Vice Ganda shared how he felt for Alden Richards after the Kapuso actor became emotional during his guesting on the pilot episode of Gandang Gabi Vice.
The much-awaited comeback of Gandang Gabi Vice finally aired on September 13, six years after the show went on hiatus.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Alden Richards calls ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ guesting a ‘moment of self-discovery’
The episode had its share of lighthearted moments, with Alden showing his fun and playful side throughout the conversation. However, things eventually took a more serious turn when Alden recounted his experiences with past relationships that remained “almosts,” becoming emotional as he reflected on what those experiences taught him.
As Alden continued to open up, the conversation became so emotional that he eventually broke down in tears. The moment lasted for about 10 minutes, leaving Vice Ganda concerned for the actor.
After the episode aired, Vice Ganda shared on X how much he felt for Alden after seeing him overwhelmed with emotion.
“That breakdown took almost 10 minutes. And parang ayaw ko [nang] ituloy yung interview kasi [awang-awa] ako sa [kaniya]. Grabe yung iyak [niya],” Vice Ganda wrote. “But he insisted to still continue. Haaaayyy!!! love you Alden!”
Alden, meanwhile, shared his appreciation for Vice Ganda, writing: “Love you Vice”
The Unkabogable Star also shared another message for the actor, writing, “Yakap Alden!”
During the episode, Alden took a closer look at his past experiences in love, particularly the relationships that never quite reached the next stage. He recalled having feelings for five women from showbiz at different points of his life, but each one eventually became an “almost,” with either party choosing to step back before the relationship could develop further.
For the last showbiz personality he had feelings for, Alden said they both pulled away, although he admitted that she was the one who took the bigger step back. Out of respect for her, he chose not to reveal her identity.
Reflecting on that relationship, Alden said it taught him an important lesson about leaving room for possibilities.
“Ang one thing na natutunan ko sa whatever happened with that relationship is to never say never. Huwag mong bigyan ng ultimatum 'yung sarili mo dahil sobrang saya mo sa sitwasyon. Kinain ko 'yung mga sinabi ko no'n,” he said.
Alden also recalled an earlier experience when he ghosted the first woman he had feelings for in showbiz, saying the situation taught him the importance of communication.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Vice Ganda says the return of ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ is an ‘answered prayer’
He admitted that finding love has been difficult for him over the years.
“Feeling ko, 'yung love life sa akin medyo mailap siya for the past fifteen years na kasi sinusubukan kong hanapin,” he said.
Rather than continuing to actively search for a relationship, Alden said he is now willing to wait for the right person to come into his life.
“Hindi ko sinasabing hindi ko hinihintay 'yung taong darating para sa akin. Kasi for the longest time, hinahanap ko 'yung para sa akin, so baka for a change, hintayin ko naman siya ngayon,” he mused. “Seven billion [people in the world], imposibleng walang isa doon na para sa akin.”
As he reflected further on his experiences, Alden realized that what he had been looking for may have been something he needed to find within himself.
“Siguro for the longest time, naghahanap ako ng pagmamahal from another person, na, na-realize ko pagmamahal pala sa sarili 'yung kulang,” he said.
It was at this point that Alden could no longer hold back his emotions. He broke down and cried for almost 10 minutes, as he released feelings he had kept inside for years.
Vice Ganda stayed beside him and comforted him. The two held hands while their conversation continued off-mic, allowing Alden time to compose himself and let his emotions out. The two then shared tight hugs before continuing the show.
The emotional moment also prompted an outpouring of support from viewers online, with netizens thanking Vice Ganda for giving Alden the space to be vulnerable.
“Genuine talaga ni alden like his just normal person na umiiyak when it feels heavy. Thank you for hugging alden meme vice ❤️,” one netizen wrote on X.
“Thank you @vicegandako for giving Alden a safe space to be vulnerable. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give someone is simply the freedom to finally let it out 🙏❤️,” another wrote.
Alden previously told PUSH ABS-CBN that his experience on Gandang Gabi Vice was especially meaningful, describing it as a “moment of self-discovery.”
“Ang galing noong experience kasi hindi lang siya guesting for me. It's a moment of self-discovery. I think blessing ito. Blessing sa akin na this happened because [there has been] a lot of self-realizations and there were a lot of things that I learned about myself.”
“It has been a while since I got the chance to really talk about myself, kasi... hindi ako 'yung ‘me, myself and I’ when it comes to conversations. Most of the time I always listen. But something about Vice's energy na may nailabas siya na sinet aside ko for the longest time,” he added.
The unfiltered and uncut version of Gandang Gabi Vice is available for free streaming exclusively on iWant, for Philippines-based users only.