Alden Richards will soon be sharing the stage with someone who can also be considered a star in his own industry: Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
That’s because Alden will be one of the guests at the fourth Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE 4), happening from July 28 to 30, at the University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial Pavilion.
He will be making an appearance on its first day, during “Heart to Heart with the Cardinal,” to share his testimony as someone whom the organizers of PCNE 4 — with the Archbishop as its chairperson — view as an example of a good Christian.
In August last year, GMA Entertainment reported that Alden was planning to establish a foundation of his own. He had been named the ambassador of Habitat for Humanity Philippines, and had performed in a number of concerts for charity, as well.
The Pambansang Bae is also known to his Twitter followers for his spiritual posts. Just last Saturday, he tweeted, “Each new day gives us new reasons to praise the Lord.” Even his cover photo is that of a rosary.
“Sa ngayon si Alden ay magandang impluwensya at halimbawa sa mga kabataan kung papaano gamitin ang kanyang talento na binigay ng Diyos para makatulong sa kapwa. ‘Yun ang kanyang contribution,” said Rev. Fr. Jason Laguerta, one of the organizers of the event, during a press conference at the Arzobispado de Manila on Tuesday.
Mary Ann Cruz of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, also one of the organizers, added that participants to the conference could expect Alden to talk about how his programs helped “bring people into the fold,” especially the youth.
Fr. Laguerta said Alden will be fielding questions from Cardinal Tagle about his journey and his personal faith. Fr. Laguerta noted that Alden is a devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and with Maine Mendoza, has given their audience a good example of what a love team can be.
“We got him because of the way he conducts himself and his positive influence on the youth. ‘Yun ay magandang bagay na palutangin, na may mga kabataan pa ring ganyan na sikat at artista, pero nandun pa rin ang pagka-humble and simple,” Fr. Laguerta added.
Alden’s fellow Kapuso star, Dingdong Dantes, will also be part of “Heart to Heart with the Cardinal.” He was formerly a commissioner at the National Youth Commission, and had once been labeled by SPOT.ph as one of the country’s most charitable celebrities. He founded YesPinoy Foundation, which focuses on nation-building initiatives.
According to Cardinal Tagle, the youth love to listen to testimonies. This is one of the ways to draw them close to the Catholic Church. They want to hear people talking about the heroic, Christian lives they lead.
The youth also want to do something to help, he added. They may be reluctant when invited to a seminar, but will volunteer to sort donated clothing for typhoon survivors in a heartbeat.
“Then the call to mission is awakened,” Cardinal Tagle said.
To register for PCNE 4, call 405-0093, 0908-1193-533, or 0995-1913-473. E-mail pcne2017@gmail.com, or visit www.pcne.com.ph.