Alden Richards gets emotional on 'almost relationships,' self-love

MANILA, Philippines — Alden Richards’ guest appearance on the comeback episode of “Gandang Gabi Vice” proved to be a full-circle moment, with the actor opening up about his love life while showing a more playful and vulnerable side of himself.

The September 13 episode became particularly revealing when Alden talked about his experiences in love, including the showbiz personalities he had courted and the lessons he learned from his “almost” relationships.

But before getting into the serious stuff, Alden first named Anne Curtis as his first showbiz crush, much to Vice Ganda’s playful dismay.

The conversation eventually turned more personal when Alden revealed that he has had only two official girlfriends, both of whom were non-showbiz and dated him during his student years.

His showbiz love life, meanwhile, has been a series of “what ifs.”

Alden shared that he had courted five women from the entertainment industry, but none of those relationships progressed into something official. In each case, either he or the woman eventually pulled away.

When asked about the most recent woman he courted, Alden admitted, “Pareho kaming umatras pero mas siya.”

Out of respect, Alden opted not to speak on behalf of the showbiz personality involved. Instead, he shared what he learned from the experience.

“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 said.

Ghosting

Alden also took accountability for his own mistakes in love, revealing that he ghosted the first showbiz personality he courted.

Looking back, the actor admitted that ghosting was not the right way to deal with the situation. The experience taught him the importance of communication, especially when it comes to relationships.

“Feeling ko, ’yung love life sa akin medyo mailap siya for the past 15 years na kasi sinusubukan kong hanapin,” Alden said.

He also acknowledged feeling the pressure brought by society’s expectations about when a person should settle down and start a family.

But Alden said he has since stopped imposing such a timeline on himself.

Following his most recent “almost” relationship, he decided to stop actively searching for love and instead wait for it to come naturally.

“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 said.

“Seven billion [people in the world], imposibleng walang isa doon na para sa akin.”

The conversation became more emotional when Alden reflected on what he realized about his own journey.

“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, Alden broke down as he opened up about the realization.

Vice stayed by his side and comforted him as their conversation continued off-mic, allowing Alden the space to process his emotions and let everything out.

Alden’s candid appearance gave viewers a rare glimpse into the more vulnerable side of the usually reserved actor, making him a fitting first guest for the return of “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

RELATED: Alden Richards to be Vice Ganda’s first guest on ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ comeback