Another Kapuso love team that clicks

MANILA, Philippines - Love is the most tried-and-tested universal theme often told in any cinematic and literary work. No matter how adept one is in its travails and triumphs, it has never failed to catch one’s attention and imagination.

That’s why One True Love has become a goldmine in the GMA 7 primetime block with Alden Richards and Louise delos Reyes playing star-crossed lovers Tisoy and Elize, respectively. Their story is the melodramatic version of that Shakespearean tragedy and possesses the charm of Hollywood’s Love Story.       

One True Love has jumpstarted the careers of Alden and Louise. In their crystal ball, showbiz-watchers see a new Kapuso love team that clicks on screen.        

“I’m thankful for the support GMA has given me, even though I’m just a newbie,” shared Alden during the recently-held Kapuso Night for Bohol’s Sandugo Festival. “I turned a year in showbiz last Dec. 8. I’m grateful to our bosses for giving me roles that are worthy of doing and for (casting) me and Louise (in) One True Love.”   

Louise added: “We’re happy that people support us; at the same time, the network has entrusted us big projects like Alakdana, My Beloved and One True Love. I can’t still believe that (the airing) of One True Love has been extended. I’m just happy that people recognize us as Louise and Alden and also our characters Elize and Tisoy.”

It is not surprising why One True Love is doing well in the ratings’ game. This can be attributed to Alden and Louise’s chemistry as perennial onscreen partners.

Despite the rainy weather that night, Boholanos trooped to CPG Sports Complex to meet in person their favorite stars proving that One True Love’s following is also beyond Mega Manila. It was also fun to see that Lucho Ayala and Raymond Bagatsing had their own share of screaming fans.      

“We’re just true to ourselves,” Louise shared. “We don’t pretend that we like each other (and there’s something romantic going on between us). We’re just good friends and comfortable to each other.”

This honesty has translated into a “less pressured” working environment, as Alden put it, for they are not compelled to play sweethearts off cam.

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More than banking on the kilig factor the two innately have, Alden and Louise connect to the emotions of their characters night after night.

 “I went through a lot when I was young,” recalled Alden. “My mom died when I was 13. My experiences are found helpful in accessing the right emotions for acting, plus the workshops GMA has given us… I consider every role as my last (performance). I always give my best.”

“I’m fine with whatever project that is offered to me,” said Louise. “I did horror last year. This time, I’m into drama. They told me they see depth in my acting. I cannot (pass up) projects that have been given to me (like One True Love because) of (its interesting) characters and (engaging) plotline.”

Since it’s not every day that young stars like Alden and Louise get good projects, the two simply want to enjoy the ride and learn more about acting. 

“It’s hard to slip off this opportunity just because of one mistake,” said Alden. “I just want to focus on my work. I’m just starting and I have many things (to learn) and to prove. I have no time for love. Meeting (new friends is fine). Work, family and (my relationship with) God are my priorities.”

Aside from doing showbiz, Louise is also busy with school and bent to earn her Foreign Service degree from Lyceum of the Philippines in Cavite.

“I haven’t sacrificed my schooling,” she said. “I regularly go to school. If there’s something that I have sacrificed, it is having a normal life. Before I could just commute (and ride public transportation like jeepney or tricycle). I could go out with my family. I want to study law and become a lawyer.”

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For Alden, his showbiz journey is also about fulfilling his mother’s dream. This makes Alden look forward to each working day either on the set or in the studio.

“I’m somehow living this dream for her,” he said. “This is all for her. I owe it to my mom. I didn’t see myself doing showbiz before and I just wanted to enroll in an aeronautic school and become a pilot. Since my mom died, I have been receiving offers that are hard to turn down. I feel that my mom is telling me to accept (this or that project) because (she believes and I believe that acting) is perhaps my calling. My mom remains my inspiration.”