After the long wait, Alden Richards has finally appeared as Mulawin Lakan in the September 21 episode of Encantadia 2016.
The mysterious man first encountered Sang'gre Danaya (Sanya Lopez) when he saved her in the mortal world after a fight scene with Berto (Ryan Eigenmann).
Alden was not yet seen in his Mulawin costume since he was wearing ordinary mortal clothes: a jacket and a cap that partially hid his face.
He saved Danaya by fighting off the criminals.
When Danaya asked for his identity, he just lifted up his face.
Danaya asked for Berto and his friends to leave as she called them Pashnea.
When Danaya turned, the mysterious man suddenly disappeared and a Mulawin feather fell down from the sky.
In the 2005 version of Encantadia, Danaya (Diana Zubiri) also had an encounter with a Mulawin in the mortal world: the character Bagwis played by Zoren Legaspi, who was also part of GMA-7's Mulawin TV series aired in 2004.
CHILDHOOD DREAM. It was announced last July that Alden will be joining the cast of Encantadia 2016 as a Mulawin.
Read: Alden Richards to enter Encantadia 2016 as Mulawin
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during The PEP List Year 3 awards night, the Kapuso actor said he is excited to be a part of the requel since he used to watch the telefantasya with his late mother.
Read: Alden Richards recalls moments with his late mom through Encantadia stint
Joining Encantadia has long been a childhood dream for Alden.
In fact, fans were able to track down a tweet of Alden that he posted in 2012. He expressed interest to become part of the popular telefantasya when it was rumored to have a comeback four years ago.
Mark Reyes, who was the director of the now-defunct Sunday musical variety show Party Pilipinas, decided to stage an Encantadia-inspired production number where Kyla, Julie Anne San Jose, Frencheska Farr, and Rachelle Ann Go played the Sang'gres.
Alden tweeted Direk Mark, "Sali ako direk kahit one of the soldiers lang hahaha. #childhooddream. :) #Enca2012."
Four years later, Direk Mark granted Alden's wish!
Viewers will soon find out how Lakan will affect the lives of the Sang'gres once they reunite in the kingdom of Encantadia.
PEPsters, what can you say about the first appearance of Alden in Encantadia?