Alden Richards reacts to Mikee Quintos' revelation that she had romantic feelings for him

Alden Richards has reacted to Mikee Quintos' revelation that she fell for him while they were filming for a teleserye.

In a recent episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the actor said it took him by surprise as it was the first time he heard about it.

"Mikee and I were very close during the tapings ng [The Gift]. Kaming tatlo nila Mikoy, maliligalig kami," Alden said. "Ako po kasi, ang understanding ko at the context of friendship."

He confirmed that he and Mikee have remained good friends to this day.

Mikee first admitted she fell for the actor when she made a guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda with Mikoy Morales. In the segment "Talk or Dare," the actress was asked whether she ever hoped to have a relationship with a certain co-star or a celebrity.

Choosing truth, Mikee said, "Si Richards po, si Alden."

Mikee and Alden were cast in the 2019 television series The Gift as childhood friends Amor and Joseph, respectively. Interestingly, Mikee's character also secretly harbored feelings for Alden's role in the story.

Recalling what made her see her former co-star in a romantic light, the Kapuso actress explained, "Buong show, magkaka-tent kami, kaming tatlo [ni Alden at Mikoy]. Nakilala ko ‘yung pagkatao niya na sweet siya, mabait siya, kung gaano ka-genuine, sobrang God-fearing. And I just had to try to express whatever I was feeling—I couldn’t explain it."

She eventually mustered up the courage to confess, but a relationship between them was simply not meant to be.

"I did express but it wasn’t reciprocated. Sinabi ko 'yun straight up. I think ngayon nakikita ko na ‘yung worth ng tapang ko. Hindi siya something na ikakahiya ko. I grew from it and I learned a lot from it. It was an experience," Mikee said.

The "King of Talk" then asked her if her feelings for Alden have now been resolved. To which, she echoed what Alden said: "Yes, we talked about it. Okay naman, we're good friends pa rin."

Mikee is now in a relationship Paul Salas, while Alden is still waiting for "The One" for him. The latter previously said he's hoping to marry by age 35.