AlDub gets second biggest break

ALDEN and Maine in Italy

The expression “easy come, easy go” is something that Alden Richards has always believed in. And for a while, he felt that the same was true for his love team with Maine Mendoza.

Now, the local pop culture sensation that is the “AlDub” tandem, is set to celebrate its first anniversary on July 16, and the two young celebrities couldn’t be more grateful.

“During AlDub’s first month, I thought that it would fizzle out as fast as it became a hit,” Alden told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

But eventually, the 24-year-old actor realized that there are times when it pays off to simply go with the flow.

“You have to believe in things, pray and then let go… The Lord always has our best interests,” related the GMA 7 talent, who described the coming romantic movie “Imagine You and Me” as AlDub’s second biggest break, next to the “Tamang Panahon” special event that drew some 55,000 fans to the Philippine Arena last October.

“What happens, happens,” Alden added.

In contrast, Maine was more optimistic about the phenomenal pairing’s fate.“Looking at our personalities and the friendship we’ve made, I genuinely believe that we would last—at least this long,” said Maine, 21, who was hailed best supporting actress in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival for her performance in the comedy movie “My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore.”

Popularity attracts criticism. And the two have had their share over the past year. But if there’s anything they’ve learned about dealing with hurtful words—whether it’s about the way they look, or worse, their families—it’s that they’re better left ignored.

“I’ve always been bashed for my appearance… They say my mouth is big, that my complexion isn’t as nice, and so on. But I don’t really mind. What really ticks me off is when my family gets dragged. Bashers will find flaws and are willing to bash innocent people,” Maine lamented.

For Alden, his family is where he also draws the line. “I’ve gotten used to dispelling all the negative stuff. And I’ve taught myself to not read and get too caught up with what’s being said about me in social media. Because most of the time, the stuff in there won’t do us any good,” he said.

Directed by Mike Tuviera, “Imagine,” which opens on July 13, is about Andrew (Alden) a heartbroken man based in Italy. He meets the hopeless romantic Gara (Maine), an overseas Filipino worker desperately looking for her true love. But because of their different outlooks when it comes to love, they are led to believe that they’re not meant for each other.

MAINE Mendoza (left) and Alden Richards

Together with a small film crew, Alden and Maine flew to Italy in May to shoot the movie for two weeks. Scenes were filmed in various picturesque spots in the cities of Como and Verona, in the country’s northern region. “It’s only our second movie together, but we’re already given this opportunity to do a movie abroad,” Alden said.

Blessings

“It’s a dream come true,” said Maine, who considers everything happening in her life and career a source of pride. “My life wasn’t like this before AlDub, so I’m just thankful for all the blessings.”

She added that in “Imagine,” she and Alden went beyond the typical cutesy antics they resort to in their kalyeserye. “Fans may want to bring a towel with them,” Maine quipped.

The movie will most likely prompt talks about their relationship. Is there a chance for romance between the two? Alden and Maine typically shy away from such questions. And although they have already stressed in numerous occasions that they’re “close friends” at the moment, that doesn’t stop ardent fans from expecting and hoping for more.

ALDUB: We’re happy. What we show people doesn’t involve pretention.

“It’s something that can’t be helped,” Maine said. “But I believe that there’s a man out there destined for me, the one I’d spend my life with. I believe he will come at the right time.”

Alden, on the other hand, added that he and Maine will just continue being themselves. “We’re happy. What we show people doesn’t involve pretention!”

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