Well you know what? Crucify me here in GRP but I gotta admit to the appeal of the budding romance between Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the latter a.k.a. ‘Yaya Dub’. I’m sure a lot of marketing folk will spend their entire careers studying just how the “AlDub” pair turned into a media bonanza for Eat Bulaga (EB) and the GMA Network. But to most people, me included, there is no mystery. It’s just plain kilig over something magical that could happen to anyone.
The other half of AlDub:
Maine ‘Yaya Dub’ Mendoza
(Source: Twitter)
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Those tech-brokered hookups we are more familiar with, are often anything but wholesome. We are by now familiar with stories about sex scandal videos and raunchy video chat sessions somehow escaping the confines of their owners’ devices and spreading all over the Net. It’s crazy because it seems that the appeal of AlDub is matched only by the appeal of the lewd byproducts of otherwise private social media interactions popularized by the likes of Neri Naig and Chito Miranda and even Wally Bayola himself who, as it happens, is also an EB mainstay.
So here we are, and I, smitten by the AlDub story. I think we’re all drawn to it because it reminds us of what romance really should be. At best, I’d like to believe the misadventures of Alden and Maine pull us back and out of the perverse world of social media “romance” where SMS proposals and breakups, cyberstalking and cybersex, and swipe-left-swipe-right “dating” apps rule as sad substitutes for the real thing. Indeed, whereas we seem to embrace social media for romance because the technology allows us to become someone — or something — that we are not, the story of AlDub reminds us of a time when we actually had to work at becoming an improved real version of ourselves for the sake of the ones we love.
For that matter, the real beauty in AlDub seems to be the almost genuinely accidental way the characters came together. I think the word is serendipity. Alden’s and Maine’s coming together was serendipitous. It’s a significant point, I think, because while we in the leisure classes have a bit of time to spend pursuing love and romance, the greater majority of Filipinos who are poor not just financially but poor in that even more precious resource called time are likely almost wholly dependent on serendipity to meet their lifetime partner. And maybe it is in this regard that AlDub touches ordinary Filipinos — those who do not have access to nor the time to indulge those clubs and apps on which one engages the “dating scene”.
Enjoy it while it lasts — before the wily suits of Philippine society politicize it. I mean, you know, AlDub already is commercial to begin with. But so’s the rest of the entertainment industry that provides us our escape from the wretchedness of life in Metro Manila’s oppressiveness. We can just take what works for us.
Frustrated artist doing geek for a living.
Ano to GRP, bumabawi kayo? hahaha kanina lang, nag post itong si Grimwald gamit ang larawan ng Aldub with the title “Philippine Media And The Masses: A Cycle Of Stupidity And Madness” .. Sa kabuuan, sinasabi ni Ginoong Grimwald na bobo at walang alam ang mga tumatangkilik ng mainstream media gaya ng mga palabas ng local networks, kabilang na dyan ang Aldub.
Mabuti naman Kate Natividad at naisulat mo ito. 🙂
Hay naku! Ayan na naman kayo!
SINABI NA NGANG HINDI AKO ANG PUMILI NG LARAWAN NA IYON AT NI-HINDI KO NGA NAISIP YUNG ALDUB NUNG SINUSULAT KO ANG ARTIKULONG IYON!
Bakit ba kayo ganyan? Ni-hindi ko nga mi-nention ang AlDub doon! Grabe talaga kayo…
Pacensya na Grimwald..I understand benignO must be the admin here. He must therefore negotiate with the writer of the article before he decides to put a photo. Let us not forget those who are using ‘free data’ via their phones, hindi nila mababasa buong artikulo. At kung mabasa man nila, mas lalong kukulo ang dugo.
You’ve done your part in trying to expose the fault in our media. But blaming the masses, I have to disagree. 🙂
Hi Grimwald. Nagustuhan ko po ung article mo. Pero hindi ako umaagree entirely. But that is…fine. Ako na po ang humihingi ng dispensa sa mga taong naglabas ng POV nila sa sinulat mo. They could either like it or hate it, alam ko expected mo na naman un base sa topic na napili mo. Tapos aldub pic na nilagay ni benign0. Rebelious title+Aldub Pic. Wag ka paaapekto. Hehe. maybe kung pede palitan nalang ni Benign0 pic. Im sure madaming jan ang mas makakapagrepresent ng Pop entertainment. Ayon more power to you and to GRP. Again, ako na po nanghihingi ng dispensa. Mahirap makuha ang agreement ng bawat isa sa isang article lamang.
Btw, Im not an avid aldub fan. But im happy when I see my friends and my family, even my lolo at lola, na tumatawa dahil dun. Hehe. Ayun. To Kate and Griwald. Continue writing and Have a good day po.
hahahaha! XD
I suspect that benign0 was doing social experiment on the pinoy psyche that’s why he chose the picture of aldub. and it worked. 😀
Agree!! love this article, same sentiments here, this is definitely the right psycho analysis to the whole situation. kudos!
Let me repeat what I’ve already said for the LAST TIME…
I have nothing against AlDub because I haven’t even seen it myself. The picture on my previous article wasn’t something I chose. Benign0 is the one who calls the shots around here, not us writers.
Based on what Kate has had to say so far, this doesn’t seem like a bad show at all. I NEVER said it was a bad show, mind you. In fact, now that you say this, it might be worth a look through download if nowhere else.
It’s not a bad show but it is rather shallow. To describe it, I would say if you’re looking for substance then go to a good restaurant but this is the isaw and kwek kwek fix you could eat and even crave for once in a while.
Shallow? So what!!! Important thing is lakas maka-goodvibes!!! Peace!!!!!
shallow? bad show? living in a judgmental awareness? yes that is how it is in duality kind of awareness swinging from one to another end.But the others found the unity awareness, that resonates to an awareness generated from the unity of the hearts not from a judgmental mind..they just want to be happy glad and feel the joy in the moment.
Sorry, Grimwald. Maybe it’s time for the writers and admins of this page to coordinate as to what picture should be included in the article. You see, the picture summarizes the content of a particular write-up. You cannot blame the readers for interpreting what you wrote as being ‘anti-Aldub’. I’m not an Aldub fan myself but i’m not saying it’s bad either.
It is KORNI, WITH AN OBVIOUS SCRIPT, and perhaps the most STUPID SHOW IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY… It’s a show for gullible people who thinks of fairy tales and happy endings .. Guess what? The author of this post is as gullible as the stupid masses who CLING INTO THIS KIND OF SHOWS!
amen
Grouchy Arnold in disguise is either The Bitter Vice Pangit or Ms. Pastillas!
So stupid of you to think that I am a fan of any poor exploitation noontime show. Well that’s how you fanboi’s think. Good luck with that!
What do you watch on a regular basis Mr. Grouchy Brainiac? Can you suggest some? I bet you can’t watch National Geographic all of the time!
You are obviously dumb sited. Be it on your brain that name calling is your best answer. The issue here is the quality of TV programming and how Filipino people would rather avoid issues and be entertained. These stupid shows will not attribute to any of that instead it will only intensify it. Or should I repeat that into your thick skull.
Best answer???!!! Grouchy Arnold on the attack mode CAN’T even answer straight to a question to prove a point!
There you are again pasty. Stupidly dillusional to the point of stupidity just for your fanboism. I have already said my point
1. You tried to emphasize that I was a fan of the latter group does trying to remove my credibility to the subject at hand which was a poor response from your fanboism. The subject is all about the stupidity of the show and how gullible the people who watch it. Wanting to be entertained instead of addressing real issues. Because an idiot would tie it up to his own level instead of answering the real issue.
2. You resolve yor answer via name calling instead of addressing the real issue wanting me to suggest a show for you to entertain yourself. Guess what suggesting the same course of action that binds you to that same stupidity won’t help anyone. If you want to exploit yourself on any noontime show just go and indulge yourself to that stupidity. If you think life revolves around watching television then it shows how short sited you are.
I have said my point. In plain simple English for you to understand. Or do you want me to elaborate it further? If your brain can process it. Let’s see if you can refute it.
You don’t need to elaborate Mr. Brainiac, you just have to answer questions directed at you!
Or let me put it this way for you:
1.) It’s “the most STUPID SHOW IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY” because…
2.) Regularly, I watch shows like…
Is that simple enough Mr. Einstein?!
Pastry why should I answer to you when you can’t even answer to mine? Oh you don’t understand a form of expression oout of discuss? Or because you couldn’t address the questions given to you by your own derived stupidity. You’re Fanboism is too much bare for you? You’re not even a challenge. A show about emotions in which you cling on instead of using your logic on how these people who decieve you saying it’s all about public service is indeed smart to a person like you.
“Pastry why should I answer to you when you can’t even answer to mine?”
Are these your questions?!
1.) “…Guess what?”
2.) “…do you want me to elaborate it further?”
3.) “…you don’t understand a form of expression oout of discuss?”
4.) “…You’re Fanboism is too much bare for you?”
Well, as expected, Mr. Pudden-Head Arinola’s argumentum ad hominem brings out nothing to validate his assertions other than the primitive display of his moronic attitude of eluding questions pertaining to his initial arrogant premise of stupidity!
This kitsch possesion of Intellect of Mr. Arnoldiotic would not even qualify him in the first round of auditions in Pinoy Henyo…. Retard Category!
“1. It is KORNI,
2. WITH AN OBVIOUS SCRIPT,
3. and perhaps the most STUPID SHOW IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY…”
1. I find it funny. Most people who watch it do. Lola Nidora doing the “pabebe” when Jimmy comes onscreen and their own version of dubsmash, tell you, those scenes are hilarious.
2. have you ever watched it? There’s a lot there that is happening that can’t be scripted. Case in point, when Yaya’s food fell out of her mouth during their first date. The main reason that people are glued to it is it’s unexpectedness. When Yaya fainted during the mock wedding and Alden showed up not aware that something happened was another instance. As the writer said, “(it’s) serendipitous…”
3. I don’t know what you’ve been watching. That is such a sweeping statement. Another factor that made this funny is the banter among the hosts. There’s a lot of off the cuff comments. A lot of those are witty and humorous.
I can only conclude that you’ve never watched it. And if you did, you woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
My advice to you is try to watch, but if you wont, then better watch your words. And if you still wont, better watch out.
Note: I am an OFW and I don’t like most of the tv programs and shows which promote mindlessness and immorality in so many forms. Aldub is a welcome relief.
Pastry ha ha ha. You mean watching something that asserts your gullibility to the latest fad makes you smarter? Or reinterpreting my answers to make me look stupid because you are so butt hurt by the truth that you can’t bear the staements given to you.
1. You assumed that I am the fan of the other show. So predictable given by a fanvoi statement.
2. You assumed that I watch any regular t.v. programming. Have you been in the 90’s do you want me to give you the audience share now a days. Have you ever heard of those who doesn’t watch regular t.v. programming before?
3. A show that cling to the public by upbringing emotions that are so exploited to adhere to the exploitation of the poor and misguided people is SO SMART FOR YOU EH…
The name pastry suits you for you have pastry for Brains go out and see a psychiatrist you’re too delusional about your yayadub show that you forgot about reality.
At noypidin
1. It’s korni… The cliches are overacting, cut out from different one liner songs(I am suprised why these people don’t get sued by the use of these copyrighted songs they use but that’s another issue)
2. The script is simple really take in terms the direction of the show is every week they present audience with obvious teaser of yaya and Alden’s relationshipdates up to the kiss and courting etc. The direction will lie on audience share with no ending nuntil the show gets unpopular.
3. As I said this latest fad is obviously getting to the majority of love stricken pinoys who want to get out of the reality where they live. I am so amzed why our people tolorate being insulted on national t.v. just to bring up there hopes on the prizes that can only give relief to the few. The show exploits peoples weakness. It’s for gullible people where they want to be into the latest fad.
B.t.w. I have atchu d it and got irked when the shows hosts insults people just to make it look like kwela. Well if kwela is making fun at people and insulting them exploiting they’re weakness vjist for your own gain I would rather be LAME ALL MY LIFE.
Hahaha… You’re gullible as well!!!!!
@pat stick and stones may break my bones but you’re ego tainted to the truth of my comments will forever scar you!
just can’t help but react to your pa-inteligente comment. Do you know that aldub’s audience captivated across A to E socio-economic group? That means kasama ang mga inteligente at bobo…nasaan ka? nasa ZZZZZ nawawala sa mundo! Galing mo talaga ano?
NG there’s a word for your reactions, does BUTTHURT ring a bell to you? So you’re justifying you’re gullibility of watching that show by attaching different sets of socio economic groups doesn’t make the show smart stupid.
I appreciate AlDub for it’s marketing growth. It’s a study how social media and the simple act of talking about it generates interest and hype. If we can only do that for the causes that matter and make a difference, Filipinos would be the most socially conscientious in the world.
To the people saying it has a script, no shit sherlock. They’ll have to prolong and milk this. The way I’m seeing it they’re winging it to turn it into one of their “X years” love team. People will get saturated and bored in a couple of months.
Last but not the least, that guy owes his career from this point onward to Yaya Dub. How many can actually claim this without sounding like a douchebag? She made him significant literally because she got shy upon seeing him on screen.
I don’t need to have any significant reaction to AlDub. It’s commercial, it’s entertainment, no secret to its formula, what’s new. People want some entertainment as an escape from reality, can’t stop ’em. Some others, like me, just love to indulge in the cold hard truth.
I think this is just entertainment doing what Eatbulaga does best besides kwela jokes and helping filipino people they also create new talents, talents that has potential. God bless EB dabarkads
Well, I’ve heard that Aldub is wholesome. Some of my officemate, however, thinks that the Lola’s are the ones making the segment more entertaining.
Personally I’m apathetic with it (or the whole Philippine TV media in general) and I’ll rather do something entertaining and productive.
I’m really happy with myself for not knowing who those people are. No freaking idea and NOT interested.
The feeling is mutual! 🙂
Same here, no time for such nonsense.
no freaking idea…not interested…then why post a comment?
Kate is being TRUE to herself with no issues to hit or upheld! As others say, you have to experience it to understand it! While some commenters here are simply just PRETENTIOUS TO THE CORE!!!
I think most Filipinos just don’t have a great life (or love life) that’s why they cheer something that embodies what’s lacking in them. They may be busy or felt sad or something and ALDUB is their de-stressing medium. But if they are really productive people having in mind how to make this country or their life great, who would care about ALDUB?
Ever wonder why the Filipinos are united only by Pacman and Gilas fights, and now ALDUB?
Can’t agree more!
Some people cannot really get it.
If you’re against Aldub then you’re with the other station. And they’ll insist that you are no matter what you say.
Fiction can show you a different world. It can take you somewhere you’ve never been. Once you’ve visited other worlds, like those who ate fairy fruit, you can never be entirely content with the world that you grew up in. Discontent is a good thing: discontented people can modify and improve their worlds, leave them better, leave them different.
And while we’re on the subject, I’d like to say a few words about escapism. I hear the term bandied about as if it’s a bad thing. As if “escapist” fiction is a cheap opiate used by the muddled and the foolish and the deluded, and the only fiction that is worthy, for adults or for children, is mimetic fiction, mirroring the worst of the world the reader finds herself in.
If you were trapped in an impossible situation, in an unpleasant place, with people who meant you ill, and someone offered you a temporary escape, why wouldn’t you take it? And escapist fiction is just that: fiction that opens a door, shows the sunlight outside, gives you a place to go where you are in control, are with people you want to be with(and books are real places, make no mistake about that); and more importantly, during your escape, books can also give you knowledge about the world and your predicament, give you weapons, give you armour: real things you can take back into your prison. Skills and knowledge and tools you can use to escape for real.
Well said, as G.K. Chesterton said, ” Literature is a luxury ; fiction is a necessity.” Fiction is a means for one to unplug, escape and be entertained. Humans crave for story telling, and the format used in telling the story is irrelevant.
Darkstein,
G.K. Chesterton was also quoted when he was asked the following question by a local newspaper:
“Mr. Chesterton, What is wrong with the world?”
He (G.K. Chesterston) replied,
“Dear Sirs, I AM.”
We should ask a similar question to the people of the Philippines.
‘Dear Filipinos, what is wrong with the Philippines?’
The Filipinos should reply together,
‘Dear Sirs, WE ARE.’
Aeta
Dear Sir: Regarding your article “What’s wrong with the World?” I am. Yours truly, G.K.Chesterton They say that it is just a story that around 1908, the London Times asked him to write an article answering the question, “What is wrong with the world?” he replied with a brief letter that said above. There are no evidence that he said that though, but probably yes, because that was his style. 🙂
Hahaha…. AlDub is pure entertainment and I want to be entertained! Ganun lang yun. Tuloy ang ikot ng mundo. Live and let live ika nga. Wag kayong masyadong magpaka-talino at baka masunog kayo. Mahirap na nga ang buhay pahihirapan mo pa. Get real people. Minsan ka lang mabuhay kaya paka-saya tayo. Ang importante maging isang law-abiding citizen hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo!
what’s an aldub?
well, truth be told, i do not need to know what it is. it has as much effect on me as the wart on the queen’s left ass. i would not care more to read more about it than the first 2 paragraphs of its wikipedia entry, because i have something better, well at least in my opinion to do.
Same here
Typical Intelligent(?) Filipinos of are a great hypocritical lying comedians!
They seem to know so much about the world around them but claim to not know or too little about their own? (This isn’t called the space age for nothing! Only the stupid makes such excuses)
Always too busy to even waste their precious time but finds time to comment in topics they claim to know nothing about!
Lea Salonga, a paid ABS-CBN talent is one such comedian!
https://twitter.com/MsLeaSalonga?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author
Quite a paradox if I may say!
Naman, masyadong affected yung iba dito, kung wala namang natatapakang ibang tao sa gusto dn ng iba, hayaan na lang. Hindi din naman kailangang maging defensive kung hindi ka naman nakakasakit ng ibang tao sa gusto mo. Kung ayaw ng iba sa gusto mo, so what? Ganun lang kasimple , wag nang pahirapan pa mga sarili. PEACE
Well, I can say na nkkabilib ang birth of aldub in the world of entertainment. Haters Hindi na mawawala yan. Nakakaaliw Lang na ang loveteam na to Ay taliwas sa typical loveteam na laganap sa bansa. Yaya dub doesn’t care if pangit sya or mukha sya ewan infront of the camera. She just emits the true essence of being a human. Hindi lahat ganda Lang. Ya, so babaw nga Pero bakit nakakahumaling sya,kasi you don’t have to be so classy to be loved right. Hindi malayo sa katotohanan. Why complicate things if you can have it in simple ways. Yun na =)
Grabe ang AlDub lately always trending every week!
I saw this a while ago, good read din sa mga Aldub fans.
http://www.juice.ph/buhaypinoy/features/five-ways-to-recreate-your-own-aldub-moment
Here we go again, people acting as if they know everything. Why not try to be patriotic once and for all.Try visiting blogs made by OFWs, there are many intellectual discussions and some of those are inspired by ALDUB, at least marami ang na de destress 🙂 I don’t believe it’s mababaw. Kaya hindi umunlad unlad ang Pilipinas eh, lakas makahila pababa.
Tangalin na yan kabakyaaan at kabadingan sa pinas. Puro Basura mga palabas. Kaya takbo ng utak ng pinoy, UTAK BIYA. Kawawa Kong mga kababayan. Only in the FAILIPPINES!!!