Joy Barcoma names Alden Richards as dream leading man

MANILA, Philippines — Joy Barcoma hopes to take on more acting projects in the future, including the opportunity to work alongside Alden Richards as her leading man.

“Direk, I’m ready. Wow! Haha! Iiyak na ako,” Joy quipped when asked if she was open to acting during Netflix Philippines’ “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon” event, where she served as the host. “Acting wala pa sa hinuha, ang lalim ng hinuha ko. But given the opportunity, why not?”

It seems Joy’s wish manifested, as weeks later, she landed a role in ABS-CBN and Star Cinema’s film “Always Yours, Never Mine,” starring Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the film will be screened in cinemas starting Sept. 30.

“Pero yung acting ko po sana pang-leading lady, huh, nag-request pa. Haha! I’m OK with any roles, I feel like to be offered an acting role, a character in a film or a series is already a great achievement for me. So, kahit anong mapili. Kahit gawin niyo akong tsismosa na kapitbahay na role, gagawin ko yan,” she said.

Her dream leading man is Alden. “Because he’s cute. If I were to make a film here in the Philippines, it would still be Alden. I feel like he has such a good-boy image. So, I guess I just really want to work with him. But if it’s an international film, do we even have to think twice? Tom Holland! I just watched ‘Spider-Man,’ and I was so kilig watching him and Zendaya together. Aside from being handsome, I really like the chemistry they have.”

Moreover, Joy was lauded by netizens and fashion designer Michael Cinco for her hosting stint at the inaugural Reina Filipinas 2026 coronation night.

Given her background in pageantry — she placed in the Top 8 at Miss Earth 2025 — The STAR asked Joy what would make her say yes to joining Reina Filipinas.

“Siguro kung merong milyon,” she said with a laugh.

But beyond the joke, Joy made it clear that she has already closed that chapter of her life.

“Parang tapos na ako sa pageantry. Ayoko na.”

Joy is pictured with the film’s cast members, Agot Isidro and Jodi Sta. Maria and director Cholo Laurel.

She explained, “They always say that when you join a pageant, you want to use the platform, you want to use your voice. I feel that nagawa ko naman siya outside pageantry. I’m OK with my Miss Earth Philippines crown. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities and the doors that opened for me — even windows, kung meron mang nagbukas,” she said.

“I’m happy with that, and I feel like I’m living my best life. I’m just grateful. I don’t want to go back to pageantry. I just want to do hosting.”

Joy is one of the hosts of GMA Network’s morning show, “Unang Hirit,” alongside Baus Rufo.

She shared that she never expected their on-screen tandem to become such a hit with viewers. “We have an on-off switch, but for us, it’s always on when it comes to energy. Super saya ng dynamics namin ni Baus. I didn’t expect that our tandem would turn out this beautifully and that people would appreciate it. So, no words. We’re just very grateful.”

Just recently, Joy announced her decision to step away from “Dogshow Divas,” a podcast hosted by Baus and Macoy Dubs, where she had frequently appeared as a guest alongside Tuesday Vargas.

“I’ve read the comments about my guestings. I’ve always been grateful whenever I’m invited to join podcasts when my schedule allows, but how often I appear isn’t something I personally control,” she wrote on her social media page.

“Grateful ako to everyone who supported us, but for now, I’m choosing to protect my peace. All the best to the ‘Dogshow Divas’!”

Earlier, during the Netflix Philippines event, Joy clarified that she was never meant to replace Macoy on the podcast.

“Walang papalit kay Macoy. Macoy is Macoy. Ako ay MaJoy, hala, iba siya. Yes, Macoy is Macoy. Walang papalit sa kanya. Siya ang isa sa mga original Dogshow Divas. Hindi kami nandun ni Miss Tuesday para palitan ang OG Dogshow Divas. We were there to complement and add flavor to the podcast. Don’t worry, hindi po mawawala si Macoy. He is always there.”

Meanwhile, “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon” is now streaming on Netflix.

The film follows Joanne, or “Jo,” an independent TV writer whose life is upended by the unexpected return of Paz, played by Agot Isidro.

The film is directed and co-written by Cholo Laurel.