Award-winning actress Nadine Lustre shared that working with Alden Richards on the Viu original series ‘Love, Siargao’ became more than just a professional collaboration, revealing that the Kapuso star also developed a deep appreciation for the island during their month-long lock-in shoot.
During her solo media conference held on July 9, Nadine celebrated the success of the romantic drama, which she said has climbed to the No. 1 spot on Viu Philippines.
The actress described Alden as one of the easiest co-stars she has worked with, praising his professionalism and the way he treats everyone on set.
“Hindi siya mahirap pakisamahan. One of the things that I really loved about him was lahat kinakausap niya. Yung buong team kinakausap niya. Kaya niyang makisama, nakikipagbiruan siya. Everything about him is just so light. Ang sarap niya katrabaho kasi very collaborative siya.”
Although they had previously worked together on endorsement projects, Nadine said ‘Love, Siargao’ gave them the opportunity to truly get to know each other.
She recalled that their month-long stay on the island allowed the entire cast to become close, creating what she described as a new family.
According to Nadine, she also became Alden’s unofficial tour guide, introducing him to different parts of Siargao and sharing why the island has become such an important place in her life.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanya, ‘Uy, minsan magpahinga ka naman.’ Kasi sobrang hardworking siya. Sabi ko, ‘Dito ako tumatakbo pag gusto ko talagang huminga.’”
She believes the experience left a lasting impression on the actor.
“Hindi naman ako magtataka kung eventually he’ll have a house there or doon siya hihinga, iyon ang puntahan niya para makahinga siya. And I think naman na he really deserves it.”
Nadine added that one of the things they bonded over was their shared passion for business. She revealed that while filming, Alden continued attending meetings for his various business ventures, something she admired because she also manages entrepreneurial projects outside showbiz.
“Si Alden very business-minded din siya. Parehas kami. Even though we’re both in the showbiz industry, we also have other ventures outside of it.”
The actress also disclosed that Alden already had connections in Siargao through mutual friends, including relatives and acquaintances of her Filipino-French boyfriend, Christophe Bariou, who is based on the island.
For Nadine, Siargao has become more than just a filming location. She now considers it her second home, saying the island’s peaceful environment and simple lifestyle continue to keep her grounded despite her busy career in Manila.
She also remains active in environmental initiatives on the island, including the Siargao Environmental Awareness (SEA) campaign, alongside former actress Andi Eigenmann.
When asked whether wedding bells are already in the plans for her and Christophe, Nadine clarified that marriage is not an immediate priority. However, she admitted that if they eventually decide to tie the knot, she would love to have their wedding in Siargao.
