Maine Mendoza clarified that everything she shared on the “Tamang Panahon” podcast was meant only to recount their personal experiences and behind-the-scenes stories, and not to spark controversy about “Kalyeserye” or “AlDub.”
Photo: Eat Bulaga TVJ
In a lengthy post on X, Maine explained that the podcast episode was only meant to discuss their narratives and reflect on the past, considering that “Kalyeserye” and “AlDub” had been a cultural phenomenon and a pop culture moment a decade ago.
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…
— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) August 19, 2025
“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,” she wrote. “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. 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.”
“I believe 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,” she added.
In the podcast episode, the 30-year-old actress revealed that she fell in love with her former on-screen love team, Alden Richards. However, she clarified that Alden never courted her.
“Na-in love ako sa kanya, pero hindi siya nanligaw. Walang ganun (I fell in love with him, but he did not court me),” she said. “Kung vocal ako sa lahat ng tao, pati kay Alden mismo… Alam ni Alden ‘yun, sinabi ko naman sa kanya rekta, pero hindi siya nanligaw. Friends lang (I am vocal to everyone, including Alden. Alden knows, I told him directly, but he didn’t court me. Just friends).”
She also candidly shared that she asked the actor upfront about his feelings for her. However, he only said: “‘Di ko pwedeng sabihin sa ‘yo kasi mawawala ‘yung magic (I can’t tell you because the magic will fade).”
While the podcast episode was lighthearted, the actress received criticism and personal attacks.
“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?” she stated.
“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’?” she added.
Despite the online backlash she received, the Eat Bulaga host affirmed that they have all moved on and they are grateful to revisit the past “with a peaceful heart.”
“All is well among the dabarkads. We’ve all moved on, and the past remains there. We 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?” she relayed.
“Ang dami pang pwedeng gawin sa buhay bukod sa pagiging tambay sa internet at pagiging hater (There are so many things you can do in life besides loitering on the internet and being a hater). There’s another world of better things to do. Leave a better trace,” she concluded her tweet.
Maine Mendoza rose to mainstream prominence for her role as Yaya Dub in Eat Bulaga‘s viral segment “Kalyeserye” alongside Alden Richards. Their unscripted love team immediately catapulted into fame and captivated millions of fans.
As the loveteam ended in mid-2018, both actors focused on their solo projects. Maine remained a host on Eat Bulaga, pursued numerous creative ventures, and married Arjo Atayde in 2023. Meanwhile, Alden added Five Breakups and a Romance, Hello, Love, Goodbye, and Hello, Love, Again to his lineup of impressive acting projects.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Maine Mendoza Shares Never-Before-Seen Pre-Wedding Photos With Arjo Atayde
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