Alden Richard's much-talked-about "Gandang Gabi Vice" guesting was sure an iconic full-circle moment. Plus, the pilot episode of "GGV's" new season was extra juicy as he got candid about matters of the heart and at the same time showed his 'makulit' side that we rarely see from him on television.
First things first, Alden Richards named Anne Curtis as his first showbiz crush, which, of course, earned some 'violent' reactions from Vice Ganda. But from all the teasing, the conversation turned serious as Alden opened up about his relationship history. He revealed that he's only had two official girlfriends, both non-showbiz in his student days.
His showbiz love life, however, is filled with “what ifs.” Alden revealed that he's courted five women in the industry, but they all remained “almosts,” with either him or the girl pulling away before the 'relationship' could progress further. As for the last woman he courted, he admitted, “Pareho [kaming umatras] pero mas siya.”
Out of respect, he chose not to speak on behalf of the last showbiz personality he pursued. But he spoke about what the experience taught him, "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 was honest about his own mistakes in love, disclosing that he ghosted the first showbiz girl he courted. Looking back, he knows that wasn't the right way to handle things, and he has since learned the importance of communication.
“Feeling ko, 'yung love life sa akin medyo mailap siya for the past fifteen years na kasi sinusubukan kong hanapin,” he reflected, adding that, at some point, he felt the pressure of society's invisible timelines that tell a person when they're supposed to settle down. But he no longer wants to impose that kind of timeline on himself. After his latest almost-relationship, he decided to stop actively looking for love and let it find him instead.
"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."
"Siguro for the longest time, naghahanap ako ng pagmamahal from another person, na, na-realize ko pagmamahal pala sa sarili 'yung kulang," he said, unable to hold back his emotions. Vice stayed by his side and comforted him as their conversation continued off-mic, giving Alden time to just let everything out.
Alden certainly made "GGV's" comeback one to remember, and now we can't wait to see which stars will be sharing secrets and stories with Vice next.
Watch the full "Gandang Gabi Vice" episode with Alden Richards for free on iWant (for Philippines-based users only).