GMA Network's rising actor Alden Richards celebrated his 22nd birthday with the kids of Holy Trinity Home for Children in Quezon City on Tuesday, January 14, 2014.

Alden Richards has been planning of reaching out to less fortunate kids since last year as a way of giving back for all the blessings he received in 2013.

As he turned 22 last January 2, the Kapuso actor did not throw a lavish party but instead, he coordinated with GMA Artist Center to make his plan to give to charity become a reality.

“Ngayon po, inarrange po ito ng Artist Center [GMA Artist Center], tapos lumaki, nagkaroon ng sponsors, tapos nandito na po kayo, hindi ko po inexpect na mangyayari,” he shared with the members of the press who attended the meaningful celebration last night.

With the help of his sponsors, Alden was able to bring food and gifts and throw a fun-filled party for the kids of Holy Trinity Home for Children. He even played with them and take photos with them.

Since he lost his mother several years ago, Alden developed a heart that sympathizes with orphaned children.

“As a kid they lack the perks other kids are enjoying. At an early age di nila nararanasan ang magkaroon ng magulang, wala silang magulang, so parang in a way para kahit papaano naman gusto ko naman makatulong at mabigyan sila kahit papaano ng panandaliang happiness,” he said.

Alden performing his 2013 hit song to the kids:

It can be remembered that Alden treated his fans with a swimming party in Los Baños last December 26 and spent New Year’s Eve with other Kapuso stars at the GMA Countdown Party in SM Mall of Asia. And on his birthday last January 2, he went to church with his dad and siblings.

— MORE PHOTOS HERE —

Meanwhile, the entertainment press took the opportunity to ask Alden about his new primetime series on GMA called “Carmela” where he is being paired with no less than the Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

The young actor revealed that he is leaving the “boy next door” image in 2013 and reinventing himself this 2014 to become a more mature actor for the drama series.

“Nagresearch po ako ng mga Hollywood actors para maging peg ko sa role as Yago na medyo bad boy ng konti…nag-grow po ako ng facial hair tapos ngayon nagpapapayat po ako, going to the gym para sakto sa mga eksena,” he shared.

Alden also talked about his leading lady Marian Rivera.

“Talagang ‘pag binigyan siya ng isang project sobrang hands on. Nagresearch siya for the role kung ano ang magiging peg niya to handle a younger leading man, tapos yung acting, actions niya, nuances, itsura, tapos ‘yung pagbato niya ng linya iba na po e, so talagang nag-meet kami.”

“Through that, naging comfortable akong kaeksena siya para wala na ‘yung dating nasta-starstruck na lang ako,” he added.

Alden was grateful to Marian when learned that he was the Primetime Queen’s personal choice for a leading man.

“Sobra po ‘yung pagpapasalamat ko sa kanya, sabi ko Yan siguro sa tatlong taon ko sa showbiz ito na ang turning point ko, kasi ang laki pong bagay na nai-partner po ako sa kanya dito e, di na po yung ‘boy next door’ na patweetums-tweetums, leading man na po talaga,”

“Even po si Kuya Dong [Dingdong Dantes, Marian’s BF] nung time pa ng ‘Beloved’ sabi niya ‘Alam mo Den, dapat bigyan ka ng project na kasama mo si Yan, malaking tulong sa ‘yo ‘yun.’ After one year, nangyari nga po,” he said.

Alden was told that he may have some kissing scenes and love scenes with Rivera in “Carmela.” Should Dingdong Dantes prepare for the said scenes?

“Wala pong ikababahala si Kuya Dong sa akin kasi ‘yung respeto ko po sa kanila ni ‘Yan, wala pong tutumbas dun,” he answered.

When told that he is set to become the next “King” of GMA after Dingdong Dantes, Alden has this to say:

“Naku di ko pa po matatanggap ‘yang line na ‘yan, di ko po iniisip ‘yan. Ang focus ko po, kailangan ko munang pagbutihin ang role ko sa Carmela.”

“Carmela: Ang Pinakagandang Babae sa Ibabaw ng Mundo” is set to premiere on January 27, 2013. Aside from Alden and Marian, other cast-members in the new teleserye are Raymund Bagatsing, Agot Isidro, Laurice Guillen, Roi Vinzon, Max Collins, Jennica Garcia, Rochelle Pangi­linan, Andre Paras, Ana Feleo, and Mona Louise Rey.

— WATCH THE TEASER FOR ‘CARMELA’ HERE —

Alden Richards would like to thank the following for making his birthday celebration at the Holy Trinity Home for Children possible: Folded & Hung, Zagu, Minute Burger, Tous les Jours, Waffle Time, Belo and GMA Artist Center.