Alden Richards became emotional as he opened up about his past relationships and his struggles with self-love during the pilot episode of the returning ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ on Sunday, Sept. 13.
The actor got candid about matters of the heart while talking with host Vice Ganda, who returned to television with the revived talk show after its original run ended in 2020. Richards served as the first guest of the new season.
The conversation began when Vice Ganda asked Richards’ how many times he had been in love in show business.
‘Lima (five),’ answered Richards, as he noted that all of them were only ‘almost relationships.’
The actor opted not to name names out of respect for the other parties, but shared that the last relationship ended because both of them no longer wanted to pursue it.
Richards admitted that he made mistakes in the past relationships as he shared that he initially ghosted the first showbiz girl he pursued.
‘Feeling ko, ‘yung love life sa akin medyo mailap siya for the past fifteen years na kasi sinusubukan kong hanapin,’ he said.
The Kapuso star said that while he feels pressure by the society’s expectations that he should have settled down at his age, Richards explained that he would allow love find him naturally now instead of trying to chase it.
‘Hindi ko sinasabing hindi ko hinihintay ‘yung taong darating para sa akin. Kasi for the longest time, hinahanap ko ‘yung para sa akin, so baka for a change, hintayin ko naman siya ngayon,’ he expressed. ‘Seven billion [people in the world], imposibleng walang isa doon na para sa akin.’
Richards then broke down into tears as he opened up that the lack of self-love also might have contributed to his struggles of finding love.
‘Siguro for the longest time, naghahanap ako ng pagmamahal from another person, na, na-realize ko pagmamahal pala sa sarili ‘yung kulang,’ he said in tears.
Vice Ganda comforted the Kapuso star by holding his hand and giving him a hug. Richards continued to cry for a few minutes. The audience was also captured emotional.
After the moment went viral, Vice Ganda took to X to share that he no longer wanted to continue the interview after Richards turned to tears.
‘That breakdown took almost 10 minutes. And parang ayaw ko ng ituloy yung interview kasi awang awa ako sa kanya. Grabe yung iyak nya. But he insisted to still continue. Haaaayyy!!! love you Alden!’ wrote the comedian.