Pambansang Bae Alden Richards danced and gave gifts as he held his post–birthday celebration with Aetas in Bamban, Tarlac last February 8.
Richards personally drove a Land Rover vehicle along with members of the Land Rover Association of the Philippines (LRAP) from Quezon City to sitio Gayaman in Bamban to be with the indigenous people, according to the “Chika Minute” segment of “24 Oras” aired over GMA-7.
LRAP members guided Richards in driving through the mountainous area of the province for four hours. They said that the place can only be accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles because of the rough roads.
The other half of the phenomenal love team known as AlDub turned 24 last January 2.
“Mahirap s’yang puntahan, that’s why walang knowledge ang ibang tao about this place and sa mga nanunuod ngayon, there’s a lot of people here that needs help. So tulungan po natin sila,” said Richards, star of “Sunday PinaSaya” over the Kapuso Network.
When he arrived, the actor was warmly received by the Aetas. The actors gamely posed for pictures with them. Later, the Aetas performed a special dance number for Richards.
“Iba ‘yung feeling ko parang very fulfilled, very happy. Worth it ‘yung post birthday celebration ko,” Richards added.
A female member of the community said: “Masaya po kami kasi pumunta po s’ya dito kahit na bundok at mahirap ang daan sa amin. Pinapapanood po namin sya sa Eat Bulaga.”
Pastor Rico Tenito, spiritual leader of sitio Gayaman, said that the community felt blessed with the visit of Richards.
“Sa tutoo lang, ‘yung pagpunta po n’ya dito ay malaking pagpapala na po ito sa amin although mahirap ‘yung buhay sa amin pero napasaya n’ya po kami,” said Tenito.