There were instances where Santa Rosa, Laguna Kid Alden Richards involved himself in political shows like his participation in the documentary film on Martial Law aired over GMA Network some years back.
As the Voice-Over (VO) narrator, Alden breathed life into the non-fiction narrative as Bonifacio Ilagan, also known in the progressive arts and culture scene as Boni Ilagan, who was an ardent activist fighting for reforms in the socio-economic-politico-cultural structures of the Philippines society.
As such, Richards was able, as a reader/actor, to empathize with the real-life person who has experienced the horrors of martial rule.
In a manner of speaking, he was infused through his immersion in the role with the abuses and injustices committed by the Marcos dictatorship among Filipinos—especially to the youth of the generation he represented—definitely, a tumultuous era in history Alden had not gone through as a young man in the early 70s.
Only vicariously, he was able to taste the life of a patriotic yet beleaguered, jailed, and tortured victim in the hands of the Marcos, Sr. hatchet men.
Then, he spoke up about being non-political in his beliefs and actions as a showbiz fixture which is also a euphemism for discussion about politics (what is personal is political) of the everydayness but still not being partisan unlike many celebrities who unraveled themselves as supporters of this and that candidate in partisan elections.
Yet, the nationalism in Alden has always been shown when he uses Filipino as a medium of communication in his daily encounters, especially with his fans, who are mostly Tagalog speakers.
Patriotism also makes the actor more convenient when he takes on the role of a guerilla in the Japanese resistance movement
As a major cast in the GMA Network primetime historical drama “Pulang Araw,” this Lagunense is the embodiment of the love of country in the reel time.
In his Instagram posts, Alden writes: “Buong tapang na lalaban para sa BAYAN at sa aking PANININDIGAN (Courage to the fullest to fight for the COUNTRY and for my conviction!).”
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #ALdenRichards