Alden Richards to portray 4 diverse roles on 'Magpakailanman' this August

Alden Richards is all set for a special stint on “Magpakailanman” this August. For the whole month, which comprises four episodes every Saturday, Asia’s Multimedia Star will be portraying roles that are totally different each week.

According to the actor, he was given 10 scripts and was able to choose the four he wanted to work on, as well as choosing his co-stars. This also marks the first time for “Magpakailanman” to feature one lead actor for a whole month of episodes.

In a virtual media conference, Alden told members of the press that he chose the difficult roles.

“Challenging po siya sa ‘kin and at the same time, parang gusto ko pa rin masubukan kung saan ko pa kayang panindigan ‘tong pagiging aktor ko pagdating po sa mga iba’t ibang character na gagampanan ko,” he said.

“Ayoko po ng na-re-relax when it comes to acting kasi that’s the death of an actor, when you just want to get roles na komportable ka," he added.

Here are Alden's upcoming “Magpakailanman” episodes:

1. “A Runner To Remember,” directed by Neal Del Rosario (August 5)

Alden will first portray a marathon runner with a health condition called cervical dystonia, which concerns involuntary muscle movement.

“He didn't let that condition get in the way of, you know, fulfilling his dreams although syempre mahirap 'yun,” he said.

Alden added that as the story goes on, the runner also struggles with depression and the hindrances of his condition.

The episode co-stars Sanya Lopez.

“Ni-request ko po talaga, sana makasama ko si Sanya,” Alden said. “Di ko pa siya nakakawork and nakikita ko 'yung trabaho niya. So gusto ko sanang tingnan kung how we are, how we work together.”

2. “Epal Dream Boy,” directed by Irene Villamor (August 12)

The second episode follows an influencer.

“Very now siya,” Alden said. “And then coming from the title itself, medyo hindi nagugustuhan ng mga tao 'yung mga pinapakita niya sa social media accounts niya, na malaki yung nagiging epekto sa kanya.”

Lotlot De Leon is part of the cast.

3. “The Lost Boy,” directed by Irene Villamor (August 19)

For the third episode, Alden describes his character as: “Masasabi ko bang gangster? Medyo ganung klase po 'yung role niya eh.”

Alden will be sporting tattoos and piercings for the role.

The actor added, “Minsan akala natin our relatives meant well sa pagtulong, pero at the end of the day, ginagamit na pala nila tayo sa mga maling bagay.”

Ryan Eigenmann is part of the episode.

4. “Sa Puso at Isipan,” directed by Gina Alajar (August 26)

Alden’s finale episode revolves around a family with mental health conditions, with his character being the only member who does not have one.

“Siya 'yung nag-alaga,” Alden said about his character.  “Surprise po kung ano magiging epekto niya.”

Alden added that this is the role he is most looking forward to.

“I think that will be one of my most favorite episodes to do,” he said.

“Magpakailanman” airs every Saturday at 8:15 p.m. on GMA Network, and is livestreamed on GMANetwork.com, GMA Network’s YouTube channel, and “#MPK’s” Facebook and TikTok pages. —JCB, GMA Integrated News