“It’s just up to you to really formulate your own method kung paano ka makakapag-process ng character”

GMA-7’s drama anthology “Magpakailanman” is holding a month-long special for August—with “Asia’s Multimedia Star” Alden Richards set to banner the show for four consecutive episodes starting August 5. 

The 31-year-old Sparkle artist once again showcases his acting versatility as he takes on four varying life stories to the television screen. But with the strenuous task of rendering four different personas for a month, Alden does not falter from what he does best—switching from one persona to another. 

This, he shares confidently during a recent online press conference for “Magpakailanman.”

Alden says that this particular gig is fast-paced—one that requires a rapid switch of characterization on a weekly basis. With that demand, he felt the need to study the script and work on his transition “in a snap of a finger.” 

“Every week, nagpapalit tayo ng role. Ganun kabilis, ganun kabilis yung transition.

“And nae-enjoy ko yung journey na parang ang laki ng naiaambag niya sa akin. Ang dami ko ring na-discover lately how I switch characters.” 

READ ALSO: Which Actor Does Alden Richards Pick For His On-Screen Life Story?

Alden Richards’ personal acting approach 

The actor then reveals his personal approach: putting all emotions on the same level and treatment. 

He says, “Since matagal tagal na rin tayo dito, natututo na talaga ako mag-on and off ng characters. I think yung challenge ng getting into the character, getting out of the character are the same level of difficulty. Parehas lang siya.

“All emotions are equal. Sasabihin nung iba, ‘Di ba ‘ang hirap umiyak?’ No, it’s all equal.

“Ang hirap niya kasing i-explain, but my way of doing things when it comes to acting is really more on the character itself.” 

He then recognizes that while workshops are potent help to deliver more effective acting, their effectiveness varies from one actor to another. With that, he feels the need to improvise more with his own acting method. 

“Acting, parang diet yan or workout, whatever works for you. Yung workshops are just there to guide. You know, malay niyo, may ma-discover kayo na, ‘Ah, okay, this works for me, this doesn’t work for me,’ and that’s valid.

“It’s just up to you to really formulate your own method kung paano ka makakapag-process ng character. So, ganun ako, e. I’m more of the character, I’m more of the script, and I am the character pag narinig ko na yung ‘Action!'”  

Ultimately, Alden takes pride in knowing when to imbibe a character and when to relinquish it with the help of just two words: action and cut. 

“Yung ‘action’ and ‘cut’ are very important words that I need to hear when I work kasi ‘action’ means you work, get into it, jump into it.

“And then ‘cut’ means, ‘Okay, let go, regardless kung anong emotions pa yan.’” 

READ ALSO: Alden Richards Speaks Up About Persistent Gender Rumor

Why did Alden take the roles for “Magpakailanman?”

Alden shares, “It’s very challenging kasi contrast sila sa isa’t-isa. Walang similarities yung mga roles, and I think as an actor, I’m looking for something that’s not the usual.

“Marami na rin po akong nagawang mga projects, and siyempre, doon tayo sa laging yung nare-reinvent yung point of view ko pagdating po sa trabaho ko bilang ako.

“So with this opportunity, I’m very… Actually, nung in-offer po ito sa akin, sabi ko, ‘We have to. Kailangan natin siyang gawin.’

“Kasi, nakaka-miss din namang umarte talaga sa TV especially, ‘tapos ang ikinaganda pa nito ay hindi siya linear. Hindi siya iisang istorya lang.” 

The first episode of “Magpakailanman” month-long special was released on August 5. It centers around the story of a certain Jirome De Castro—a runner whose dreams were hindered by a neurological disorder called cervical dystonia.  

The second episode, “Epal Dreamboy,” will be released on the succeeding Saturday, August 12, with Alden transitioning to a character of a certain Richard Licop—an influencer known for his cocky attitude. 

The third installment “The Lost Boy” will shift into an action-drama episode, in which Alden will portray Allan. And lastly, “Sa Puso’t Isipan: The Cantillana Family Story” will render a heart-wrenching narration about a family who all struggle with mental illness.

READ ALSO: Sharon Cuneta Announces New Film With Alden Richards

Banner Art Paulo Correa

The post Here’s How Alden Richards Managed Playing Multiple Roles For “Magpakailanman” Special appeared first on FreebieMNL.