle Crisologo, the world famous street, and then we went around using ‘yung kalesa. A happy kid he seemed, while telling stories of his quick tour, ‘Nagpunta kami sa bell tower, sa burnayan, tapos tinikman namin ‘yung delicacies nila rito like ‘yung empanada, ‘yung longganisa, ang dami, even the poqui-poqui.’”

The next day, Alden was joined by Bet ng Bayan co-host Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, who brought superb entertainment to the Bigueños with the staging of GMA Network’s widest reality-talent show Bet ng Bayan and its North Luzon regional showdown.

Regine blew the audience away with her rendition of Sumayaw, Sumunod during the show’s opening. What followed was a breathtaking face-off between six qualified bets (two per category) from Dagupan and Baguio at the Plaza Salcedo, the winners of which were awarded the chance to advance to the Luzon semi-finals.

Members of the audience were not the only ones delighted as the panel of judges — Dingdong Dantes, Kuh Ledesma, and Apo Hiking Society member Jim Paredes, also a proud Ilokano — felt the same way watching the contestants.

Andrea Torres, Pancho Magno and Cris Villongco from the afternoon series Ang Lihim ni Annasandra also graced the show after their participation in the spooky yet colorful Raniag Twilight Parade.

GMA Network’s head for Regional Strategy and Business Development Division and AVP for Regional TV Oliver Amoroso said, “The network wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bigueños and to the Heritage City of Vigan for their all-out support to all our activities. The success of the Kapuso Fiesta and the Bet ng Bayan regional finals in the Raniag Twilight Festival only goes to show the network and its stars have a special place in the hearts of our Kapusos here in Ilocos.”

Highlights of the network’s participation in this year’s Raniag Twilight Festival can be seen via Let’s Fiesta! on Nov. 16 airing in all nine GMA regional stations in Ilocos, Bicol, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, GenSan and Cagayan de Oro.