In the ever-buzzing world of Philippine showbiz, few pairings have left as strong a mark as Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo. Their 2019 blockbuster film Hello, Love, Goodbye not only broke records but also became one of the most memorable love stories in Philippine cinema. So when Kathryn recently unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, fans of both stars celebrated — until a few voices began to twist the moment into controversy.

The issue started when some social media users, including a few of Alden’s solid supporters, began asking why the actor wasn’t given the same honor. Comments poured in, questioning why only Kathryn received a wax figure when the success of Hello, Love, Goodbye was built on both their performances. It didn’t take long for this to evolve into a rumor: that Alden was supposedly “jealous” of Kathryn’s recognition.

Online discussions exploded across Facebook, X, and TikTok. Some users claimed Alden deserved equal recognition, while others argued Kathryn’s award was justified. Bashers began spreading the narrative that Alden felt “left out” — a claim that quickly drew attention, especially from fans still emotionally invested in the KathDen tandem.

“Why Kathryn only? Alden carried that film too,” one viral post said. Another comment read, “He’s too kind to say it, but deep down he must feel bad.”

These insinuations spread like wildfire, framing Alden as quietly envious of Kathryn’s international recognition. But soon after, credible voices and verified sources began setting the record straight.

According to those familiar with the Madame Tussauds selection process, Kathryn’s wax figure was directly inspired by her role as Joy in Hello, Love, Goodbye — a character that represented the struggles and triumphs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong.

The story, after all, centered primarily on Joy’s journey. “Kathryn’s role symbolized hope and perseverance among OFWs — themes that deeply resonated with Filipino audiences abroad,” a film analyst explained.

In short, the choice was narrative-driven, not favoritism. Madame Tussauds wanted to honor a character that reflected the Filipino experience in Hong Kong — and Kathryn’s portrayal fit that perfectly.

Beyond that, Kathryn’s career longevity and continued popularity also played a role. She’s been a household name for over a decade, consistently delivering box-office hits and earning critical acclaim. Her inclusion at Madame Tussauds only cemented her place among global Filipino icons like Pia Wurtzbach, Manny Pacquiao, and Catriona Gray.

As the rumor gained traction, Alden’s actual reaction became the ultimate debunking. Rather than showing even a hint of envy, Alden expressed genuine happiness for his former co-star. He congratulated Kathryn personally and through public channels, praising her for yet another milestone in her career.

“He’s very proud of her,” one insider close to Alden confirmed. “There’s no jealousy — just respect and admiration. They’re both happy for each other’s success.”

This aligns perfectly with Alden’s reputation in the industry — humble, gracious, and professional. Even during the height of Hello, Love, Goodbye mania, Alden consistently gave credit to Kathryn and their director, Cathy Garcia-Sampana, for the film’s impact.

Fans who know Alden’s personality were quick to defend him, pointing out that jealousy has never been part of his character. “Alden has always been the type to celebrate others’ wins,” one fan page wrote. “That’s why he remains one of the most respected leading men in showbiz.”

Unfortunately, the age of social media has made it easy for baseless rumors to thrive. In this case, bashers — possibly from rival fandoms — seemed determined to pit Alden and Kathryn against each other, hoping to stir old fan rivalries between KathNiel and Aldub supporters.

Observers noted that many of the posts fueling the “inggit” rumor came from accounts known for spreading misinformation and “fandom wars.”

“These are the same pages that make fake quotes, edit old clips, and stir up fights,” one netizen pointed out. “They thrive on clicks, not truth.”

The manufactured feud, however, failed to gain serious traction once both fanbases saw Alden’s supportive message. The tone quickly shifted from tension to celebration, with most fans praising both stars for handling the situation with class.

Despite not working together since Hello, Love, Goodbye, both Alden and Kathryn have repeatedly expressed admiration for each other’s craft. Kathryn once described Alden as one of her “most generous co-actors,” while Alden has said he would gladly work with her again if given the chance.

Their friendship, built on shared hard work and respect, remains intact — unaffected by gossip. “We both gave our best to that film, and I’m always grateful to her,” Alden said in an earlier interview.

For many fans, their quiet maturity amid loud rumors speaks volumes. It’s a rare kind of professionalism in an industry often fueled by speculation and drama.

This episode serves as a reminder of how quickly fake narratives can distort reality. A moment meant to celebrate Filipino pride was turned into gossip — only to be corrected by the truth and grace shown by the stars themselves.

Kathryn’s Madame Tussauds honor stands as a tribute not just to her acting, but to the countless Filipinos she represented through her role. Alden’s supportive response, meanwhile, showed that true success doesn’t compete — it celebrates.

At the end of the day, there’s no envy here, only mutual admiration. The Hello, Love, Goodbye tandem may have ended on-screen, but the respect between Kathryn and Alden continues — stronger than any rumor.