Everyone recognizes the name Alden Richards, but no one really knows the story of this actor who was born a day after the New Year in 1992.
This once ordinary boy from Laguna, who is Richard Reyes Faulkerson, Jr. in real life, is on the road to becoming one of the biggest star of his generation. Driven by his dream, and faith in his parents, and the people he loves, he continues to chase his dreams with a humble heart.
In a book entitled Alden Richards: In My Own Words, the actor opens up and gives his fans a glimpse of his world on and off the camera. It also contains stories Alden has never revealed before - it is his life before stardom.
The 24-year-old actor captured the hearts of his fans during the launch of his self-authored book at the activity area in Robinson’s Galleria on Aug. 14. Although hundreds trooped to the area, only a few were given a chance to have their books signed by the young actor.
Some fans came all the way from Ilocos Norte, Laguna (which is Alden’s hometown), Cavite, Laoag, Malabon, Pasay and Caloocan and braved the torrential rains just to grace the event. Some balikbayans from Canada and the US also showed up to support Alden’s first endeavor to reintroduce himself “in his own words.”
The book, according to the country’s “Pambansang Bae,” is an ultimate fan guide and must-have that features never before seen photos from Eat Bulaga’s kalyeserye, exclusive interviews, fashion spreads, and childhood pictures.
“I immediately said yes to Summit Books when I was asked if I would want to write a book. At first there were apprehensions because I didn’t get to write much when I was young,” he told the Manila Standard.
“It is my way of giving back to the people who have been supporting me. For the longest time sila po ang nagbibigay ng gift sa akin. This time, it’s my turn to give the gift they deserve to make them feel special,” he added.
Alden and the team that worked to complete the project took over a year before they could release the much-awaited book, which also touches his ascendance to super stardom when AlDub fever came into picture.
Would he still write the book hadn’t he become part of the phenomenal AlDub?
“The book was already formulated even before AlDub. So, I would still write and release the book whatever my status in showbiz is,” Alden responded.
In this intimate storytelling, the actor talks about the challenges he had to hurdle in life including the obstacles he encountered as a struggling actor joining male pageants and talent searches left and right. In his book, Alden wrote that his mom was his guide in becoming who he is today because it was her who tirelessly pushed him to pursue acting.
“If not for my mom, I wouldn’t be here today. She told me that being famous is just a perception. That’s why I don’t see myself famous. I’m still the same person people knew. The only thing that changed in me is that I get to inspire more people because of things that I do on television,” he concluded.
