Maine Mendoza admits falling in love with Alden Richards during AlDub popularity

MANILA, Philippines — Maine Mendoza revealed that she had feelings for Alden Richards during the peak of their AlDub popularity in 2015. 

Ten years since the pair rose to phenomenal fame via the popular “Kalyeserye” segment of “Eat Bulaga,” Maine said that she indeed fell in love with Alden during the “Tamang Panahon” podcast uploaded in the noon time show’s YouTube channel on Monday, August 18. 

Maine said if she had been asked, she would have admitted it. In fact, Alden is aware of her feelings for him. 

“Na-in-love talaga ako kay Alden. Kahit sino mag-tanong sa akin. Sasagutin ko nang diretso. Na-in-love ako sa kanya pero hindi siya nanligaw, walang ganon. Alam din niya kasi very vocal ako sa lahat ng tao pati kay Alden mismo,” Maine revealed. 

Maine was with her “Eat Bulaga” co-hosts Allan K, Paolo Bediones, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and their show’s producer Jenny Ferre. The other hosts were, in fact, part of the Kalyeserye cast. 

The actress-host replied to a fan’s comment read during the podcast about the pair developing feelings for each other. 

Maine said that though she confessed, Alden never courted her. If he did, she would have said yes because she was in love with him at that time. 

“Alam ni Alden 'yun. Sinabi ko sa kanya ng rekta pero hindi siya nanligaw. Friends lang kami,” she shared. 

  Maine said she wanted to ask no matter his answer because she just wanted to know Alden’s feelings. 

“Tinanong ko siya noon, eh ang straightforward lo naman na tao, ‘Sabihin mo na sa akin ano bang nararamdaman mo for me?’ Gusto ko lang malaman. Kung anuman yan, kailangan ko lang malaman. 

“Ang sabi niya lang [sa akin], 'Hindi ko puwedeng sabihin sa iyo kasi mawawala ‘yung magic,'” she revealed. 

Maine said that she and Alden had closure, describing their offcam relationship as “grabe” and “rollercoaster.” 

She is now married to actor-politician Arjo Atayde. 

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