AlDub as defined in Wikipedia “is a fictional super couple (or “love team” as it is known in the Philippines) that appears in the Kalyeserye portion of the “Juan for All, All for Juan” segment of the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga!”
On Twitter, the AlDub hashtag currently holds the world record for the most number of Tweets in a day which only shows that AlDub is a powerful force to reckon with.
According to pop culture expert and sociologist Prof. Mike Labayondoy, AlDub is one epic cultural phenomenon of the Kalyeserye love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza aka Yaya Dub. And by acquiring humongous following, AlDub is here to stay on local television.
Prof. Labayondoy said “Makikita mo ‘yung mga mahahalagang elementong pinagsama-sama. Halimbawa, ‘yung mga dating sikat na ay na-pick up din ng palabas, tulad ng popular music.” [“You could see the all important elements together. For example, things that are used to be popular are featured on the show like music.”]
The expert sociologist further explained “Kung isa kang foreigner, hindi mo kailangang maintindihan yung nangyayari, you just have to feel the music and makaka-relate ka na.” [If you are a foreigner there is no need to understand what’s going on since you just have to feel the music and from there you could easily relate to the story.”]
He also said “Recently, nag-transition sila into quoting popular movie lines like ‘This must be love.’ The people can easily relate to that.” [“Recently, they made a transition by quoting popular movie lines like ‘This must be love’, the people can easily relate to that.”]
Prof. Labayondoy explains that the Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye has many interesting elements geared towards pop culture.
Popular signs or symbols like the “pabebe wave” and the character of Dora the Explorer are shown in the segment. Even the names of the 3 lolas (grandmothers) were all based from the name ‘Dora’ which is currently famous among the young ones. The social media plays an integral part as to why AlDub fan groups grew dramatically into a ‘nation’. The AlDubNation also includes OFWs and immigrants from abroad that easily relate to the characters of the AlDub Kalyeserye because of the family values and Pinoy traditions shown in this Eat Bulaga segment. Even the actors in the Kalyeserye are genuine in portraying their characters with natural acting ability that is why it is fun to watch.
He also said “The natural acting and a dash of spontaneity in every episode since day 1 has added the charm of practicality and being customary and conventional, which gives off the light and comforting feeling of being right at home with your extended family.”
“The show reminds the younger generation of the values they have almost forgotten because of how fast-paced their lives have gone.”
According to Prof. Labayondoy, AlDub has touched the lives of young people since they could easily relate with the family values that are being featured on Kalyeserye. Being the dominant population and tech savvy people, the younger fans are mostly responsible in making AlDub tweets viral and historical.
With the ability of Kalyeserye characters to relate to viewers, AlDub fans find it very interesting to watch. The daily scenario featured on Kalyeserye is very practical and present common day to day situations bringing feelings of being at home. One ingenuity of the AlDub Kalyeserye is the untraditional or out of the box approach of acting but still being able to impart good traditional values to the audience.
