For years, Ahtisa Manalo watched Alden Richards on television.
Like many fans, she admired him from afar.
Now, as she officially begins a new chapter in her career with Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the beauty queen is finally sharing a dream she has quietly held for a long time.
Her dream leading man?
None other than Asia’s Multimedia Star, Alden Richards.
A longtime crush
During an interview on Tuesday, Ahtisa was asked a simple but exciting question — which actor would she like to work with as her leading man?
Her answer came quickly.
“Alden Richards,” she said with a smile.
Ahtisa recalled watching him years ago on “Eat Bulaga.”
Back then, she was just a viewer enjoying the show… and quietly developing a crush.
“I used to watch ‘Eat Bulaga,’ and my crush before, there was a segment there, is Alden Richards,” she shared.
“So my dream leading man is Alden Richards.”
It’s a confession that many fans can relate to.
What she admires about Alden
Beyond his popularity and talent, Ahtisa said there’s something about Alden that immediately stands out to her.
It’s his gentle presence.
“He has a maamo face,” she said.
“A face that looks like he’s very kind.”
For Ahtisa, that warmth is part of what makes him such an appealing leading man.
Dream project: a romantic comedy
If her dream collaboration with Alden ever happens, Ahtisa already has an idea of what kind of project she would love to do.
A romantic comedy.
Something light, heartfelt, and full of charm.
A story that lets both actors shine — and makes audiences fall in love with their chemistry.
A new chapter with GMA
Ahtisa’s dream of acting is becoming more real after she officially signed with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
The contract signing event was attended by several Kapuso executives, including:
-
GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes
-
Sparkle First Vice President Joy Marcelo
-
Sparkle Senior Talent Manager Tracy Garcia
The moment marked the beginning of a new journey for the beauty queen.
But few people know that this almost happened earlier.
A decision that had to wait
Ahtisa revealed that she was actually supposed to sign with GMA last year.
However, she made a difficult choice.
She decided to focus first on her pageant journey, particularly Miss Universe Philippines.
Even before officially joining the network, she already felt welcomed by the Kapuso family.
“I’m very thankful for the warm welcome of GMA, Ms. Annette, Ms. Joy, everyone from GMA,” she said.
“Even before I signed, I already felt the love and care from GMA.”
Perfect timing
Now that her pageant journey has come to an end, Ahtisa believes the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
She feels ready.
Ready to explore new opportunities.
Ready to try new experiences.
And ready to begin her life as a Kapuso artist.
“It feels like the perfect timing because now I’m opening my doors to opportunities and new things,” she said.
“Tapos na ako sa pageant journey ko.”
Her gratitude to GMA was clear.
“I can’t ask for a better family than GMA. Thank you, thank you so much.”
From pageant stage to showbiz spotlight
Ahtisa currently holds the title of Miss Universe Philippines.
In the Miss Universe 2025 competition, she proudly finished as third runner-up, bringing honor to the country and gaining even more recognition from fans around the world.
Now, she is stepping into a new spotlight.
From the pageant stage…
to television and entertainment.
And perhaps someday soon, if fate allows—
her dream of sharing the screen with Alden Richards might finally come true.
