Alden Richards before and after AlDub: An Opinion

There are things given about Alden Richards that made him a celebrity:
1. That boy-next-door look
2. His bedimpled smile
3. His talent in acting and singing

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But Alden spent years in showbiz specifically in the Kapuso network without creating much buzz.

Why? Simple. Because all things that we mentioned above can be found in other young actors in and out of the network where he works. He couldn't stand out among the rest because the qualities he has is common in the showbiz industry.

I have several opinions that would explain why he had been that 'stable' before and only when AlDub came that his career became this phenomenal. Before AlDub, Alden is:

1. A control freak.

He had been a very guarded, stiff and cautious person. That is a good sign of discipline and control. He even admitted one time that he has this Obsessive-Compulsiveness in him. This might came from his series of painful experiences that made him build a wall around him to keep his emotions secured. People who had been in pain before has the tendency to withdraw from the same emotions. Was it really just about family priorities when he broke up with his girl after his mother died? Or was it because he doesn't want a commitment that might anytime bring him pain? There are three ways people respond to pain: they come out hard and stiff, or they come out soft and weak, or they learn and they adopt. In this case, Alden obviously hardened himself to keep him safe from future pain. With such control over himself and his emotions, he managed to harness his talent in acting. He learned to set aside his real feelings from what is pure work. Remember the line, "Ready na ako"? What do you think he is ready for?

Then Yaya Dub and Kalyeserye came...

Yaya Dub and Kalyeserye slowly broke the fortress he had long established, and so we see him cry so often every now and then. It is not because it is his forte, but because he can no longer keep his emotions at bay. He lost his control and after a long while, he became vulnerable to emotions again, giving him the sense of liberation. We can now see how transparent his emotions are not only in tears, but in unexpected "caller of DJ Bae." That made the difference. Everyone wants the truth. We can always watch a show, but seeing real emotions can attract real emotions for feedback. When AlDub gave us real and sincere reactions, AlDub nation returned the favor. That made it so different, because it's not just usual admiration, but the nature of requited emotions among social beings. It is our nature to give back what we receive. And so now, Alden became Tisoy who is expressive with his emotions. He would find it awkward at times, but nevertheless he would be brave enough to let others (esp. Maine) know.

2. Scared to step out of the box. 

He started with the idea that showbiz is about being good-looking, and so he didn't not want to break that.We knew how he started fulfilling his mom's dream, and that, if I'm not mistaken, had been grounded on his good looks. Then his first break in showbiz was grounded on his talent for bagging a role out of audition. He had drama and thriller roles and he's great! But looks and talent is a common selling point in showbiz. It's as good as not counted for a big break. These grounds were those that he had been trying to preserve. And so, whenever you would see Alden before AlDub, he would wear the same face, the same smile, the same charm that all good-looking men in showbiz are wearing. He would play roles with good acting, but it's the same good acting as others do. In short, he limited himself to playing the safe side. His creativity suffered. I must say that he studied how the industry goes and he learned how to market himself. That is very much evident with how he handled himself. But being a part of a market simply places you among all competitors for the demand. You will not sell if that's the case.

Then Yaya Dub and Kalyeserye came...

Alden slowly began breaking his self-imposed stereotypes on how things SHOULD be done. His creativity was unleashed when he was required to be spontaneous in Kalyeserye. He started to loosen up and realized that a bedimpled smile is not the only projection that can entertain your audience. He is wearing wacky faces most of the time now, which still looks good on him. He dubsmashes as if contorting his face with exaggeration, and still looks incredibly gorgeous. Why? Because creativity enhances art that begets beauty. Do you have any idea where that came from? A girl who entertained people so much that she became the most beautiful and most admired---Maine Mendoza.

Despite these two things he had to conquer along the way, let us not forget to note one incredible thing about Alden that made the difference --- his Faith. 

Being prayerful is not very common in showbiz and that made him a cut above the rest. He was not very vocal about his faith before, but when it became part of his 'packaging,' he broke celebrity stereotypes wherein popular celebrities eventually lose faith. His faith on the other hand strengthens in the middle of a shooting career. And for that, God gave him __________. Fill in the blank!