The recent revelations made by Maine Mendoza about her past feelings for Alden Richards have sparked a wide range of reactions from the public and netizens alike. While many admired her courage and honesty, some criticized her for admitting, years later, that she had fallen in love with Alden during their “AlDub” days. The confession has stirred emotions among their loyal fans, reflecting the strong attachment that people still feel toward the iconic “AlDub” love team.

The AlDub Phenomenon: A Blast From the Past

Maine Mendoza’s confession came after years of silence about her relationship with Alden Richards. The love team, which started with the phenomenal “Kalyeserye” segment on Eat Bulaga!, captivated millions of Filipinos, and the chemistry between Maine and Alden quickly became a national sensation. Their onscreen partnership led to massive popularity, with their fans referring to them as “AlDub.”

In her revelation, Maine openly admitted that she had once been in love with Alden. “In love ako sa kanya noon,” she said. However, she also shared that Alden never made any romantic advances toward her, and that when she asked him about his feelings, he responded by saying, “Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin sa’yo kasi mawawala ang magic.”

The statement from Alden has since been interpreted by many as his way of preserving the magic of their onscreen love team. Despite the initial emotional attachment, Maine clarified that there is no longer any tension between them and that their relationship now has closure.

The Public’s Mixed Reactions

As expected, the public’s reaction was divided. Many fans were disheartened by Maine’s admission, with some claiming that it was too late for her to open up about her feelings for Alden. “Bakit ngayon pa?” said some, questioning why it took so long for Maine to reveal something so personal.

On the other hand, a number of Alden’s fans expressed disappointment, claiming that Alden had neglected Maine’s feelings during their time as a love team. They felt that Alden should have been more vocal about his affection for Maine, especially since their chemistry was so apparent to the public.

Maine Mendoza’s Explanation on Twitter

In response to the growing criticisms and questions, Maine Mendoza took to Twitter to address the issue. She explained that she never thought her revelation would spark such controversy, especially since it had been years since the “Kalyeserye” phenomenon. “From the start, I hope the clashes between fans on both sides would end,” Maine wrote, expressing her hope for an end to the ongoing online hostility.

She continued by emphasizing that the podcast she appeared on was meant to reflect on the “Kalyeserye” experience and share untold stories behind the scenes, including personal experiences. “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 said.

Maine further explained that there was no malice or intent behind her sharing the story. “There was no malice or intent behind my sharing that story about myself, him, and us. But the biggest question will always be why do we get criticized for saying our truth?” she added.

The Double Standard and Online Hostility

Maine also took the opportunity to reflect on the hostile environment that often surrounds public figures. “Why is it when we do some people resort to personal attacks meant to harm?” she questioned, highlighting how women, in particular, face harsh criticism when they speak their truth. “Why beat a woman against a man as if there’s a competition for who’s more successful?”

She urged her followers to move forward and not nurture negativity. “We are all living the lives we chose and I hope we can keep moving forward without nurturing hate because what’s the point? What do we gain from hostility?” Maine emphasized that life is too short for online hatred and that negativity should not be one’s only contribution in life.

A Plea for Peace and Understanding

In her final statement, Maine made a heartfelt plea to everyone: “Please don’t be swayed by negativity,” she urged. She called for understanding and respect, asking fans to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than lingering in hatred. Maine’s words serve as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their status or fame, deserves the right to speak their truth and be treated with kindness.

Conclusion: A Story of Growth and Healing

Maine Mendoza’s confession about her feelings for Alden Richards has sparked a heated discussion in the Philippines, but it also highlights her personal growth and maturity. Despite the backlash from some fans, Maine has chosen to be open and transparent about her past, hoping to put an end to the misunderstandings and give closure to her fans and to herself.

While it may have taken years for her to speak up, it’s clear that Maine has learned to handle the complexities of fame and relationships with grace. Her fans, both old and new, will undoubtedly continue to support her as she moves forward with her career, her personal life, and her healing journey.