TV host-actress Maine Mendoza has openly admitted that she truly fell in love with actor Alden Richards at the height of the AlDub phenomenon and the phenomenal “Kalyeserye” segment of Eat Bulaga.
Speaking in the final installment of the “Tamang Panahon” podcast with fellow Eat… Bulaga! hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Allan K, and creative head Jenny Ferre, Mendoza was asked about her genuine feelings during the peak of their love team.
She gave a candid revelation:
“Na-inlove ako sa kanya. Hindi siya nanligaw, walang ganu’n. Alam din niya, very vocal ako sa lahat ng tao pati kay Alden mismo,” she said.
Mendoza recalled even asking Alden directly about his feelings.
“Tinanong ko siya noon, eh. Ang straightforward ko naman na tao, ‘sabihin mo na sa akin ano bang nararamdaman mo?’ Ang sabi niya lang, ‘hindi ko puwedeng sabihin sa iyo kasi mawawala ang magic,’” she recounted.
Despite the absence of a romantic relationship, Mendoza stressed that they shared a meaningful bond beyond the cameras.
“Grabe ‘yung relationship din namin ni Alden off cam. Pero may closure naman kaming dalawa. Napag-usapan namin lahat,” she said.
Mendoza assured fans that she and Alden are in good terms and even extended an invitation for him to join the podcast to share his own side of the AlDub story.
It may be recalled that Richards had previously agreed to guest in the show but was unable to do so due to prior commitments.