ALDUB and Jeejai

Alden Richards & Maine Mendoza (c)@mainedcm

Around 5 months ago, I was a college student trying to finish my final semester of college. I was at a point in my life where I was very disappointed in myself for having failed classes and having to spend another semester in college. I started to pray for something to help me get inspired for my final push of my college days. I said to God, “Maybe something or someone?” What I got I didn’t expect at all. I actually know that took everyone by surprise. On one ordinary day in Eat Bulaga, July 16, 2015, an accidental loveteam was born.

Where everything began…July 16, 2015

Eat Bulaga is a noontime variety show in the Philippines. They have been around for 36 years and counting. This year, they added two new people to their family. One was Alden Richards, a 23 year old heartthrob who has been in show business for the past 4 1/2 years. He was tested to see him hone his hosting skills. The other was Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza. She was added from an audition to be the caretaker or “Yaya” of Wally Bayola’s character Lola Nidora. This was particular for the segment of Eat Bulaga in the barangay called Juan for All, All for Juan: “Problem Solving.” The Dub in her name meant she only spoke through Dubsmashes. The app Dubsmash was a big hit in the Philippines. On one normal Thursday, Alden was asked to just watch the segment with the audience, rather than being backstage for the day. As Yaya Dub was Dubsmashing, the camera was split into two and it showed Alden’s face. Yaya Dub’s initial reaction to that was captured. Because of a simple, pure reaction from her, we somehow noticed it and as they say the rest is history.

Alden & Maine during the 5th Monthsary of ALDUB

Fast forward to 5 months, and we can say that it is nothing short of amazing! It is truly a phenomenon. There is truly nothing like it! They both have numerous endorsements, commercials, billboards, magazine covers, stars on the Philippine Walk of Fame, Twitter records and a solid following, aptly called The ALDUB Nation. I can proudly say I am part of this Nation. We are more than just a fan club, we’re family.

I have always been a fangirl. My friends and family know that. But I have never been so invested in a loveteam, much less a local one. ALDUB makes me happy. When I see them together, it is so much more than just entertainment for me. I thank God for them. They are a blessing to each other and to us, the ALDUB Nation. Some people might see it as over the top and just plain nonsense. They inspire me to do better. That if you surrender everything to God, He will guide you in your walk with Him. I see that in Alden. He gives glory to God in everything He does. I hope there are more men like him in this world. I see how humble both of them are. They don’t let fame get into their heads. I hope they never change. I see how they are living their dreams, and I see that nothing is impossible if you work hard towards your dreams.

I’m actually near tears as I write this, because like Alden and Maine, I also dream of a happy and better future, especially for my family. I’m a little scared because I have no idea what I’m going to do after graduating college. I really want to help inspire others. Maybe that will come in the form of writing, making videos, singing, or something else entirely. How do I go forward? All I know right now, is that like ALDUB, it will come unexpectedly. And I assured and certain that it is in the Lord’s hands.

-Jeejai