GMAAC talent Alden Richards won Ginoong Laguna in 2010 and Ginoong Sta. Rosa in 2009

MANILA, Philippines -- He had just signed a five-year contract with GMA-7 and is only starring on his first TV show, “Alakdana,” yet Alden Richards is already going places both figuratively and literally.

The 18-year old model revealed to Bulletin Entertainment that his earnings have afforded him a 2002 Honda Civic. Prior to the purchase, Richards commuted from Sta. Rosa, Laguna where he hails, to Manila for his work commitments.

“Nagbu-bus ako dati,” he said, smiling. “Sanay naman po tayo dun.”

He has a driver these days though the latter only services the former for tapings in Manila. Otherwise, it’s Richards behind the wheels especially for short rides in the south.

“Bawal mag-overtake,” he quipped.

Asked if he has taken his co-star Louise delos Reyes for a joyride, Richards joked that they both don’t have time for that---and that Kapuso actor Enzo Pineda has probably beaten him to the punch. Pineda is being rumored to be courting delos Reyes.

Richards is turning out to be GMA Artist Center’s dark horse when it comes to talents likely to become superstars. Note that he was a walk-in auditionee on “Alakdana” yet he bested other hopefuls who had come from the youth-oriented show, “Tween Hearts.”

Then again, winning seems to be in Richards’ cards. Before “Alakdana,” the teenager was crowned Ginoong Sta. Rosa (2009) and Ginoong Laguna (2010). At 5’11” and with his slim build and mestizo looks, Alders is a strong bet for heartthrob and eventually, leading man material.

The budding celebrity admits that school has taken a backseat for now. He has every intention of getting a degree, though, once he has established himself in show business. He intimated that he plans to use his earnings to finance the studies of his younger siblings.

“Wala din namang sense ang maging successful kung hindi mo din ma-sha-share sa iba ang blessings,” he said.

“Alakdana” is set to conclude sometime May and Richards only has good things to say about his first acting project and his other co-stars Paulo Avelino and Richard Paul Gutierrez. “Natuto ako sa kanila at lahat kami masaya sa set,” he said.  

“Alakdana” will be replaced by “Sisid.” In preparation for his next project, Richards will undergo several workshops.

With whom does he want to be paired by then or in the near future?

“Bela Padilla.”