ALDEN Richards is so excited with two events happening on December 8. First, his new single “Goin’ Crazy” will be officially launched, but you can pre-order it on iTunes starting December 1.
Then, it’s also your special date with him for his 10th anniversary concert, “Alden’s Reality,” something unique as it combines cutting-edge technology with first-rate performances for a concert where fans can interact online with their idol.
“I’m surprised I reached 10 years in the industry without noticing it,” he said. “Kasi I don’t really count my days here as my heart feels full whenever I make people happy with the things I do, acting man or singing, dancing, hosting. Mahirap gawin itong state-of-the-art concert ko, but I welcome the challenge to entertain the audience.”
Alden will take concertgoers to a journey from heartfelt songs to adrenaline-filled dance numbers. A surprise treat also awaits his fans. Shot on 360-degrees, concertgoers not only have access to front-row view, but they are also in for an immersive experience. Tickets are on www.gmanetwork.com/synergy. **Philippine buyers are also given a special VIP package option at P 1,200 which includes one general admission ticket plus one exclusive VR device.
“Alden’s Reality” is directed by Paolo Valenciano, produced by Synergy: A GMA Collaboration.
Alden was asked if he’s still willing to be paired with Maine Mendoza in a new project.
“Why not? Both Maine and I are looking forward to that, para mapagbigyan ‘yung fans namin na humihiling na magtambal kami uli in a movie or a TV series. I just hope they’ll give us a more mature project para maiba naman sa nagawa na namin before.”
***
Kylene Alcantara turned 18 last September but she didn’t have a grand debut as planned, simply because the pandemic came to town and spoiled it.
“Nakapag-book na kami sa hotel, last year pa, nag-down na nga kami,” she says. “When the lockdown came in March, I was hoping before my birthday, sana matapos na ito, but it didn’t happen. So I just accepted it na lang. Wala namang magagawa. I don’t want to dwell on negative emotions.”
But soon after that, she got the news that they’re about to resume taping for her hit afternoon soap that was disrupted by the pandemic, “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.”
“So ayun, natuwa naman ako, at least back to work na kami,” she said. “Lock in taping nga lang. Mahirap dahil maraming health protocols. Tapos inabot pa kami ng mga bagyo while we’re taping sa isang hotel resort in San Mateo, Rizal. But we’re all glad na balik na kami sa trabaho kasi me and all my co-stars all missed acting before the camera.”
She’s happy to see Mylene Dizon again, who plays her mother, Nora Aunor as her grandmother, her leading man Yasser Marta and the other members of the cast like Zoren Legaspi and Gabby Eigenmann. So how is it being officially a grown up at 18?
“I’ve been told that adulthood is not gonna be an easy ride, but with the people around me guiding me, I know that I will be just fine. Kaya natutuwa ako sa pakikinig sa stories ng mga nauna sa’kin sa showbiz, like Miss Nora Aunor, you’ll really learn a lot with her wealth of experience in showbiz.”
***
GMA is going full blast taping an exciting lineup of new soaps which are obviously intended for airing in the new year 2021.
Now on lock-in taping is “Owe My Love,” a wholesome romantic-comedy featuring Lovi Poe, Benjamin Alves, Winwyn Marquez and Ai Ai de las Alas. It’s already being talked about because of the shenanigans of Mystica in the taping. She has since been replaced by Patani of “Survivor Philippines.”
Somehow, they should thank Mystica as they already got a lot of advanced publicity. Also in “Owe My Love” are comedians Nova Villa, Leo Martinez, Ruby Rodriguez, Mike Nacua, Kiray Celis, Buboy Villar, Divine Tetay, Donita Nose, Mahal, Jason Francisco plus Jackielou Blanco and Ryan Eigenmann.
Also now on lock in taping in Batangas is “Babawiin Ko ang Lahat,” a family drama with Carmina Villaroel and John Estrada. Completing the cast are Kristoffer Martin, Tanya Garcia, Pauline Mendoza (who’s being launched in this soap), Manolo Pedroza, Dave Bornea and Liezel Lopez.
In contrast to the “maligalig” taping of “Owe My Love,” this one is going on very smoothly and John Estrada has openly praised the GMA staff for “putting us in a very comfortable environment for our one-month lock in taping. ‘Di po kami tinipid. Nagtatrabaho ka pero parang nasa bakasyon ka.”
As one staffer said: “Ganyan talaga kapag walang pasaway sa cast.”
Three other new shows slated for early next year are: “First Yaya” with Gabby Concepcion, Sanya Lopez, Pancho Magno, Pilar Pilapil, Cassy Lopez, JD Domagoso and Glenda Garcia; “Legal Wives” with Dennis Trillo as a Muslim man with three wives to be played by Alice Dixson, Andrea Torres and Bianca Umali; and the psychological drama “Ang Dalawang Ikaw” starring Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, supported by Anna Vicente as the other woman.