On July 9, Asia’s Multimedia Star and Kapuso actor Alden Richards recalled his early showbiz years as one of Boy Abunda’s talents.
At the media event for ‘Battle of the Judges,’ Richards initially responded to questions on who he would choose as his manager, GMA Network Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes or the talk show host.
Richards answered he would choose Gozon-Valdes, citing his career-oriented decision since he is currently under GMA Network’s Sparkle Artist Center.
His remark then revealed that he was once a part of Backroom, Abunda’s talent management firm.
“Si Tito Boy po kasi, share ko lang po, when I started showbiz, venturing into showbiz, I became a part of Backroom, Tito Boy’s management.”
Abunda interjected, “You don’t have to defend yourself. I understand.”
Richards highlighted how Abunda invested time in the Kapuso star’s early career.
“Baka hindi lang po alam Tito Boy, gusto ko lang po ipaliwanag. So ‘yun Tito Boy also invested time, effort, and money in me. Being my mentor and manager during that time, so but parang siyempre, lima po kami noon, we were five talents na hinawakan ni Tito Boy.
“We were two girls and three guys if I can recall it. So si Tito Boy po, pinag-workshop niya kami ni Direk Laurice, we did a series of photoshoots po portfolio, and then eventually siyempre, like what Bea said, the right timing, ‘yun po siguro ‘yung wala sa akin that time.”
He then emphasized how the talk show host was one of the first people in the entertainment industry who believed in him.
“So Tito Boy is one of the first few people, few people who believed in me, noong hindi ko pa po pinaniniwalaan ‘yung sarili ko.”
Richards’ first notable project was the 2010 Kapuso series ‘Tween Hearts.’ He then worked on various projects such as ‘The Road’ (2011), ‘Imagine You & Me’ (2016), and ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ (2019).
Now, Richards shares his talent as host of the reality TV competition ‘Battle of the Judges.’
The new Kapuso show features actress Bea Alonzo, talk show host Boy Abunda, comedian Jose Manalo, and GMA7 Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdesas as judges and mentors to the 24 contestants vying for their place as the ultimate winner.
‘Battle of the Judges’ premieres on GMA Network on July 15, every Saturday.
