She previously disclosed having fell in love with her former on-screen partner.
In the fifth and final episode of the ‘Tamang Panahon’ podcast, ‘Eat Bulaga’ host Maine Mendoza was asked about her feelings about her former on-screen partner, Alden Richards, during the ‘AlDub’ phenomenon 10 years ago.
Maine, who portrayed Yaya Dub in the ‘Kalyeserye’ segment, admitted that she fell in love with the actor at that time. But she was also quick to clarify that their relationship did not progress beyond that, as they moved forward and became friends.
“Nainlove ako sa kanya [Alden],” Maine declared. “Hindi siya nanligaw, walang ganon. Alam din niya… very vocal ako sa lahat ng tao pati kay Alden mismo.”
In a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, Maine Mendoza clarified points and expounded on her recent statements on the online program.
“Okay, so about the last podcast episode.. Una sa lahat, I didn’t think the part about my story with Alden would spark controversy, let alone be a big deal, considering that everyone had already moved on from Kalyeserye and AlDub. From the start, I hoped the clashes between fans on both sides would end, at least, even though the hate train aimed at me was nonstop then and apparently still remains so.”
She then insisted that the point of our podcast is to look back on Kalyeserye and to discuss and share behind-the-scenes stories, mostly the untold ones, that can also include personal experiences, narratives, and sentiments.
“I believe it’s acceptable to reflect and openly discuss them for this podcast, especially now that it’s been a decade and all is well between the individuals involved, particularly me and Alden. There is no reason to exclude him from the story/our stories, despite his absence, because he was a big part of Kalyeserye—and it would have felt strange to leave him out,” Mendoza continued.
Maine underscored, “That said, there was no intention to provoke criticism or negativity towards him or anyone else. I was asked, I answered, and I shared a short anecdote.”
The ‘EB’ host also stood by her belief that “it’s not a bad thing to share a personal story related to the question and topic, as long that it’s based on facts.“
“There was no malice or ill intent behind my sharing that story about myself, him, and us. There are countless other stories I’ve kept to myself and chosen not to share. You know how podcasts work; they can be really personal, but ours didn’t even go that far. All stories shared were surface-level.”
In the same message, Maine lambasted fans who have resorted ro personal attacks and other ways to demean their characters.
“But the biggest question will always be: why do we get criticized for saying our truth and the truth? And why is it when we do, some people resort to personal attacks meant to demean and harm? I get that we have supporters who aren’t really fans of the other, but why the hostility? Why pit a woman against a man, as if there’s a competition for who’s more “successful”?“
The TV personality added, “Success, in this sense, is ridiculously measured and defined by career “achievements” as if our lives revolve solely around our jobs. In the grand scheme of things, what is really there to prove? All the hatred and comparisons—what for, really?“
Maine also told that “all is well among the Dabarkads,” as they have all moved on and the past remains there, they can revisit and reflect on the good and the bad with a “peaceful heart.”
“Ten years on, we are all living the lives we chose, and I hope we can keep moving forward without nurturing hate—because what’s the point? What do we gain from hostility? Again, in the grand scheme of things, what truly needs proving? Find your own answer. Let’s live for what makes us happy and make life less complicated and chaotic.”
As a matter of advice, she imparted to the fans who are throwing hate on each other, “Life is short. When our time comes and memories flash before our eyes, don’t let yours be filled the moments you spewed negativity online.“
“Don’t let it be your only contribution in this life. Ang dami pang pwedeng gawin sa buhay bukod sa pagiging tambay sa internet at pagiging hater. There’s another world of better things to do. Leave a better trace,” the star continued.
In her post-script, Maine requested for her fans to stop throwimg hate on Alden’s way.
“Regardless of what he meant by his words, it was really for the best for both of us and our situation at that time. Don’t read much into it,” she emphasized.
On that part, Maine was referring to her personal account, where she told that she confessed to Richards, who gave a cryptic message in response.
“Tinanong ko siya noon, eh ang straightforward lo naman na tao, ‘sabihin mo na sa akin ano bang nararamdaman mo?’ Ang sabi niya lang [sa akin], hindi ko puwedeng sabihin sa iyo kasi mawawala ang magic.”
But after sharing that, Maine even personally invited Alden to pay a visit to the Dabarkads and share his side of the story in the future.
During a split-second interaction in July 2015, the team-up between Maine and Alden, called AlDub, was formed and eventually gave birth to the iconic ‘KalyeSerye’ portion and the phenomenon that was.
Their partnership brought ‘Eat Bulaga’ to a historic 50% TV rating during the ‘Tamang Panahon’ concert in October 2015, which remains to be one of Philippine TV’s highest-rated episodes to date.