Alden Richards: Building an empire beyond the spotlight

Alden Richards has captivated audiences for years with his charm and talent on screen. But beyond the glitz and glamor of showbiz, this multi-faceted star has quietly been building a diverse and impressive business empire, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and savvy.

From the flavors of Tagaytay to the world of multimedia production, Alden’s ventures reflect his passions and his drive to create lasting success.

One of Alden’s first forays into the business world was in 2016, with the opening of Concha’s Garden in Tagaytay. What began as a single restaurant has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, now boasting four branches across Tagaytay and Silang, Cavite.

Alden credits the restaurant’s success to its focus on quality cuisine. “Siguro ang naging strength talaga namin is, more than the ambience, people, staff and crew, is really the food since pagkain ‘yung champion namin dito, doon tayo nag-concentrate (Our food is the best seller here),” he explains.

He also expresses gratitude for his co-partners, who are actively involved in developing new recipes and maintaining the high standards of their signature dishes.

While Alden admits he enjoys eating more than cooking from scratch, he understands the importance of a strong brand identity. “I said ‘Yes Concha’s is under my name, kilala siya because of the Alden Richards brand, but when it comes to the food gusto ko magkaroon ng sariling identity ‘yung pagkain na hindi kailangan ipangalan sa akin (when it comes it food I want the restaurant to have its own identity),” he states.

His vision is for the food’s taste to be the defining factor, ensuring its recognition transcends his celebrity status.

Beyond the culinary world, Alden also owns a McDonald’s branch in Biñan, Laguna, demonstrating his business acumen in the fast-food industry. He’s further expanded his portfolio into the build-and-sell sector, showcasing his diverse interests and entrepreneurial drive.

In 2022, Alden took his ambitions to another level by establishing his own multimedia company, Myriad Entertainment Corporation. Myriad quickly made its mark by co-producing the highly successful reunion concert of the iconic rock band Eraserheads, Huling El Bimbo, a testament to Alden’s ability to navigate the complexities of live events and large-scale productions.

Now, Myriad Entertainment is poised for even greater heights through a strategic joint venture with the Viva Group of Companies, a powerhouse in the Philippine entertainment landscape. This collaboration promises a wealth of opportunities, spanning film, music, live events and even the restaurant industry, aligning with a potential “total lifestyle” approach. The initial focus of the partnership is film, with Viva Films and Myriad aiming to produce two over-the-top movies per year. Their collaboration kicks off in 2025 with OOO, a Netflix film, and the highly anticipated Filipino adaptation of the Thai supernatural film Pee-Mak, starring Julia Barretto.

Myriad will also be joining forces with VAA Live, Viva’s live events arm, to create unforgettable concert experiences. This includes Alden’s fourth major solo concert and co-productions with Viva’s impressive roster of artists from Viva Records. Music will also be a key component of the venture, with Alden set to produce an album under the Viva Records label, featuring original songs.

Adding another layer to this dynamic partnership, Myriad will bring Alden’s Concha’s Garden into the Viva Foods family, joining established brands like Botejyu, Wing Zone, Paper Moon, Pepi Cubano, Yogorino and Greyhound Cafe.

With its diverse portfolio and its powerful alliance with the Viva Group, Myriad Entertainment, under Alden Richards’ leadership, is set to become a major player in the Philippine entertainment scene, promising innovative projects and experiences that will resonate with audiences across various platforms.