A Pabebe Victory

And the winner is…Maine Mendoza, Best Supporting Actress for My Bebe Love!!!

Unfortunately, Maine/Yaya Dub was not around to savor her unexpected victory at the Gabi Ng Parangal of the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Dec. 27 at the Kia Theater, one of the most lackluster awards nights in memory. Maine left with her family for Japan for a well-deserved holiday on Dec. 23 after the Parade of Stars that kicked off the MMFF that officially started on Dec. 25 and ended on Jan. 7.

The movie (a joint venture of OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment, M-Zet Productions, Meda Productions and GMA Films) marked the first big-screen appearance of Maine and Alden Richards’ hit Kalyeserye love team. Maine beat two heavyweights, Nova Villa for Star Cinema’s Beauty and the Bestie and Iza Calzado for Regal Films’ Haunted Mansion.

“That’s why I tweeted ‘Bakit ako?’ because I couldn’t believe it,” confessed Maine last Friday when she visited The STAR for an exclusive pictorial-interview during which she finally got hold of her trophy. It was a representative of OctoArts who received the trophy for Maine at the Gabi ng Parangal. Thanks to OctoArts boss Orly Ilacad for trusting your Conversationalist to personally give it to Maine.

Maine was game during her STAR visit, not showing any trace of weariness even if she came all the way from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where the Juan For All/All For Juan Kalyeserye episode was held. She readily posed for a group photo with The STAR employees before she proceeded to the fourth-floor conference room for the joint interview with The STAR and the GMA show CelebriTV (aired yesterday afternoon).

Maine’s eyes lit up when she saw the trophy (she was seeing it for the first time, remember?) and made her signature Pabebe Wave as she posed for a close-up shot beside it.

Would you like to deliver the thank-you speech that you should have done during the Parangal?

“Maraming-maraming salamat po sa lahat ng bumubuo ng MMFF sa pag-award po sa akin bilang Best Supporting Actress. Malaking bagay po para sa akin ito kaya maraming salamat po.”

What was your reaction when you learned that you won?

“We were in Japan. I didn’t even know that I was nominated. I was fixing my things at nagulat ako when I checked my phone at marami ang nag-tweet at nagko-congratulate sa akin. I rechecked if it was true. Nagulat ako. Bakit ako? Bilang isang baguhan, bakit ako ang napili?”

Did you tweet “Bakit ako?” to preempt any reaction from the bashers?

“Hayun din po. Inunahan ko na ang bashers who might question why I was the one who won.”

How was your family holiday in Japan?

“Masaya. I was able to rest and bond with my family for eight days.”

Alden spent the holidays with his family at a private resort that they rented in Batangas. Why didn’t you and Alden spend the holidays together?

“That was our rest time kasi.”

Why didn’t your family and Alden’s family spend the holidays together?

“Hindi pa kami umaabot sa ganyang level.”

So anong level na ba kayo ni Alden?

“Still friends; getting-to-know-each-other level pa rin because we don’t really get to be together all the time. So every time we get together, we take the chance to know each other.”

What did you give Alden as Christmas gift?

“Shades, the same type that he lost during our tour in Davao.”

And what did Alden give you?

“Secret!!! Hehehehe!!! He told me not to tell.”

Alden’s house is almost finished. Have you seen it?

“Not yet.”

Do you and Alden have regular contact with each other (via text message, etc.)?

“Oo naman!”

What do you usually talk about?

“Kung anu-ano, about social media. Whatever we find funny on Twitter, we talk about it.”

A few days ago, a “third party” entered the Kalyeserye, Jake Ejercito, the son of former Pres./Manila Mayor Erap Estrada.

“It was a surprise. I didn’t expect it to be him. But I know Jake from his appearances on TV and in newspapers. But not personally. He’s sikat online.”

How would you assess Jake?

“As Yaya Dub? Mabait pala siya; I didn’t expect him na ganoon. Simple lang sya.”

And as Maine Mendoza?

“Same. Simple. Mabait. The perfect word that describes him is simple.”

Guapo ba si Jake?

“Hmmmm, good-looking.”

Did Alden get jealous of Jake?

“Alden in Kalyeserye? It was obvious naman, di ba? He was gone for a while so hindi maiwasan na magselos siya…as Kalyeserye Alden!”

Once and for all, is Alden really courting you?

“As Maine Mendoza? We are just friends.”

As Yaya Dub?

“Yes.”

If ever, will it take time for Alden to get your “yes”?

“As Yaya Dub? It depends on the lolas (Lola Nidora, Tidora and Tinidora).”

As Maine Mendoza?

“In our interviews, Alden and I always say that we are not closing our doors. There are possibilities.”

How open are the doors so far?

“It is opening gradually while Alden and I are getting to know each other.”

By Valentine’s, will the doors finally open wide?

“Hahahaha!!!”

Any plans for Valentine’s?

“None yet.”

You and Alden were so blessed during the last half of 2015 (from July to December). Together, you did around 15 commercials…and more coming. While in Japan, did you finally have a chance to take stock of what happened?

“Believe it or not, but it hasn’t sunk in yet. I still couldn’t believe it. Hindi pa nagra-grasp ng utak ko ang mga nangyayari. I guess I am just enjoying what is happening.”

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