Alden Richards, who built a scholarship foundation, recalls own hardship in studying after mom passed away

Aside from dominating the entertainment industry with his charm and talent, Alden Richards proves he has a heart of gold as he launches a scholarship program, the AR Foundation.

In an exclusive interview with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Alden revealed that his commitment to education stemmed from his own hardships in life.

“Noong magka-college ako, kamamatay lang din ng nanay ko,” he said.

[When I was about to enter college, my mother had just passed away.]

“I was really having a hard time, the passion is there pero walang tumutulong (but I did not get help). I was very helpless.”

After attaining his success in show business, Alden set forth to create AR Foundation, a program that offered scholarships to underprivileged children.

“Helping these kids is worth a lifetime for me. Kasi ’yung vision ko for them na ’yung dating dating ako,” he said.

[Because my vision for them is who I was before.]

“I was able to save these kids from that moment. So ang saya, happy, sobra (So happy, it’s so much fun)! Worth it,” he added.

“They fuel me up further dito sa karera ko sa industriya and sila yung nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob.”

[They fuel me up further in my career in this industry and they give me courage.]

To support his program, Alden will be having a documentary concert titled “Forward: Meet Richard Reyes Faulkerson Jr.”

“One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to AR Foundation to sustain our current scholars and to even open up further assistance po sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong pagdating sa edukasyon (to others who need help with their education),” said Alden.

For those who wish to buy a ticket to help the scholars:  https://ticket2me.net/e/34360

– Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News