Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards get honest about second chances, reveal status of their relationship

Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards reunite in the much-awaited movie “Hello, Love, Again,” the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster film “Hello, Love, Goodbye.”

Kathryn and Alden said they were excited to show the film, partly shot in Canada, during the grand press conference at the Dolphy Theater of ABS-CBN in Quezon City on Oct. 17.

“Nakaktuwa lang, both of us have grown from the first movie, and now we’re working on this film. It has been an opportunity, and who would have known that the movie would have a sequel? We’re very happy with the film and we’re excited na mapanood nila ito. We’re blessed to have this film to be shown worldwide,” said Alden.

Kath and Alden reminisced about the first time they greeted each other.

“Nagkikita kita na rin kami noon sa mga events and we just say hi and hello. Or just wave and beso lang. Parang ganun,” Alden said.

Alden continued: “But the first time na nakausap ko siya and we had a longer time together was when ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ was brought to the table. Dito yun sa may restaurant sa ABS-CBN.

“Ang first impression ko sa kanya is sobrang gaan niya (kasama). No effort na kailangan may gawin ka to be friends with her.

“As we did Hello, Love, Goodbye,’ medyo iba lang ang set up noon, and so we also got the time to talk to each other during the promotion.

“Pandemic came and the movie was finished in 2019. So nakilala ko na siya and we had a deeper understanding with each other. Isa sa magandang qualities ni Kath is alam niya ang mga bagay na seseryosohin niya at mga bagay na light lang.

“Working with her, I’ve seen how Kath has matured and become the lady she is now. Mahilig yan kumain ng anything.

“Kung meron kaming pinagkakasunduan, it’s always food. Dinadalhan niya ako ng food. Basta may pagkain nandoon kami sa pantry. Pagdating namin sa set food kaagad ang hinahanap namin,” Alden said.

Kathryn responded to the identical question.

“I think our first hello namin was in front of ABS-CBN.  Yung yung formally na introduce kami. Naka-tuck in pa siya noon naka-floral tops.

“Yun ang first time na nagkakilala talaga kami. My first impressions about Alden is that he is approachable. Usually may normal awkwardness naman everytime you meet someone na bago lalo na kapag magkaibang network kayo.

“Hindi naman instantly chumika na agad ako sa kanya. But I think hindi ako naging hesitant sa kanya masyado because alam ko na I can talk to him especially ngayon.

“Through the years, after ‘Hello Love Goodbye,’ we have maintained our friendship. The big change that happened was friendship.

“Before, meron kaming mga bagay na hindi pwedeng pagusapan about life and random things. Now, it’s easy to talk to this guy. You can speak to him if you want to have a serious conversation.

“It’s a good foundation because the trust is there. There’s openness. We got to know each other,” said Kathryn.

Alden and Kathryn were both questioned about their perspectives on the concept of granting second opportunities. Both stars believe that giving second chances depends on the situation.

“Simple lang ang answer ko. Kung ang Diyos nga nagpapatawad, why not us? But sometimes, depende pa rin talaga sa tao,” Alden said.

Alden added: “People tend to do these things over and over again. Hindi talaga natin maiwasan na makagawa ng sama ng loob ng ibang tao.

“Yung iba kasi, you forgive and forget. But sometimes, you forgive and move on. But you never forget,” Alden said.

Kathryn believes that people hope for second chances.

“Tao lang. Magkakamali at magkakamali ako. Makaka-disappoint ako ng tao whether its intentional or unintentional.

“Magkakamali talaga tayo eh. But I would do anything to be given that second chance. The opportunity to correct my wrongdoings, to rebuild relation

She also said: “Lahat yun part na ng forgiveness siyempre. But we’re all different. Some people can give a second chance. Some can provide multiple chances. And some won’t. And that’s okay. We have to respect that. Iba-iba naman tayong lahat. So depende talaga siya sa situation.

“For me, lagi kong iniisip that forgiveness and second chances aren’t an obligation. It’s a choice, and it’s a gift. So kapag binigay sayo ng tao, it’s a privilege just like any gift. You have to take care of that, and you have to earn that gift,” said Kathryn.

Having been friends for more than five years, Kathryn and Alden were asked about the status of their closeness. They shared the level of their friendship in percentage.

Alden answered 100 percent while Kathryn gave 87 percent.

“Hello, Love, Again,” produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures, will be shown in cinemas beginning Nov. 15. The movie is directed by Cathy Garcia Sampana.