MAINE Mendoza as “Yaya Dub” Richard Reyes
It was a belated Valentine for Dubsmash star Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza, the other half of the wildly popular AlDub tandem.
Curiously, what thrilled Maine was not a love letter from split-screen partner Alden Richards, but a poem written just for her by her favorite author, Lang Leav.
In a surprising twist in the ongoing national obsession that is the kalyeserye, Lang whipped up a two-stanza poem for Maine, who was naturally ecstatic.
Lang, who is based in New Zealand with her partner, fellow writer Michael Faudet, wrote the bestsellers, “Love & Misadventure” and “Lullabies and Memories.”
Lang, who is active in social media like Maine, posted the poem, entitled “Stars in Love,” on her Facebook page on Feb. 14—saying that she found AlDub “cute.”
The poem even came with a matching portrait of Maine—like most of the popular wordsmith’s works.
Needless to say, Maine can’t help making her trademark pabebe (cutesy) wave because of this Valentine gift. She is undoubtedly on cloud nine. “I haven’t even talked to Alden about it yet.”
How does it feel that Lang wrote a poem for you?
Super-flattered! The Lang Leav is one of my ultimate idols—and she just made my Valentine’s Day sweeter!
What was your initial reaction when you read the poem and saw the portrait?
I was surprised! I never expected that she’d be writing about me/us one day!
What led you to her poems?
I stumbled upon some of her writings online, and I immediately got hooked and bought all her books!
What do you like about her poems?
Her poems about love make me believe… Love is indeed bittersweet.
How did she find out about your request for a poem?
A fan tweeted her and requested for a poem dedicated to AlDub. Then, she replied that if I would ask for it, she’d do it. And so I did!
Did you meet her when she was in town for a book signing in 2014?
Unfortunately not.
What are your favorite poems/books by her?
I love all of her books; I can’t even choose one!
What would you like to say to Lang if you get to meet her?
Thank you so much for the wonderful poem that you made for me/us! As a fan, I’m super- kilig (thrilled)!