Alden Richards returns to Hong Kong, urges OFWs to prioritize mental health

• Alden Richards visited Hong Kong as OWWA Ambassador to meet overseas Filipino workers
• The Kapuso star emphasized the importance of mental health among OFWs
• Richards shared that he personally understands how it feels to face emotional struggles
• He reminded OFWs that they are not alone, even while living far from their families

Kapuso actor Alden Richards has once again visited Hong Kong—this time not for a movie shoot but to connect with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of his duties as an Ambassador of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

In a report by Athena Imperial for GMA’s "24 Oras," Richards spoke to OFWs about the significance of maintaining good mental health while working abroad.

“Mahirap siya kasi walang ibang kalaban ‘yung individuals kundi ang kanilang sarili and based on experience I’ve been there so I know how it feels,” he shared, acknowledging how isolation and emotional battles can affect one’s well-being.

Read also

Liloan residents struggle to recover as foul odor, debris linger days after Typhoon Tino

He further added, “Mahirap po siya kasi may mga iba pong dumadaan sa dark moments ng buhay nila at hindi nila alam na nakaka-experience na pala sila ng mental health issues.”

Richards also reminded OFWs that they should never feel alone despite being far from their families.

“Mahirap kasi na mag-isa. Mahirap maramdamang mag-isa ka at mahirap na ipinaparamdam sa ‘yo ng ibang tao na mag-isa ka lang. So nandito ang OWWA,” he said, assuring them that the agency is there to provide support.

Earlier in January 2024, Richards was also in Hong Kong for the filming of "Hello, Love, Again," the sequel to his 2019 blockbuster "Hello, Love, Goodbye," with Kathryn Bernardo.

Both films feature Alden and Kathryn as OFWs who fall in love while navigating life abroad—a story that continues to resonate deeply with Filipinos worldwide.

Alden Richards, born as Richard Reyes Faulkerson Jr. on January 2, 1992, is a well-known Kapuso actor, model, and recording artist. He is recognized as Asia's Multimedia Star because of his work as a TV host, music artist, endorser, and award-winning actor. Alden is known for being courteous, generous, and kind-hearted, in addition to his talent and successful showbiz career. He rose to fame as the love team partner of Maine Mendoza but both stars have evolved into individual superstars.

Read also

Shuvee Etrata shares heartfelt message for victims of typhoons in Cebu

Previously, Alden took a moment to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kalyeserye — the now-defunct yet iconic segment of Eat Bulaga that launched the legendary AlDub tandem. The segment paved the way for the prominence of the love team, consisting of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, who played Yaya Dub. Their unexpected chemistry quickly caught the public’s attention and became a nationwide sensation. On X, formerly Twitter, the Kapuso actor greeted fans and paid tribute to the treasured moments that were born from the segment.

Meanwhile, Bryan White took a stroll down memory lane and recalled his heartwarming moment with Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza. The “God Gave Me You” hitmaker marked the ninth anniversary of the said memorable encounter with AlDub. The American singer shared a throwback photo with the two stars taken during his guest appearance on Eat Bulaga. His post was met with warm comments from netizens, who recounted the role his song played in the AlDub phenomenon.

Source: KAMI.com.gh