“HEROISM is being selfless. Selflessness is an attitude that defines heroism in a lot of aspects.”
This is how Pambansang Bae Alden Richards, who is playing the role of a Filipino modern-day superhero in the Kapuso primetime series “Victor Magtanggol,” responded when SunStar Bacolod asked for his own definition of heroism.
Richards, along with other casts including Janine Gutierrez, Andrea Torres, Pancho Magno and Dion Ignacio, was in Bacolod City on Friday, August 31, for a press conference at Planta Hotel here.
After which, they treated thousands of their Negrense fans to an exciting and entertainment-filled afternoon through the Kapuso Mall Show at Robinsons Place Bacolod.
“When one sets aside his own self to be of service to other people, this is really what heroism really means,” Richards said, stressing that with the issues and challenges hounding the country now “we need someone to be a good example in making Filipinos intact especially in terms of our values.”
The other half of the phenomenal love team AlDub further said there is a need for a consistent reminder that Filipinos, no matter how fast the world is changing now especially amid the technology, are unique in terms of the attitude of being of service to the people.
“That is Victor Magtanggol,” Richards said, adding that the show has been consistent in presenting some remarkable aspects of being Filipinos.
He cited overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are sacrificing themselves to work abroad in order to help their family at the same time serving other people.
“Various issues involving the family are really given importance by the show, as well as the responsibility of a person to always do good things towards his fellows,” Richards added.
Inspired by Norse mythology, “Victor Magtanggol” is a television drama action-fantasy series piloted in July this year. It is aired after GMA’s flagship news program “24 Oras.”
The cast said the series was actually conceptualized for young viewers as they wanted the children to see an image to look up to as they grow old.
“We wanted Victor Magtanggol to be an inspiration to the kids. We want the viewers, not only kids, to emulate the character of Victor Magtanggol and the show itself,” Richards said.
In last Sunday’s segment of “Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho,” Richards in Victor Magtanggol costume surprised eight-year-old Niño, a boy born with no arms from Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
The actor was touched and inspired by the story of Niño, who despite his disabilities continues to remain optimistic and be of inspiration to other people.
He committed to paying for the child’s education until college.
“We asked ourselves as to what we can give to the child that will change his life entirely. So that was my gift for him to at least lighten the challenges he and his family are going through every day,” Richards added.
For the other cast, heroism can also be expressed in many other means. Charity works, for them, can also be doing simple yet worthy causes.
Gutierrez, who is a national ambassador for World Wildlife Fund, said she has been working closely with the organization in helping poor people like farmers helping them cultivate their land to improve livelihood.
Magno is actively participating in their church’s outreach activities while Ignacio has been involved in doing charity works to different beneficiaries especially during his birthday through the GMA Artist Center.
Torres, meanwhile, wants to help persons with special needs.
“I have a sibling with special needs. Aside from those with Artist Center, my family would really love to help other people on our means.”