Fresh from his week-long shoot for Star Cinema's Hello, Love, Goodbye in Hong Kong, Alden Richards's first order of business upon arriving in the country was grace the blessing and community day of McDonald's in Biñan, Laguna.
But he came not as a guest, but as the owner.
Looking at the two-story building that sits on a 1,500-square-meter lot, the next leading man of Kathryn Bernardo gushed, "Nagulat din po ako na ang laki pala niya."
The event was attended by Winwyn Marquez, LJ Moreno, Valeen Montenegro, Rodjun Cruz, Kristoffer Martin, Joyce Ching, and Bea Binene.
Kakai Bautista, who is part of Alden's upcoming movie, also came.
Meanwhile, Tetay hosted the short program.
WHO WILL MANAGE ALDEN RICHARDS'S BUSINESS?
The venture is a "dream come true" for the 27-year-old star, and will be managed by her sister Riza Faulkerson.
He also asked his dad Richard Faulkerson to resign from his job.
In his speech, he gave Riza—the store's 23-year-old general manager—a shout-out.
"I'm really proud of this project. I’m really proud of my sister. I pulled her out from her current job.
"H.R. siya ng isang company, and I know hindi madali itong transition. We had fights, umiyak siya sa akin. Nagko-confide siya with McDo family, pero nandito na tayo.
"Ang talagang naghirap since day one, nag-training, sleepless nights, naho-hospital pa siya, tumaba, pumayat, tumaba, pumayat na naman ngayon, siyempre, to my sister.
"At siyempre, si Dad po na pinag-resign ko po sa kanyang trabaho."
He also recounted how he used to dream about owning a franchise of the fast-food chain, which he also endorses.
"Let me share lang po na mag-share lang ako ng konting story why we're in our business venture now as a family.
"Nag-start lang yung dream ko na magkaroon ng McDonalds when I was young. Kumakain kami diyan sa may South Super Highway Supermarket when I was young. Naaalala ko pa yung set-up na pagpasok mo, nandiyan yung counter, pag kanan mo, nandito yung dining area. Meron siyang play place na two floors.
"Ganun naman po, kapag bata tayo, mahilig tayong mangarap ng mga suntok sa buwan na mga pangarap na sana magkaroon din tayo ng McDonalds.
"And then, twenty years later, heto na po kami with our own store. Ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam to be able to see your dream unfolding before your eyes."
The grand opening is slated for April 26, 2019.