ALDEN RICHARDS, NAGLABAS NG HINANAKIT!
Inamin ang MATINDING DEPRESSION — ‘2024 ang PINAKAMABIGAT na TAON sa Buhay Ko’ 😭

Sa isang emosyonal na panayam sa programang “24 Oras” noong Mayo 22, 2025, ibinahagi ni Alden Richards ang kanyang pinagdadaanan noong 2024, na tinawag niyang pinakamabigat na taon sa kanyang buhay. Ayon sa aktor, nakaranas siya ng matinding depresyon na tumagal ng anim na buwan, bagamat hindi ito opisyal na na-diagnose.

“I think last year was my lowest year. Rock bottom. It took me six months to get over that. That was—hindi naman siya clinically diagnosed, but that was depression at its finest. That was depression,”

🤯 Pagkawala ng Sarili Dahil sa Pagbibigay sa Iba

Ibinahagi ni Alden na ang kanyang depresyon ay nag-ugat sa labis na pagbibigay ng sarili sa ibang tao, hanggang sa mawalan siya ng oras at pagmamahal para sa sarili.

“Inuuna ko muna lahat ng tao bago sarili ko. But last year, medyo—I think that was my breaking point kasi minsan ‘di ba tayo, we always go out of our way to help other people. Tulong, tulong, tulong. Bigay, bigay, bigay. Ang nangyari sa akin, paglingon ko don sa timba ko, wala na palang natira sa akin. And then that broke me to a million pieces,”

🧠 Pakikipaglaban sa Katahimikan

Bagamat kilala si Alden bilang masayahin at positibo, inamin niyang nahirapan siyang ipahayag ang kanyang pinagdadaanan dahil sa takot na makita ng iba ang kanyang kahinaan.

“It’s very hard to be present na kahit nandito ka, wala ka dito,”

💔 Pag-alis sa Presyur ng Pag-ibig

Sa parehong panayam, nilinaw ni Alden na hindi niya nais na ang kanyang kaligayahan ay nakabase sa kanyang buhay pag-ibig. Ayon sa kanya, nais niyang ang kanyang kwento ay siya mismo ang magkwento, hindi batay sa inaakala ng iba.

“It’s just this is my story, and this is how I want my story to be told [and] not based on the presumption of other people. I’m so done with that. I’ve been here long enough. I know I’ve done so much for the industry, and I would like to do more for the industry right now,”

🏆 Tagumpay sa Kabila ng Pagsubok

Sa kabila ng kanyang personal na laban, nagtapos ang 2024 na may tagumpay si Alden matapos siyang kilalanin bilang Box Office King ng Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) para sa pelikulang “Hello, Love, Again” kasama si Kathryn Bernardo.

🏃‍♂️ Pagbangon at Pagpapatuloy

Ngayon, nakatuon si Alden sa self-love at physical activities tulad ng pagtakbo at pagbibisikleta. Nagsimula na rin siya ng pilot training matapos makatanggap ng scholarship mula sa isang aviation school.

Ang pagbabahagi ni Alden ng kanyang karanasan ay isang paalala na kahit ang mga taong tila matatag ay may pinagdadaanan din. Ang kanyang kwento ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa marami na harapin ang kanilang sariling laban at huwag matakot humingi ng tulong.

Great Sorrow: Eat Bulaga Dabarkads Mourn the Loss of Beloved Member of Over 22 Years

A wave of grief has swept through the Eat Bulaga family and its loyal fanbase as the long-running noontime show’s cast and crew mourn the passing of one of their most cherished members — a beloved colleague who had been part of the program for more than 22 years.

The sad news was confirmed earlier today by TAPE Inc., the show’s production company, through an official statement posted on social media. Although the identity of the departed has not yet been disclosed publicly out of respect for the family’s wishes, insiders confirm that the individual was a long-time backstage crew member who had become a fixture behind the scenes and was deeply loved by the entire Dabarkads team.

A Heartbreaking Loss

“The entire Eat Bulaga family is in deep mourning. We lost not just a colleague, but a dear friend who stood by us through countless seasons, triumphs, and trials,” read the official statement. “He (or she) was more than just part of the staff — he was family.”

According to sources close to the show, the team was informed of the passing late last night. Many were reportedly devastated, especially those who had worked side by side with the departed for over two decades.

“It’s really painful,” said one long-time staff member in an emotional interview. “He was there before many of us joined. He taught us, laughed with us, helped us through the toughest production days. It’s hard to imagine the studio without him.”

Tributes from Dabarkads

Several of the program’s hosts and former cast members took to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute.

Jose Manalo, one of the show’s longtime hosts, wrote, “Sobrang sakit sa puso. Isa kang haligi sa likod ng kamera. Maraming salamat sa lahat. Mahal ka namin.”

Pauleen Luna-Sotto posted a photo of the late team member with the caption, “Thank you for your years of service, friendship, and light. We will miss you dearly.”

Even former Dabarkads like Maine Mendoza and Wally Bayola, who are now pursuing other ventures, posted heartfelt messages, underscoring how deeply this person had touched the lives of those who passed through Eat Bulaga’s iconic halls.

More Than Just a Show

For decades, Eat Bulaga has been a household staple, not just because of its hosts and segments but because of the incredible work done by its crew — many of whom have dedicated their lives to the show. This particular loss reminds the public of the human side of television: the hard-working individuals behind the scenes who make live broadcasts possible every single day.

Fans have also joined in the mourning, flooding Eat Bulaga’s official pages with condolences. Many longtime viewers recall seeing glimpses of the crew during behind-the-scenes segments or anniversary specials.

“He may not have always been in front of the camera, but we all felt his presence. Our Saturdays and lunch breaks will never be the same again,” one fan commented.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Love

The late team member was known not just for his technical expertise but for his unwavering loyalty and cheerful spirit. Co-workers described him as dependable, kind-hearted, and a source of encouragement during stressful shoot days. Despite rarely being seen on screen, his impact on the show was undeniable.

“He was one of the first to arrive, and the last to leave. He had the biggest heart and the warmest smile,” another staff member shared tearfully.

Plans are underway for a special tribute episode to honor his memory. Sources say the Dabarkads want to dedicate a segment to celebrating his life and contributions, possibly airing this coming Saturday.

As Eat Bulaga continues to evolve in an ever-changing entertainment landscape, the legacy of its people — both in front of and behind the camera — remains its strongest foundation. And today, the show pauses not just to entertain, but to remember.

Rest in peace, Dabarkads. Your family will carry your memory in every laugh, every cue, and every heartfelt “Bawal ang Sad!” you helped bring to life.