Celebrities and close friends of Alden Richards have come forward to share stories of the actor’s quiet acts of kindness amid serious allegations recently raised against him online.
Controversial online personality Xian Gaza accused Richards of being involved in a dispute over a condominium unit and six expensive watches, which Gaza claimed had been loaned to the actor.
While Richards has yet to publicly address the allegations, several personalities have expressed their support for him by recalling their personal experiences with his generosity, including comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas, who revealed that the actor once offered to help renovate her former restaurant.
In an Instagram post, Delas Alas praised Richards and spoke about their longstanding friendship.
“Matagal na kami close neto,” she began.
“Napaka neto sa maraming bagay, napakaharot, generous, mabait, sensitive sa mga pangangailangan ng mga kasama niya sa industriya, lalo na sa mga kaibigan niya. Maiinis ‘to kasi ayaw n’yang sinasabi mga naitulong n’ya,” Delas Alas wrote.
She recalled how Richards once visited her restaurant near ABS-CBN and offered to have the establishment renovated.
“May restaurant ako dati sa may ABS tapos pumunta s’ya then kinausap n’ya ko, ‘ipa-renovate naten ‘to Ms. AI’. […] Kinabukasan may architect and everything na. Nakakaloka ‘yan sobrang ma-surprise,” the actress shared.
TV personality Kuya Kim Atienza also recalled how Richards once donated ₱1 million to help raise funds for a friend who was battling cancer.
“When we were raising funds for my friend who was dying of cancer, Alden donated 1M selflessly with no need for acknowledgement. Just putting it out there,” Atienza shared in a post on X.
Comedian Jerald Napoles, meanwhile, shared a message of faith and support for Richards in a Facebook post featuring a photo of the two sharing a hug.
“Not every act of kindness is seen by the world. Not every good deed is remembered by people. And not every heart is understood by those who judge it,” Napoles wrote.
“But God sees what others don’t. He knows the intentions behind every action, the kindness given in silence, and the truth that no one else can fully see. May we always choose grace over judgment, and truth over noise,” he added.
Showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz also weighed in on the controversy, questioning the accusations against Richards and expressing his support for the actor.
“Nagtataka lang ako. Bakit kailangang pabanatan si Alden Richards dahil hindi nila mabawi sa aktor ang condo at mga relo?” Diaz wrote.
“Si Alden ang tipong marunong tumanaw ng utang na loob at di nang-iiwan sa mga taong nakasama niya nung simula ng kanyang career. Marami pang natutulungan, na sa ibang tao mo na lang nalalaman,” he added.
Diaz also questioned why Richards would allegedly claim ownership of a condominium unit if, as he argued, the actor already had several properties and businesses.
“Andaming negosyo ni Alden; ilan ang bahay, ilan ang condo – so ba’t naman niya aangkinin ang condo na di naman kanya at ayaw pa niyang umalis doon talaga, huh! Hahahaha! Kaya pansinin nyo, pinu-push na nila ang paninira kay Alden, dahil ang mga netizen ay dudang-duda din sa motibo ng paninira,” he wrote.
Richards’ talent management, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, also expressed its support for the actor through a social media post.
“Dear Alden, we know your heart, we believe in you, and we stand firmly behind you. Love, your SPARKLE Family,” the message read.
