Entrepreneur Nico Bolzico publicly apologized to Kapuso star Alden Richards after admitting he initially underestimated the actor’s capabilities during a recent triathlon relay in Davao.
In a social media post, Bolzico expressed both admiration and regret following their experience as teammates in the #BYDIronmanDavao event.
“I am so sorry @aldenrichards02 for underestimating you!
“Thanks @byd.carsph for giving us this great opportunity that made us grow at so many levels! Everything about this weekend was very aligned with the brand: passion, performance, efficiency, endurance, discipline and team work!
“We unleashed a beast, what’s next?” he wrote.
Bolzico shared that he had doubts about Richards’ ability to fully prepare for the physically demanding race, given his busy schedule as one of the country’s most in-demand actors.
However, his perspective changed after witnessing Richards’ dedication during training.
“In those two months, Alden showed up in a way very few people do,” he said. “Straight from taping to training. From the airport to the track.”
“I still wasn’t sure he got it in him,” he added. “Maybe I thought he was too busy, too polished, or maybe just too good-looking to become a beast.”
On race day, Bolzico said Richards proved him wrong.
“I didn’t see the same person anymore. I saw someone who had emptied the tank completely. Someone who had given everything.
“In that moment, he wasn’t just Alden Richards to me. He was Alden f****** Richards,” he wrote.
Bolzico also acknowledged that Richards’ performance pushed him to do better.
“Alden, I owe you an apology. I underestimated you. And I’m proud—truly proud—to call you my teammate,” he added.
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Richards responded positively to the post, brushing off the apology and expressing appreciation for the experience.
“No apologies needed after this post.
“But seriously, it was an honor to race alongside you and @wil_dasovich.
“Thank you for the all the hard work and most specially thank you for the trust.
“Until our next race!” he replied.
Content creator Wil Dasovich, who was also part of their team, joined the exchange with a supportive comment.
“Solid write up my guy, and cheers to our boy Alden F. Richards (Alden Faulkerson Richards)!” he said.
The trio finished ninth in the triathlon team relay, which featured more than 70 competing participants.
