More Than Meat's The Eye

The path to fame is a long and tiring journey. Despite that there are those who have treaded the straight road to stardom with all the reality shows to promote exposure, there are some who wane and falter in the end. To sum it all up, being famous must have face value, talent, skill, and charisma.

I have seen Alden Richards in the limelight for a while. He had his share of teleserye shows, movies, drama specials, and some hosting. He is handsome, yes, and he has some acting skills to boot. But what he showed was never enough to gain the kind of popularity that would cause a nation to create a kind of uproar that seasoned or well-rounded celebrities could stir.

His drive for fame was totally different. His promise of popularity was a fulfillment of a dream; an endearing keepsake for a mother that wanted to see her son rise to fame. He did not have the celebrity blood running through his veins, nor was he a top placer in a search for future talents. Alden started from humble beginnings, exerting his time and effort. He was optimistic that everything will pay off if he becomes consistent with his ultimate goal. I think that was one of the best reasons I could think why he's well-mannered, non-egoistic, and down-to-earth. Despite of what he has achieved, he knows and remembers the people that helped him reached the pinnacle of his professional career. He has an attitude of gratitude, and is never afraid of professing his faith in God to others. You could still see him bow down in humility in spite of all that he has received.

Thinking about it, Alden has been prepared since his early days in the showbiz industry. He met a girl in a magazine event, where he was in a modelling stint. He's not even that famous back then that he's known by his biological name. Richard had a picture with a young girl who sported a long wavy hair, beaming that attractive metallic smile. That moment was but a drop of water in the pool of fate. It's not even considered a time of magical expectations, or a chance to be etched in eternity. The union of these two individuals is but a sideshow of what occured that day.

Why am I relating the meeting of the two lovers now? That's because there was one element in Alden's career that was never apparent with his peers. The once drop of water in the puddle has turned into a ripple of fate-changing waves that caught both Alden's and Maine's career in a frenzy. You could say that Alden's break was a God-given chance for him to realize his potential as an actor, a performer, and a host. He was blessed with tons of commercials, a major role in a movie with Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai, a Sunday noontime show, a slot at Eat Bulaga, record-breaking mall shows, and an album, where which a single topped the iTunes charts. The blessings are just pouring that there's no more room enough to receive.

As you look at Alden now, he's already at that point where you could take him as a national phenomenon. He has been given the title of Pambansang Bae to celebrate, not only the charm that captivated the whole nation, but also the perfect representation of a guy that ladies want for a man. When girls see him appear on TV, no matter the slot, they can't help but scream with adoration.

All of this is nothing but an introduction...

Due to his status as now being the most attractive and most-sought male celebrity of the moment, it is only natural that its network would grab all the chance it could get to boost the ratings of other shows. Meaning, even without him exerting too much effort, shows would be benefited even by his mere presence.

Now the question: Why is there a need for Alden to be marketed the way we, as fans, see on Sunday PinaSaya and CelebriTV?

I had to raise this question so bad because I am worried of his welfare. I'm a guy, and I know most guys are looking for the same kind of attention Alden is getting. But to handle that kind of abuse where some, insensitive and selfish, women touch his body is not psychologically and mentally healthy. Unfortunate to us, one of Alden's weaknesses, though in a seemingly good way, is that he does not mind doing whatever is needed of him AT ANY GIVEN SITUATION. He is decent with his fans. He does not really know how to say no, particularly to the people that helped cultivate his fame.

He is so mild natured that some take his attitude to the point of abuse.

If the fans truly adore Alden Richards for the Bae that he is, I think they should respect his being and his virtue as a normal person. Though sometimes it cannot be helped, fans should exercise restraint so that GMA would not get the wrong sign that Alden being presented as meat, is okay with the masses.

He is talented, dashing, and God-fearing. We all know that already. So why not bring him to the sandbox so that he could grow as an actor, or a singer, or a performer? There is no substitute to experience. Skills and talents are further developed when given the right opportunity for exercising and learning.

And to honestly say, exposing Alden to, forgive me for the term, flesh-hungry ladies, does not benefit him in any way. He can get the same kind of fan support by just singing or hosting. You could see all that through his mall shows. When Alden is there, people just can't help to see him. His mere presence is already a reward on its own. Did he need to bare flesh or dance erotically? No!

As I end this entry, let me be one of the many who appeals that Alden should be presented in a wholesome way. That he deserves a whole lot more. He's more than meat's the eye.