Back to You || Maiden/Aldub

s i x t e e n

MALE - Introducing Richard Faulkerson Jr.

By: Gabriella Sison

After months of conflicting schedules, we finally had an honor to shoot and interview the infamous Alden Richards for our June issue - excuse me, I mean Richard Faulkerson Jr. Because let's face it, from all the things we've learned during the short amount of time spent with him, we truly got to know who the real guy behind the stage name of Alden Richards is. And ladies and gentlemen, he did not fail us one bit. Despite the fact that he had come into the small studio after a tiring day of filming, the clock almost striking midnight, the mid-twenties actor was all smiles and no complains.

He really did live up to the reputation of being a gentleman that many have given him, entering the room instantly greeting every single one of the crew with a handshake or beso. The boy had manners and it left many of us in awe. One would think that such a big actor of our time would want to simply come in and get everything done quickly so that he may go home and rest but Alden showed no sign of this diva-style attitude - even offering to help with the set when he saw the photographer's assistant struggling with the backdrop.

At first I thought this was all a joke, there was no way that an A-lister like him be this nice and treat everyone with such respect. It wasn't until he had wrapped the photoshoot around two in the morning and sat with me when I believed it - apologizing for taking so long with the first part of the process of it all. He even offered to grab a coffee for me across the street. Yep, him.

Not his assistant. Alden himself.

Of course, I declined and proceeded to start with the interview - knowing for a fact that if we did not do so, we wouldn't be out of the building anytime soon. The poor guy had a somewhere to be in the morning and I didn't want to be the one to deprive him from any sleep.

Now, usually many stars would have their people send us reporters a list of questions that we are not allowed to bring up during the interview ahead of time . But once again, he took me by surprise and this piece of memo never reached me. I thought it was a mistake at his part but he explained to me that for this interview, he will be an open book. No question was off limits.

And just as anyone would have guessed, it was a very juicy and interesting session. Not to mention how honored I felt, being able to embark in this project.

Before we get into all the personal business, I want to congratulate you on your teleserye's success. It's been number one since it's premiere.

Thank you po. It's a really heart warming experience to have such a great reception. The whole cast is grateful that we have been given this wonderful opportunity.

I'm not going to beat around the bush, okay? (He laughs and nod in response) How are you and Rachel now?

Hard hitting right away. Joke. Um, but we're good. I'm not gonna lie we had a bit of awkward moments after our break-up. If that's the answer everyone's looking for. But you know, we were good friends before we even decided to start something between us and our break wasn't a messy one so we were back to normal in no time.

You said open book right? Is it okay if I asked what the reason behind the breakup of what everyone labeled as 'hashtag relationship goals'? Rachel told the media many times kasi that she didn't want to be the one to release the reason.

It was just not working. Rachel is an amazing girl, and an even more amazing girlfriend. But it just didn't work after a while. And mutual decision naman ang pagka-break namin.