What’s next for Alden Richards after ‘Start-Up PH’?

CEBU, Philippines — After almost three months on air, GMA Network’s primetime series “Start-Up PH” concludes its inspiring story on pursuing dreams and believing in oneself this Friday, December 23. Premiering last September, it’s is the very first television adaptation of the breakthrough 2020 South Korean series titled “Start-Up”, that not only topbills Alden Richards, but also stars Bea Alonzo in her first Kapuso series.

Playing Tristan aka Good Boy, a man coming from humble beginnings who rises to become a coveted investor for start-up companies, Alden relished the part even if it needed him to familiarize with business jargon, as he too has recently shown interest in economics and entrepreneurial ventures.

In an interview with the Cebu press, edited for clarity and brevity, the 30-year-old actor shares lessons gleaned from his role and his A-list co-star, how he’s branching out as a producer, and what’s next on his plate.

On why working with Bea Alonzo inspires him:

The first time I worked with her was for a hair product endorsement. Doon pa lang, nawala na. The whole time we were in Bangkok, siguro four to five hours straight kami nag-usap. Hindi pa Kapuso si Bea noon. Nagbibiruan pa kami noon. Working with B for our endorsement was very brief so I never got the chance to know how she really works. Although I’ve seen her work for as far as I can remember so I know how she does her job as an actress with flying colors. Working with her in StartUp, she gives us good pressure. Mostly when the scenes have lengthy dialogue, wala siyang, very minimal, pero mas marami siguro akong bloopers kesa kay B. It inspires me that no matter how tired she is, no matter how long the day has been for her, she’s still able to deliver in each and every scene na hindi mo makikitang pagod siya. That’s what so inspiring to see while working with her in a long-term project.

On what’s next for him after Start-Up PH:

There are movie pitches for me. Aside from the fact that they’re getting me as an actor, I’m also exploring negotiations of making me a producer of these projects. Para at least hindi lang services ng pagiging artista ang binibigay mo. So may mga ganoon na akong kasama sa usapan kapag ako yung kukunin. Are you willing to produce this film with me? I also have this E-sports tournament that I recently launched. It’s a Mobile Legends tournament.

On what he learned Start-Up PH role:

Know your weapon so you know how to fight your battles. We are surrounded by uncertainties everyday so you really have to know yourself so you’ll know how to take on challenges. He also doesn’t like warm relationships. The only warm relationship he’s experienced was with Lola Joy, so he doesn’t know how to relate well with others. While I’m not that way, Tristan is a character to look up to when it comes to decision-making because at the end of the day, his decisions are for the betterment of those around him.

On how he came to produce today’s ‘Eraserheads: The Reunion’ concert:

I’ve been in the industry for 12 years now. I think what really got into me was curiosity. I’ve been in front of the camera for the longest time. Why not get involved behind the scenes to be able to look at things holistically at hindi lang ako umaarte lang palagi. I got curious so I talked to some people and eventually we ventured into this business that we’re in now. Mahirap siya, sobrang hirap…But at the end of the day, it’s really a matter of giving entertainment to people with everything that’s been happening around us. With this Eraserheads concert, I think we’ll be able to give quality entertainment.

I’d like to believe that the culture of Eraserheads from the time they started has crossed a lot of generations. Timeless. Wala kang matatanong na tao dito sa kwartong ito na walang kilalang kahit isang Eraserheads song. And also it’s about time that people see them performing all together in one stage, singing songs that are highlights of people’s lives. Ako, I learned about Eraserheads when I was in high school. Pero noong peak talaga nila, iba rin yung effect ng music nila with that generation compared to my generation.

On how he relieves stress:

There was this one time I went to New York for work, but may konting vacation. AlDub happened na din that time, then ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ happened. And so for the longest time that had been happening, parang ang liit-liit lang ng mundo ko. When I went to Times Square in New York, that’s where I realized I’m a nobody. Ang laki laki ng mundo, hindi lang sa iyo umiikot. Maybe for others, that’s negative. But for me, it’s a positive thing. Coming from this very busy and chaotic world, kapag nasa ibang lugar ka, you’re just, kumbaga sa teleserye, just a passerby. You’re just like a speck of dust. So I appreciate that. That’s one way to detach yourself from a cycle or routine that might eventually lead you to burnt out. Mahirap kasi maubos in this industry because our job is very demanding.

On his goal to take on more unconventional roles:

These days, because of the platforms that we have, a lot of roles are being acknowledged already so my dream of doing dark roles is slowly coming into fruition because of the opportunities that’s coming my way. Most of the movies pitched to me now aren’t the conventional type. Right now, I’m not really after a commercial film or blockbusters. It’s really more of passion films for me. As an actor for 12 years now, it’s about time na magawa ko yung mga gusto kong gawin na roles.

On navigating being part of a phenomenal love team:

From the very word itself – love team – so you should be a team, you should work together. It’s not always the side of the other half ang laging masusunod. No matter what the circumstances are…hindi man maging kayo, you may not be involved romantically, at the end of the day kailangan maging kaibigan kayong dalawa. Sometimes it’s very unfair in our industry because the team-ups somehow put a lot of pressure on both individuals involved. We can’t please everyone. We are grateful, but ako kasi, I think it’s time that I don’t let people control my life. Yan ang prinsipyo ko sa buhay…I have my own choices, my own decisions. — VAB