Alden Richards is starting the year strong with major moves already underway.
From new brand endorsements to exciting projects, the Kapuso star revealed that his calendar is packed for the first half of the year.
One of his latest ventures? The opening of a new branch of his fast-food franchise.
Read: Alden Richards reveals birthday reflections, projects for 2026
On January 8, 2025, Alden told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press that his newest McDonald’s branch will officially open on January 20, 2026.
"Actually, it’s opening this month," Alden said in an interview following his launch as the newest ambassador for Specialign Clear Braces at Terraza Martinez in Bonifacio Global City.
He continued: "Fina-finalize lang po yung details about it. But it's another franchise po of the fast food brand that I have as one of my restaurants.
"Family business po ito. So, at least very much excited din ako kasi at least doon talaga sa hometown ko kung saan ako lumaki, doon ko naman siya io-open."
ALDEN RICHARDS: HERITAGE BRANCH
Alden’s new McDonald’s branch stands on the site of the former Zavalla-Rivera Ancestral Houses, a historic "bahay na bato" in Santa Rosa.
Considered one of the city’s oldest homes, it dates back to the 19th century. The property originally belonged to the Zavalla (or Zabala) family, with Francisco Ochoa Zavalla identified as an early owner. He was the son of Bernardo Zabala from Tondo, Manila, who later settled in Santa Rosa.
The family held prominent roles in local governance, including ties to gobernadorcillo Andres Barroma, and eventually connected with the Rivera family through marriage—hence the hyphenated name.
Plans to transform the ancestral home into a McDonald’s branch were first announced in mid-2024.
The news sparked mixed reactions, with some calling for the project to be canceled and the house preserved instead.
However, Alden clarified that they consulted with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) before moving forward to ensure the renovation complied with heritage standards.
"It's situated within the heritage area ng Santa Rosa which is beside the church and maraming old houses doon," Alden explained.
"So parang the mandate since that area is within the jurisdiction of the National Heritage Commission of the Philippines.
"So for us to be able to build a store there, it has to be at par with the standards of the of the commission."
Alden emphasized that they strictly followed the guidelines set by the NHCP, and had the designed reviewed.
"It was approved," Alden said.
"We were very grateful din with the NHCP for that. Kaya kami na-grant ng permit to build a store... is kailangan lang namin buhayin.
"Because there was a previous structure there which is an old house na matagal na nandoon.
"Parang I think it's late 1800s to 1900s pa siya nakatayo. And then, prior to us using it, prior the improvements, parang school siya, pre-school siya dati."
Alden continued, "Same structure siya doon sa yung prior structure. Kumbaga, yung naunang structure doon kailangang, sabi ni NHCP, for you to be able to build a business there or kung gusto niyo, mabigyan ng permit, you have to build accordingly to our standards.
"So halos i-copy lang namin yung same structure. Actually, if you go to the store, there are certain parts of the structure na yung original parts siya nung bahay na nakatayo.
"So we see to it that... that's still present upon the opening of the store."
ALDEN RICHARDS: MASTERING THE ART OF MULTITASKING
With all the projects lined up for 2026, many wonder how Alden manages his time and masters the art of multitasking as both an actor and entrepreneur.
His answer is simple: he entrusts everything to his faith in the Lord.
In his words: "Siyempre number one, your faith to the Lord kasi hindi mo naman magagawa lahat ng yun by yourself, e.
"I think it's, yes, something to do with faith. It's something to do with your inkling to our Creator."
Beyond that, Alden shared that his passion for trying new things fuels his drive to take on multiple roles and responsibilities.
He added: "Second, it's the constant hunger... constant hunger to try new things because, sabi nga, di ba, sa mga nakikita natin or sa mga sayings that you only get to live at your certain age, one time.
"Isang beses ka lang mapupunta sa age mo na ito, so why not maximize it? Grab every opportunity and that would give you progress."
Alden stressed that while he’s open to exploring new opportunities, he carefully chooses challenges that allow him to learn and grow—never just for the sake of trying something new.
Sharing his own experience, he said: "Right now that I've already celebrated my fifteenth year in the industry, I am just really blessed that I don't get that feeling of stagnancy.
"Yung hindi ako... yung feeling na stuck ka, na parang nagawa mo na lahat. Parang, 'What's next?' There's always a next. There's always something new to try.
"And, I think, yung opportunity, especially in our field right now which is show business.
"And right now, of course, ine-explore ko rin yung back end, because of producing and being involved with different projects within and outside of the Philippines.
"And also, yung business aspect of the things that I'm exploring right now. I think never ending ang opportunities here.
"You just have to find those things by yourself and find the best one because not all opportunities are the same.
"Not all opportunities will give you growth, maybe learnings pero somehow be, uh, smart with choosing the things that you want to get into."
Another key factor in managing it all, he said, is the unwavering support of the trusted people around him.
"At the same time, I think yung right people behind my back that keeps on pushing me to do more, to be better in the field, and to keep on growing."
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