Alden Richards Foundation, Casino Plus Search for 20 Exceptional Everyday Filipinos on Day of Valor

MAKATI CITY, Philippines, April 2026 In celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan, Casino Plus, in partnership with the AR Foundation, officially launched Hero for All: Honoring Stories of the Everyday Filipino-a nationwide search recognizing ordinary Filipinos whose extraordinary acts of kindness uplift communities.

The program formally opened through its launch event, Hero for All: First Door Opens, held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The event was hosted by respected broadcast journalist Pinky Webb and led by award-winning actor and lead advocate Alden Richards.

"Heroes are everywhere-not on pedestals, but in everyday acts of compassion, courage, and service. This game-changing platform goes beyond recognition. It empowers individuals to scale their impact and, through simple acts of kindness, help build communities of heroes, "Casino Plus said in its program rationale.

Framed as a structured national search, the initiative aims not only to document stories of service but also to identify and replicate community-driven models of heroism that have long existed with limited institutional support.

Each of the 20 selected heroes will receive a trophy and a total of PHP 1 million, to be allocated between the hero's cause and a partner community organization ensuring that recognition translates into sustained, tangible impact.

Heroism doesn't end with recognition-it begins when one act inspires another. We are proud to partner with Alden Richards, who embodies the spirit of this movement through the many lives he has quietly touched,"Casino Plus added.

Richards described the campaign as a shift in how society defines heroism:

"I am grateful to partner with Casino Plus in this meaningful initiative. We want to normalize how people see heroes-today, they are everyday Filipinos who, despite their own struggles, still choose to help others."

Casino Plus, one of the country's leading responsible gaming platforms duly licensed by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), shared that the program began in December 2025 with a clear objective: to recognize modern-day heroes and provide them opportunities to replicate and scale their impact.

Nominations are open from April 10 to May 1, 2026, with all entries subject to independent verification and a documented scoring process overseen by Casino Plus and the AR Foundation.

The nomination process is open to the public via Casino Plus official social media platforms, as well as through offline nomination postcards distributed nationwide-ensuring inclusivity for individuals without reliable internet access.

Nominators are required to submit the nominee's name, location, and a 150-word description of their act of service, along with at least one supporting material such as a photo, news link, or endorsement letter. Video nominations may also be submitted through social media by tagging the official account of Casino Plus using #CasinoPlusHeroForAll. All submissions will undergo validation prior to endorsement to the jury.

To ensure credibility and rigor in the selection process, the jury panel will be composed of an academician, a respected media personality, a representative from PAGCOR, and Alden Richards.

The Grand Hero for All Awarding Ceremony is set for August 31, 2026, in time for the celebration of National Heroes Day-bringing the campaign full circle from recognition to a national moment of collective inspiration.

ABOUT CASINO PLUS

Casino Plus is one of the Philippines' leading responsible gaming platforms, offering both online and land-based experiences. It is duly licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, ensuring full compliance with national standards for integrity, player protection, and operational transparency.

Beyond entertainment, Casino Plus is committed to advancing responsible gaming as a force for positive impact. Through initiatives like Hero for All, the brand goes beyond its core business to champion measurable social good-recognizing everyday Filipinos whose acts of courage, compassion, and service uplift communities. By integrating purpose-driven programs into its platform, Casino Plus continues to redefine gaming as not only a source of enjoyment, but also a catalyst for meaningful change.

ABOUT THE ALDEN RICHARDS FOUNDATION

The AR Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational assistance to underprivileged Filipinos, supporting a growing number of beneficiaries over the years by helping them access quality education and build better futures. Grounded in the belief that education drives social mobility and nation-building, the Foundation focuses on creating long-term impact through sustained support and community empowerment.