Kapuso multi-awarded actor Alden Richards has set himself a goal on Monday, January 17, to help more children this year.
In the virtual media conference for his upcoming documentary-concert ForwARd, Richards revealed that he had already met his goal for his event in terms of ticket sales. The actor was also surprised that as early as January 15, tickets had already been sold out.
Its proceeds will go directly to his AR Foundation, which the actor has founded to help put children into school.
“Again, this will go directly to charity. Walang mapupunta sa amin coz’ everything is being done for the scholars and para mas marami pang mapadalang scholars this year.”
He also said that his organization has plans to create more projects that he considers his way of “paying it forward.”
“Aside from that, the foundation will not be limited to sending kids to schools. S’yempre may iba-iba pa po kaming project na ina-eye for the next couple of years. Kaya we’re very happy na yung support nang supporters and mga fans ko po is really there. Because they know that this is for a good cause.”
Almost more than a decade in the industry, Richards has always considered Filipinos and supporters his motivation to continue his career as an entertainer. If it weren’t for them, the actor would have quit his profession a long time ago.
“The industry that we are in now will give you a lot of reasons to quit. So in order for me not to see those reasons, I have to look at these people. Because these people reminds me why I am here. Bakit ba ako nandito? It’s because of them. So it’s really the people who pushes me forward.”
Another reason for staying is to give back to the people who supported him throughout his career.
“In different ways, I want to pay it forward to them. Para hindi nasasayang yung efforts, small or big, don’t matter. It’s still an effort in order for them to show their affection, their love for me. So yun, kaya ako nag-stay, it’s because of them.”
His humanitarian efforts even helped some of the victims of typhoon Odette.
During his birthday celebration in Eat Bulaga! he granted all of the contestants of the Bawal Judgemental segment the chance to rebuild their homes which were destroyed by the hurricane.
“I was given the opportunity to help these people who were affected by the typhoon. Hindi po ako namili.
“Sila pong lahat ay binigyan po natin nang tulong when it comes to rebuilding their houses. Para makapag-share naman po ako para at least kahit papaano hindi natin nakalimutan ang mga kababayan nating naapektuhan ng bagyo,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, ForwARd tells Richard’s story before the fame. Prior to being known as Alden Richards, he was Richard Reyes Faulkerson Jr.
If he could turn back time, the actor wished that he had been a more responsible student when he was younger.
“Sana lang no’ng bata si RJ, sana mas finorward lang niya ang pagiging responsible when it comes to studies. Kasi yun po ang na-taken for granted. Parang ngayon ko lang na-realize na sayang.
“Sana hindi naging ganoon ang attitude ko towards schooling. Kasi siyempre bata ka pa. Alam mo na lumaki ka na of course education, it has been part of the culture at kailangan mo siyang gawin kasi lahat yun ang ginagawa.
“Pero ako when I was young I really took it for granted. That’s why medyo may pagsisisi ako on that part na sana tinuloy ko siya, sana finorward ko siya. Kasi mas maganda yung magiging benefits on my part. Pero it’s never too late naman. P’wede pa namang mag-aral.”
ForwARd is directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril and will be streaming on January 30, 2022, at 8:00 p.m.
