We are proud for who we are as a nation, a fandom that's all about peace and love. However, we have our limits and we tend to be worse than what we are trying to project. It is true to say that "The higher we are, the harder we fall." In my premise to this case, the higher our status is, as a fandom, the harder it becomes for us to keep up our reputation when something goes wrong. I am one with the many men that would protect Maine and Alden from any form of malicious and maligning statements created to tear down what is good and wholesome. But yielding ourselves to anger is not always the best solution. I know it can be hard to contain. Believe me, I have been in many situations where my unsuppressed feelings got the best of me, often making me learn lessons the hard way. And we do not want that to happen to the AlDub nation, knowing that mistakes of a few could generalize the whole group and tarnish our well-earned name.

We, as humans, are not used to accepting views and opinions that are contradictory to our own. As part of our nature, we tend to create justifications, excuses, and explanations as to why we are firm on our side of belief and choice. While it is noble for us to stay our foot on solid ground, there's also a thin line being marred as it happens; the line between protecting and defending.

When we protect, we keep everything safe, at the expense of our own, for the sake of coexistence and mutual interest. But when we defend, we take a course of action to rebut, counter, or reverse the damage being dealt, affecting the offending party and leaving either side scarred after an attack.

In the perception of protection, we use our concept of negating the hate, changing the mindset of the offender, either rendering the attack to nothing or non-impacting. It is the same principle of using a shield to block an attack and proceed with negotiations of peace or ending conflict through persuasion or reason. It's the same method we used for making #RIPAldenRichards a success or turning #AsalKalye from bad to good.

However, when we defend, the goal is to take revenge or get back at the offense made. It's like using the sword to block an attack. The instant we are able to develop a stance for reciprocating damage, and we create an opening, then we abuse that opportunity; thus, the culmination of bloodshed and afflicting the offender. We may be able to end the conflict at that point, but resorting to such methods will harbor more offense and hate; which, in turn, becomes the perfect ingredient for war.

To tell you, Maine and Alden have been consistent in reminding us to keep down and just say good things to others. The love team told us time and time again to remove the negativity and keep the good vibes rolling. In a way, staying away from a fight is the very model one person I know is doing. I want to share some things about him because he's a perfect role model to me, and maybe to the rest of us.

When this certain person lived, he discussed many things about putting down our pride and overcoming the old culture of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." He had done away feelings of revenge. He even mentioned that we should be tolerant of the mistakes and offense of others; that when we are hit on one cheek, that we should give the other to be slapped. That when we are robbed of our clothes, that we give away our coat also. That we should love and pray for our enemies that they may be blessed. It may be a challenge to all of us, but that person knew it would be possible if we become as little children, slow to anger, wrath, and hate.

He had shown it by example to the believers. He has been accused of different crimes he never committed. Naysayers have made false statements against him. He was rejected, scorned, beaten, abused, spit upon, and punished, despite of being innocent and pure. His skin without blemish was lashed with the whips of misconception and misunderstanding. He kept his peace, he did not say a word to those who have reviled him of his identity and maligned him of his destiny. In the end, even in his last breath of life, he asked his father to forgive those who did not know what they do.

He had done everything he could. Some say that he's already perfect, a reason only acceptable for the divine to make. But he admonished at the end of his sermon that we should be perfect, even as his father is. He was subject to everything that all of us have experienced. He knew it was hard, but he knows it is possible.

Why bring this up? Because as humans, we tend to forget sometimes. Both Maine and Alden are God-fearing, peace-loving people. They, just like the rest of us, are also striving to be individuals of good moral standing. And they know getting in arguments and word wars do not give much benefit to us as persons. They are also trying their best to live the sermons they hear at church, or following the counsels of their parents.

So let's stop the bickering. Let's end the bad-mouthing. Let's get rid of the hate we feel in our hearts. I was also hurt when I saw Yaya Dub being called as Yaya Dog by a viewer from the other station. But I don't have to act against it since feeding the fire will only make things bad as it is. Worse, it may even result in the fandom being connoted as hypocrites because of my actions that may affect others who are living the decree of the AlDub Nation. So rather than pestering ourselves on the thought of getting back at them, let's just be thankful that people like them exist. Their existence bring into being the opposition that has been the fruit of the choices every people make. That what makes a person happy is different from the concept of one and another. Let's just pray that their words won't turn against them. After all, justice is served for the innocent, at the right place, at the right time, at the best possible circumstance.

Individuals are entitled to express their opinion, whether it agrees or opposes our view. They can say anything they want, as long as their objective is to voice out their thoughts, discuss their perception, and they mean no ill to anyone. It may not exactly be what we want, but respecting anyone's right for self-expression promotes improvement, development, growth, maturity, and progress.

There are two things I want to leave with you as I end this entry, which best describes AlDub through the sermons shared by the Son of God himself:

A-bounding
L-ove is
D-ivinity's
U-ltimate
B-eatitude

This he gave unto us because:

A-lways
L-oving
D-eserves
U-nfathomable
B-lessings

May we all be blessed as we, the AlDub Nation, do everything we can to "protect" the fandom that we hold so dear in our hearts.

Back then, I used to like the AlDub love team because of the kilig Yaya Dub and Alden brings to me everytime I watch them on screen. However, that changed little by little and that reason may no longer be the same. Yes, the kilig sensation may be there still, but it's already waning, becoming weaker by the day.

While that may sound ironic to some, my justification for such feelings are, if you could say, not fixated with the conventional. Yes, I no longer have the liking feeling much because I am now loving the AlDub love team for the influence they have written in my being. It's like their happiness is my happiness, and their pain, my pain. And while all of us may think of over 1001 ways why we love AlDub, I would just like to iterate a few that what I think had changed me for the better.

1. They make me smile
Honestly, I don't really know why they make me smile. Worse, I find myself making a happy face whenever I hear Kalyeserye songs, when I see their commercials, when I read anything about them in newspapers, or even seeing their products anywhere. It's just like infatuation, but I am not anxious nor distracted when I don't get a dose of their presence. Even just seeing the pictures of Maine, Alden, or both, make my countenance light up. They make my day lighter. They make my problems a little lesser of worry. They bring out the best in me.

2. They bring out good vibes
One of the things that I love about AlDub, the nation, the people, and the celebrities involved, is the reality that they're the only group I know that brings out the positive vibe in everything. Even in the midst of great opposition, the fans and the personalities do not show signs of anger, of revenge, of hate, or of animosity. They spread love, promote unity, and exemplify what it means to be peace-loving people. It has affected me greatly that my outlook towards life itself changed. I have developed the attitude of optimism and the attribute of hope. I hold on to the good side of every given situation, even when reality reaks of negativity and pessimism. The AlDub Nation has even mastered the mindset of seeing the good in rude, and the rad in bad. It's just amazing that I find it simply a breath of fresh air. They negate the hate, shed light in a fight, and promote peace in crisis.

3. They taught me life-changing lessons
This perhaps could be the one thing that makes this love team unique from everything else I have known in the past. Ever since I watched the Kalyeserye from day one, I am moved and stirred by the lessons being shared by Lola Nidora, as given based on the growing relationship between Yaya and Alden. It's a segment that could be watched by all ages since the morals being imparted is all about love, patience, hard work, trust, respect, and even loyalty; to which different kinds of viewers can relate to. There are also other gems found in the segment that's ought to be appreciated. Some include good table manners, importance of taking meds on time, good grooming, valuing siblinghood, improving talents, the rewards of a good education, the pleasures of being sober, and many more. But of the many lessons imparted, perhaps it is more important if we are to take these as wisdom on our part. We should learn how to apply these in our daily lives and change for the better.

4. They bring back old school values
One of the consequences wrought upon by growing technology is the changing mindset of people when it comes to time and values. The cherished virtue of the olden age is gradually forgotten for being old in itself. Meaning, the old becomes obsolete since the new will come in. That's how technology is these days, just like mobile phone models, TVs, and even cars; when a new model comes out and it has more to offer, then the older model is either sold, given away, or just thrown out for good. That's almost the same kind of treatment certain values are facing.

Yes, cultural practices and heritage are slowly decaying due to the shifting mindset of the modern age. Addressing older people with "po" "opo" and "ho" or "oho" are not much observed from the youth. Pagmamano is changed to just saying hello, or worse, they just forget it completely. Courting between a man and a woman no longer involve physical interaction or the parents, where mere texting, sending private messages, and tweeting becomes an avenue of communication. The view of creating life is now taken as a form of time-wasting entertainment where two strangers can break their virtue because they just feel like it, for fun, or for fueling curiosity; without thinking of the consequences, or worse, willingly spilling the blood of a helpless victim just to escape from the sins committed. The youth easily neglect, disrespect, and speak ill of their parents and choose friends over the very people that made their existence possible. Women don't mind wearing clothing that expose much flesh for the sake of begging for the wrong attention.

A hard pill to chew, right? While the rest of the world is following every wave of the trend, even at the expense of the morals and good traditions we have grown to live and love, Kalyeserye is going against the flow of the wrong. They are infusing old school values that are slowly fading in the midst of the limelight or in the memories of modern-day families. I am proud of their aim to restore the heritage of the past, the good cultures known to every proud Filipino.

5. They appreciate every talent
Everyone here at AlDub Nation will never deny that the fandom has been a breeding ground for growing talent. It was for this very reason my blog was born in the first place. While the rest of us are begging for Alden and Maine to notice our presence in social media, some have stepped up and used their talents, not only for attention, but also for making the AlDub Nation grow due to cultivated talent. Bloggers create heart-warming, mind-tickling, and insight-gaining entries. Graphic designers and layout artists render image edits and art that pleases the eyes. Songwriters and playwrights use their sense of drama and wordplay into concocting works that make people mellow. Brilliant minds fuse together and come up with ideas that will improve, not just the fandom, but every individual as well. The appreciation may not be reciprocated by Alden or Maine personally liking our tokens of creativity, but the AlDub Nation compensates more than enough with words of encouragement, phrases of appreciation, and thoughts that boost self-esteem. It just makes you want to do more because your well-exerted effort will never be disregarded for naught. In fact, every ounce of your talent contributes to the growing number of tweets as members of the fandom do their share in noticing your skills and talents. You will never feel abandoned or neglected.

These may be just five of the many reasons why I love AlDub as it is today, and there may be more reasons for others. But whatever the case may be, our love for both Alden and Maine are knit together as one nation. The kilig is still there, yes, but I feel more of love to everything Kalyeserye. It keeps on growing everyday.

The path to fame is a long and tiring journey. Despite that there are those who have treaded the straight road to stardom with all the reality shows to promote exposure, there are some who wane and falter in the end. To sum it all up, being famous must have face value, talent, skill, and charisma.

I have seen Alden Richards in the limelight for a while. He had his share of teleserye shows, movies, drama specials, and some hosting. He is handsome, yes, and he has some acting skills to boot. But what he showed was never enough to gain the kind of popularity that would cause a nation to create a kind of uproar that seasoned or well-rounded celebrities could stir.

His drive for fame was totally different. His promise of popularity was a fulfillment of a dream; an endearing keepsake for a mother that wanted to see her son rise to fame. He did not have the celebrity blood running through his veins, nor was he a top placer in a search for future talents. Alden started from humble beginnings, exerting his time and effort. He was optimistic that everything will pay off if he becomes consistent with his ultimate goal. I think that was one of the best reasons I could think why he's well-mannered, non-egoistic, and down-to-earth. Despite of what he has achieved, he knows and remembers the people that helped him reached the pinnacle of his professional career. He has an attitude of gratitude, and is never afraid of professing his faith in God to others. You could still see him bow down in humility in spite of all that he has received.

Thinking about it, Alden has been prepared since his early days in the showbiz industry. He met a girl in a magazine event, where he was in a modelling stint. He's not even that famous back then that he's known by his biological name. Richard had a picture with a young girl who sported a long wavy hair, beaming that attractive metallic smile. That moment was but a drop of water in the pool of fate. It's not even considered a time of magical expectations, or a chance to be etched in eternity. The union of these two individuals is but a sideshow of what occured that day.

Why am I relating the meeting of the two lovers now? That's because there was one element in Alden's career that was never apparent with his peers. The once drop of water in the puddle has turned into a ripple of fate-changing waves that caught both Alden's and Maine's career in a frenzy. You could say that Alden's break was a God-given chance for him to realize his potential as an actor, a performer, and a host. He was blessed with tons of commercials, a major role in a movie with Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai, a Sunday noontime show, a slot at Eat Bulaga, record-breaking mall shows, and an album, where which a single topped the iTunes charts. The blessings are just pouring that there's no more room enough to receive.

As you look at Alden now, he's already at that point where you could take him as a national phenomenon. He has been given the title of Pambansang Bae to celebrate, not only the charm that captivated the whole nation, but also the perfect representation of a guy that ladies want for a man. When girls see him appear on TV, no matter the slot, they can't help but scream with adoration.

All of this is nothing but an introduction...

Due to his status as now being the most attractive and most-sought male celebrity of the moment, it is only natural that its network would grab all the chance it could get to boost the ratings of other shows. Meaning, even without him exerting too much effort, shows would be benefited even by his mere presence.

Now the question: Why is there a need for Alden to be marketed the way we, as fans, see on Sunday PinaSaya and CelebriTV?

I had to raise this question so bad because I am worried of his welfare. I'm a guy, and I know most guys are looking for the same kind of attention Alden is getting. But to handle that kind of abuse where some, insensitive and selfish, women touch his body is not psychologically and mentally healthy. Unfortunate to us, one of Alden's weaknesses, though in a seemingly good way, is that he does not mind doing whatever is needed of him AT ANY GIVEN SITUATION. He is decent with his fans. He does not really know how to say no, particularly to the people that helped cultivate his fame.

He is so mild natured that some take his attitude to the point of abuse.

If the fans truly adore Alden Richards for the Bae that he is, I think they should respect his being and his virtue as a normal person. Though sometimes it cannot be helped, fans should exercise restraint so that GMA would not get the wrong sign that Alden being presented as meat, is okay with the masses.

He is talented, dashing, and God-fearing. We all know that already. So why not bring him to the sandbox so that he could grow as an actor, or a singer, or a performer? There is no substitute to experience. Skills and talents are further developed when given the right opportunity for exercising and learning.

And to honestly say, exposing Alden to, forgive me for the term, flesh-hungry ladies, does not benefit him in any way. He can get the same kind of fan support by just singing or hosting. You could see all that through his mall shows. When Alden is there, people just can't help to see him. His mere presence is already a reward on its own. Did he need to bare flesh or dance erotically? No!

As I end this entry, let me be one of the many who appeals that Alden should be presented in a wholesome way. That he deserves a whole lot more. He's more than meat's the eye.

Even on a Sunday, when no Showtime or Eat Bulaga is on air, the bickering and the mud-throwing did not seem to stop. Worse, the opposition has taken it a level higher to give the Kalyeserye a bad name, thus creating the hashtag, Asal Kalye.

In the simplest sense of the word, the term Asal Kalye connotes something negative. People who lounge in the streets all day do not have better things to do. Profane, disrespectful, being violent, impulsive, irrational, dishonest, and complacent, among many others, are the attitudes attributed to those people who grew on the streets...

However, there is something deeper in understanding what can be seen in the streets.

It is therefore safe to assert that one's perception of things is clouded when the intent is to mean ill. If the ignorant and blind only knew how significant the streets are in our lives.

I, for one, grew in the streets. No, I know that my parents aren't irresponsible. They're actually caring, concerned, and hard working. I live in a place where the streets are free for children to play; to experience the best of what childhood has to offer. They let me play outside because I can know myself better; that I would know what would interest me; that I can choose my friends and make small choices. In fact, many of us have learned some of the most painful and powerful lessons a kid could easily understand:

"When you try something new, even with all your joy, anticipation, and eagerness, you will never get it right the first time. Help will be provided on all sides; ahead, on your left and right, and behind you. But despite of the assistance, you will still stumble and fall. When you find yourself dragged down to the floor and feel the shame because of your mistakes despite showing effort, rise up proud because you have tried hard. When you gain scars from your trials, look at it as a mark of experience and learning. As you try over and over again, you'll be able to perfect your newly acquired knowledge, thus becoming a master of your own self."

Now to those who grew in the streets, you'll know, even without me giving a clue, that this is all about riding a bike the first time. That moment from my childhood taught me many things that I still apply in my life today. It helped me to go on against bullying, it helped me accept failures in school, and it supported me in times when I thought my life was a mess. To many others also, this is a lesson they carry through life's newly-found horizons.

As you assess how the streets affected your lives, you will come to realize that all you enjoy now will never be reached, if it were not for the streets that lead you to your destination: your dreams, ambitions, and goals are all paved by the streets that go from your doors to the roads.

And just recently, the very streets, that some are taking as a "bad reflection of society", has given a whole new meaning of what's to be in a kalye. A series of events that involved a Yaya, a Lola, an Alden, and many others, made us remember a very important thing we all ought to never forget: that our lives are connected to the streets. Almost every moment of our lives were captured by the sands and dusts that were shaken by our feet. Many of our memories were etched in the humps, the posts, and even the gutters. It has been a witness to seeing our first crush, making that first stare, and executing that first hand wave... These are some of the many firsts, aside from what Maine encountered, that were experienced by some people reading this blog. Oh the joy of first romance, all happening in the streets of limitless possibilities.

The very Kalyeserye despised by some is now creating history as we know it. And not just history in the streets of Manila, but in many paths all over the world, even conquering the very fibers of the World Wide Web. Just like the iconic EDSA Revolution taking place in the streets, the AlDub Nation is making a revolution no fandom has ever done before; turning the tides of war and hate into an avenue of peace and love... Just like that time in 1986. Every attempt made to destroy the foundations of this fandom was converted from a valley of trash to a field of blooming flowers. It was almost a miracle everytime, it's like turning water into wine. Seeing at how the epitome of kindness and goodness radiating to the fans, turning the negative into the positive, is just fascinating!

Some may think that comparing the movement of the AlDub Nation to such a monumental event may be an exaggeration of sorts. Think about it. People coming from all walks of life, the rich and the poor, male and female, young and old, have united together in the cause of believing that old traditions never run out of style; that love is worth fighting for, that the idea of forever is worth dying for. The yellow bandanas everywhere. The trail of roses on the floor. The drizzling rain from the sky. The anthem of "God Gave Me You" sounded in the airwaves. The image is so much a bliss. The heart and mind of every member of the AlDub Nation is moving for change that would break the conventionalism of pessimistic and demoralizing prototypes.

To say that the streets reflect of incivility is actually ironic as these paved paths were created and designed by brilliant minds that pursue the study of erecting structures that hasten and improve man's way of life.

To connote that the streets are nothing but stagnant stations of neglect and forgetfulness may not be entirely true. There are streets that actually reflect years of history, heritage, and culture as emulated in fiestas celebrated all over the country, or the cobbled paths of distant past.

To imply that the streets is nothing more than a circus, a place of clowns and animals, is simply absurd. Some of the most brilliant minds known in generations past were not developed inside schools or learning establishments. They were dropped out, rejected, and deprived of their value as people. However, the streets became their teacher. They were taught lessons that would never be taught in the limiting four corners of school or home. They became successful due to the education shoved by harsh and unfair reality. They stood up beyond conformity and shook the world because of their unorthodox ideas. Being Street Smart is the name of the game. Think of the names that made revolution a rebellion of the traditional. The AlDub Nation stands along that line, and is now changing the face of negative entertainment.

Asal Kalye? Yes! I am proud to be asal kalye! I am proud of respecting the elderly, giving way to hurrying drivers, sustaining police officers, caring for the environment, honoring the value of time, and stopping for striving pedestrians.

We would like to bring our battles to the streets! No, it's not because it's spacious and we can beat the bashers at our mercy. We'll bring it to the streets because it's open, diverse, and converging. That's how we are, every individual, here at AlDub Nation!

It has been over days since we have seen the competition run in the airwaves. Unfortunately, what's supposed to be expected as healthy competition is no longer as beneficial due to the trash talking and the harsh throwing of words intended to shake the stand of another.

Whether it be a member of the AlDub Nation or not, you can feel the tension between the two shows. As a member of this peace-loving, God-fearing, and comaraderie-promoting fandom, I, for one, feel that I need to express my deepest thoughts about this arising situation. I know I may not be able to change much of what's happening now, but voicing out my mind would give solace not just to me, but to many others who are sharing the same sentiment.

First of all, I am alarmed at how Sir Joey has been quite blunt in the word wars lately. I am reading his tweets and he has never been more frank, crossing the usual line of overtones that he has been frequent in treading. But from what I know of him, he is usually safe with his choice of words, not unless provoked and pushed to the edge. Meaning, his patience has been tested with all the maligning over social media and on air.

Competition, over history, has been a measure of pushing the limits of two or more entities in excelling and improving their current situations to fight for anything that will make them supreme. In short, competition is supposed to be a catalyst of progress and development. However, it is not the case recently. The more competitive the shows become, the uglier the scenario looked.

The other party has become desperate in going at par with what Eat Bulaga has been showing: rating, after rating, after rating. Showtime wanted to at least have a fair share of the noontime pie.

They suddenly emphasized Twitter's viewer value due to the number of tweets the AlDub Nation achieves on a daily basis: A million a day. I was surprised at the sudden change of pace, thinking that they could have the advantage if the show could flash the Hashtags that people could follow. For the AlDub fans, the story is different. It's the fan groups that unitedly decide on the HTs and the EB celebrities follow through: now that's fan support at its finest!

Even the support system in the fandom is different. You can only feel good vibes coming from each other. They also correct each other when HTs are wrong. No scolding, no power-tripping. Members also try their best to boost the morale of every individual in every endeavor. Artists, poets, bloggers, animators, graphic designers, video editors, tweet statisticians and many others find their talents valued in this group. They bring in the spirit of Bayanihan in Twitter and you could see history unfold day after day, unmatched by any other fandom in the country.

We do not incubate contention and bashing in this group. However, just as an anecdote goes: "Buddha will get angry when hit three times", it is true with the rest of us. When the going gets tough, we have to protect, but not in the spirit of revenge or hitting back. Instead, we pray for them and ask The Lord to bless them that their feelings of hate and animosity would go away. Making the world a much peaceful and happy place to live in.

Alas, the other noontime show found itself a keg to fire in this battle of ratings. Through another YouTube sensation, they have kindled their flame of hope thinking that following the same model created by Eat Bulaga would work for them. However, it will never be enough.

Placing a girl with poor morals, filthy language, unhealthy lifestyle, and poor grammatical skills, despite of working in a call center, will never come close. And to make matters worse for them, they also have done the most shameful thing a competitor would do for itself: to copy, unadmitedly accept defeat, and just survive the fight. The show displaced its pride and principles just to keep up the pace. Imagine Anne Curtis, a famous celebrity royalty at the other station, gives way to a not-so-famous pastry maker for ratings. How pitiful and sorry is that kind of situation? They have celebrities that have great talent. They have 2 lead vocalists, a world-famous singer who became popular in the UK, a member of an iconic national dancing group, a former player at a national rugby team, a daughter of a diva, a celebrity that has millions of followers over Twitter, and a knowledgeable weather reporter. Oh, and I forgot to include the Korean, along with the trash-talking bashing stand-up comedian.

Have you seen their line-up? Looking at it in a non-biased perspective, they have a powerhouse that could set their own trend! But no, they have placed their fate to a nobody who rants ill of her former love life. As if that would really turn the table around. Is it not ironic?

I am actually feeling sorry for Showtime to be honest. They have established a forte that used to set itself apart from other shows. They used to excel in their own craft and creativity.

However, because of their lust for success and attention, they threw everything away, all the years that they invested for showmanship. They wasted their originality for a shot at glory. The sight is almost cringing. They trashed the moral values of courtship and love enduring. They are teaching their viewers that Twitter is a place to find love, when it's not supposed to be the case. That you can hurry love and lay everything else aside. That swearing is okay and justifiable when you are angry and upset. That it's okay if your parents are not in the know of your relationship and you can go on like nobody cares. That your children can look up to older teens that smoke and have vices.

This fandom is more than just a million tweets if that's what most people think. Behind those tweets are individuals from all walks of life who believe in the power of love that lasts forever. We are believers of a relationship that's fostered by time, patience, and effort. That being old school in courtship and dating is very noble. We are pushing for Alden and Maine for being God-fearing, fun-loving, and fan-supporting. We were not forced and we're also not desperate.

And for the members of our fandom who have tarnished our name as the AlDub Nation? We would like to sincerely apologize on their behalf for barging into groups and pages to defend the love team. They have been moved from their safe stations due to the abuse the fandom is experiencing. We never encourage anyone to step up and fight. They are merely taking defense from attacks that were never intended in the first place.

We, however, are not lenient of such situations and we continue to counsel with them to hold their peace and be loving people; just as how Maine and Alden would want for the members of this world-dominating fandom. We feel sorry for the desperation and hopefully the attempts to gain some ratings would give you the relief sought for the 2-month ultimatum the network has given your show.

September 16, 2015 marks the second month of the moment that changed noontime TV and the lives of millions of people. I for one was changed because of what Yaya Dub and Alden showed on one sunny afternoon during Eat Bulaga's Juan for All segment, Problem Solving. I was never able to see the episode that day, but the story about a live "on screen kilig" got my wife curious. One time, she viewed the love team on TV the first time and she showed it to me. I was never interested then...

This is my conversion story, recalling how I got the AlDub fever differently than other men.

As I have mentioned above, I was not interested with Yaya and Alden, being romantic on air. I was never a fan of love stories or romantic movies. The time I'm able to watch them was with my wife, convincing me to watch so she never feels alone. I had occasional encounters of feeling kilig, but it only lasts until I see the credits roll in the end. I am never heartless, it's just that I am not into it. I am more of an intellectual spiritual anime guy and love was not much of a thing for me.

For over two months, yes, even as I write this entry, I am still amazed at how Maine and Alden influenced me the way I am now. I still ask myself at how it was possible for these two individuals to find their way into my heart and change my perspective in many ways. Some are questioning my habits, others are surprised with the manifestations I show in supporting the AlDub MaiDen love team.

Everything started on the July 20 episode, and it was a Monday. Things were busy as normal and it was lunchtime so me and my wife are eating our food while watching Eat Bulaga. We usually switch channels from 2 to 11 to see something interesting. From there, my wife mentioned of a sensation that's spreading in the airwaves and she switched the channel so we could watch Kalyeserye together. I saw what happened then and I was actually surprised that such a concept exists on Philippine TV; a story about a Yaya with a Lola, gracing the screen, and a dashing young man doing the moves on split screen. I was like, "Seriously?!" And seeing how things are turning out, I actually liked what I saw. It was funny, witty, and tastefully done. There was no dull moment, especially with JoWaPao around. There was nothing obscene or off. I had fun watching it. I felt nothing unusual yet, but I found myself smiling seeing how Yaya Dub reacts and moves. I thought she was truly unique, a presence that's one of a kind.

That evening, my wife backtracked the previous episodes over YouTube and I had to watch what she's watching because her face showed an expression I commonly see when she sees love stories. It was the July 16 episode: the day when everything began. Compared to what I felt earlier that day was totally different. When I saw Yaya Dub open her eyes when she saw Alden  looking at her on the split screen, I smiled just like her. Yes, right then and there, I somehow connected with Maine's emotions when she reacted differently. And my feelings were confirmed when the teasing barrage flew from Allan, Jose, and Paolo; not to mention Vic and Joey too, noticing that ounce of kilig with matching hiding of the face and the abrupt moving of the eyes, lips, and tongue. It was magic! I was awed with the sight of genuine emotions shown on air. Yes, my fondness to the loveteam started there. But that was never enough for me.

I wanted to know who Yaya Dub was, who she is, and why she became popular. Dubsmash is her forte. She had more dubsmash done than most individuals, and she even had some for over 1 million views due to her skills (so regardless if it's Kris Aquino she's acting on, she will still be famous anyway). She's born from a wealthy family, she graduated from a prestigious college with honors, and she loves eating street food.

But of the many things I found out that made me wanna follow her was her knack for good books and her passion for blogging (I am easily attracted to girls who have an excellent sense of grammar, who speaks and writes American English fluently). She has class, she's demure and yet she's not afraid to show her true self to anyone. She's not good at playing pretend and very sincere with her deeds and actions.

She does not mind looking ugly or feed on stuff that ordinary members of the society eat. She's far from most Class A's I could think of. Her parents and siblings are as humble as her and their wealth does not tarnish their pride or virtue as human beings. She plays the drums, she sings, she draws, and she can write poems. In a way, she's perfect but she does not mind getting dirty if time calls her to play such roles.

I guess that's why many people love her, including me, and my wife. Yes, some have digged her past and she may have follies like any other. But who are we to judge? What matters is that she's rising beyond her limits and now she has fulfilled her dream of being in showbusiness, as an actor. She received more than she deserved. She's darling and her smile could launch a million ships!

She takes time to thank her fans, does not worry of being tired answering questions over Ask.fm, gives effort to the people who follow her, and even creates videos to show gratitude to the fandom that supports her. She's not into bashing, she's a pluviophile, and loves music. She spends time with family and goes to Church on Sundays. She likes dogs and loves children.

There are so many things to like about her. And thinking about why I am a proud member of this fandom, even creating my own blog to share my thoughts and feelings, was because of her and how the AlDub love team influenced me for the many good things in the world.

And now that there's competition vyeing for the attention of the masses, I am the least worried. There's nothing that can compare to Alden or to Maine. That's a definite. After being a fan for over 2 months, I could never think of any reason to leave this God-given, fate-driven, love-stricken fandom! This may be for good and I don't mind sharing it to anyone.

My name is Josef Ray Dagatan, 32 years of age, happily married for nine years, a straight normal guy, and a proud member of the AlDub nation... And this is my conversion story.

Earlier today, before the Kalyeserye segment, my wife browsed channels on TV and we saw something that was never expected of Showtime to do so bluntly. During its Advice Ganda segment, they called on a personality called "Pastillas Girl" and I became curious as to who she is.

I found out that she became a YouTube Sensation because of her instructional video about making pastillas. But even before watching, it was indicated in the title that it was a "bitter version".

So I watched the video and there was no kitchen, no aprons, no ingredients, and no props; just some girl wearing an olive-colored plain spaghetti strap and a gray background. It was no cooking show so I assumed that the "bitter" version may prove its essence.

And it did. At first, she mentioned ingredients then all of a sudden, I heard "hugot" lines coming from nowhere. But after hearing a few phrases, I already caught on the story that this is about a girl, using steps in making pastillas, to relay how she has been toyed and used by a boyfriend who plays along with different girls.

It was a bit off at first since you can already feel the hate gushing out of her gut. But worse, her simple metaphorical descriptions turned into  a whiplash of profane and crude language a little later in the vid; which I am not a fan of.

I am assuming that Showtime took her in to take a shot at raising their viewer rankings by sheltering in an online sensation and see if her presence would somehow click to the masses. I cannot tell whether their intention of helping the helpless girl is to make her happy with a love life, or to just rake in some numbers. I am not to judge, definitely.

However, comparing the status of the said "Pastillas Girl" to match that of Maine's achievements are purely unethical, malicious, maligning, and inconsiderate.

I cannot fathom that an innocent young woman, coming from a decent and God-fearing family, who became famous for dubsmashing in the sense of fun, would be compared side by side to a girl who became popular due to her hate statements and unbecoming behavior.

The Pastillas Girl could be popular on her own right. We at the AlDub Nation respect that. But to drag Yaya Dub's fame in this fiasco is one thing that we cannot take for granted. You cannot blame Maine's fans for reacting a bit off. It's a bad food to chew and she does not deserve the said insult.

As many of us here at the Nation told once before, we can brush the hate aside and live as if nothing happened. Let us just leave Showtime be and see if they would be successful in their interest in joining the bandwagon.

We AlDub You and may you be blessed in making those who were fooled by love happy with your newfound opportunity.