Split-screen TV fairy tale ‘AlDub’ hit in old, new media
Core audience
Although lovestruck women consist AlDub’s core audience, director Rivera was surprised to discover that the duo also has a strong male following.
“On Facebook, men are not embarrassed to identify themselves as fans of the tandem,” said Rivera.
AlDub’s fan base cuts across all social classes, ages and, apparently, genders—in spite of the presence of a drag queen as main antagonist.
Said Sarabia: For viewers, especially “kids, the Lola Nidora character is funny as a scary-fairy-transvestite all rolled into one. Transvestites are clowns to them and are entertaining, which is why it works on television. But then again straights would undoubtedly worry if one of their relatives turn out to be a cross-dresser.”
Bayola, who plays Lola Nidora and her predecessor (and granddaughter) Doctora Dora, told the Inquirer that his own children often get upset with him for meddling in the love life of
Article continues after this advertisementAlDub. Once he was even accosted by a crying kid who wanted AlDub to end up together.
Article continues after this advertisement‘Just for show’
“I had to explain to them, and other young fans, that it was just for show,” he said. “That Lola Nidora cares for Yaya Dub and that is how she shows her concern for her young ward.”
In further developing the story, he said, the segment’s writers were able to inject a little “social commentary.”
“We wanted to tell young people not to be in a hurry to fall in love,” he explained. “Nowadays, everything is instant … instant coffee, instant noodles, even instant romance. We want the youth to learn the value of patience.”
Bayola credits “Eat Bulaga,” especially Lola Nidora,” for helping him recover and live down the stigma of a sex video scandal that almost ended his career.
“I waited for a sign,” he said. “In our segment, we go to different barangays … ordinary neighborhoods. If I would hear negative comments from the residents, I would take that as a sign to quit and move to another field.”
Instead he was welcomed with open arms and, with Lola Nidora, he was given a second chance to do what he loves best.
“That’s all we want to do. We just want to entertain people,” said Bayola.
RELATED STORIES
Alden Richards, Yaya Dub an ‘accidental’ love team – director
Yaya Dub: Passing out in ‘Eat Bulaga’ not scripted
