AlDub shatters records anew

MANILA, Philippines – What started out as a skit in a noontime show is now the biggest source of happiness for millions around the world where there are Filipinos.

Yesterday’s Tamang Panahon  episode of Eat Bulaga drew an SRO crowd to the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, which is owned by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

The attendance is expected to top the more than 44,000 patrons that filled the venue during the premiere of the INC-produced movie “Felix Manalo,” which made it to the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest audience at a premiere night and the biggest screen ever.

As of presstime, the Tamang Panahon episode has earned more than 27.2 million tweets, beating the show’s own record of 25 million as of last count. Tickets were sold out one hour after selling was announced by Wally Bayola’s character Lola Nidora in the previous Saturday’s edition of Eat Bulaga. Ticket sale proceeds, around P14 million, will finance the construction of libraries in schools around the country and help victims of Typhoon Lando.

The AlDub Nation (as the kalyeserye followers are collectively known) made no secret about its goal to reach 36 million tweets to mark the noontime show’s 36 top-rating years.

“When Eat, Bulaga started in 1979, I coined the slogan ‘Habang May Bata, may Eat, Bulaga,” said host Joey de Leon. “From the time the show started, we have focused on helping kids.”

Describing Tamang Panahon as “history and charity combined,” Joey added that it was the first time for him to witness such a huge crowd for a live show. It lasted three hours and a half (from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) non-stop, without commercials.

The seamless kalyeserye proved to be the greatest show this side of earth, keeping millions not just nationwide but around the world glued to their TV sets from the beginning when Lola Nidora traced on video the family history, assisted by the characters of Jose Manalo (Tinidora) and Paolo Ballesteros (Tidora), until towards the end when lead stars Alden Richards and Yaya Dub/Maine Mendoza, with the consent of Lola Nidora, were finally able to hold hands and embrace, much to the delight of the audience, most of whom shed tears, especially when Maine, famous for being a Dubsmash Queen, finally talked no matter if briefly. 

Face to face with Maine, Alden said, “I thank God for giving me you!”

The show was beamed live abroad (US, Canada, New Zealand, etc.) while several places in the country held viewing parties (Cebu, Mindanao, etc.) with huge crowds watching the kalyeserye on giant monitors.

The kalyeserye has caught the attention and affection of fans because aside from its unique entertainment style (unscripted, with Alden and Maine initially “romancing” via split-screen), Lola Nidora constantly reminds the young lovers, and the kalyeserye in general, of Filipino values such as respect for elders, being obedient and to wait for the right time (tamang panahon) and not to rush things.

True enough, Alden and Maine never forget to kiss the hands of the three lolas, with Lola Nidora subjecting them to all sorts of challenges – fetching water, running from the Broadway Centrum where Bulaga is aired to EDSA before as much as allowing Alden to meet Maine one foot apart.

Even the hosts – including Sen. Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Pauline Luna, Allan K, Julia Clarete, Patricia Tumulak, Ryan Agoncillo and Ruby Rodriguez – paid respect by kissing the three lolas’ hands. Missed was Pia Guanio who was on her birthday vacation in Japan with husband Steve Magoo  and their daughter Scarlet.

“Pia planned the vacation months earlier and she didn’t have any idea that there was going to be a Tamang Panahon show,” said Pia’s manager June Torrejon-Rufino. “Their Japan trip couldn’t be cancelled or postponed.”

Alden teared up at the end of the show when he and Maine thanked those behind the show, led by producer Tony Tuviera, and their supporters.

Meanwhile, the kalyeserye continues to hold its followers in suspense as Lola Nidora finally gets hold of the mysterious diary. Stay tuned.