The iconic AlDub love team has once again captured the attention of fans and netizens after Maine Mendoza openly shared her side of the story about her real connection with Alden Richards. The revelation came during Episode 5 of Eat Bulaga’s special YouTube series for the Kalyeserye Anniversary, which also served as the finale of their throwback celebration.
Maine, known for being straightforward, spoke candidly without hesitation. She admitted her true feelings during the height of the AlDub phenomenon:
“Ako, nainlove talaga ako kay Alden. Vocal naman ako kahit sino magtanong sakin, sasagutin ko ng diretso. Sinabi ko rin sa kanya mismo, rekta.”
Despite this heartfelt confession, she clarified that nothing romantic blossomed between them.
“Hindi siya nanligaw, walang ganun. Friends lang talaga.”
Host Paolo Ballesteros then asked if she would have entertained Alden had he courted her at the time. Maine responded without missing a beat:
“Oo naman kasi in love ako sa kanya e, nainlove ako talaga, at alam niyo lahat yan, mga Dabarkads.”
True to her frank personality, Maine also admitted that she directly asked Alden about his feelings for her:
“Rekta kong tinanong: ‘Sabihin mo na sa akin ano bang nararamdaman mo for me? Gusto ko lang malaman, kung ano man yan tatanggapin ko naman.’”
According to Maine, Alden’s reply was more cryptic:
“Hindi ko pwede sabihin sayo kasi mawawala yong magic.”
Even so, Maine described their off-camera relationship as colorful and genuine, filled with ups and downs.
“Grabe yung relationship din namin ni Alden off cam. Roller coaster rin talaga kaming dalawa, exciting.”
Most importantly, she confirmed that both of them eventually found closure:
“May closure naman kaming dalawa, napag-usapan namin lahat.”
The AlDub phenomenon, which began in 2015, became a cultural milestone in Philippine television, breaking social media records and uniting millions of fans. Maine’s latest revelation sparked another wave of discussions online, with fans expressing nostalgia and admiration for the honesty she displayed.
"Nainlove naman talaga ko kay Alden…"
— 🦄 niq | (@KathryneDMT) August 17, 2025
"Nainlove ako sa kanya pero hindi sya nanligaw…alam din nya"
"Grabe yung relationship din namin ni Alden off cam…pero may closure naman kaming dalawa, napagusapan namin lahat"
ALDUB = 🎢 pic.twitter.com/6oXkByzz3E
In the final episode of the Kalyeserye Anniversary special, Maine Mendoza reminded everyone that while the AlDub chapter has ended, its magic and legacy will forever remain a part of Dabarkads’ history—a love team that redefined fan engagement and left a lasting mark on Philippine entertainment.