Philippines: An AlDub Nation

CEBU, Philippines - With an outstanding world record of 41 million tweets as of October 24, Saturday and the highest TV rating for 2015 with 45.7 percent, it is undeniable that the Alden and YayaDub (AlDub) Kalyeserye has swelled into more than just a noontime television show.

Conceptualized with the idea of using Dubsmash, an app that allows one to lip sync to famous lines and songs, Eat Bulaga came up with the segment featuring rising hearthrob Alden Richards and Dubsmash sensation Maine "YayaDub" Mendoza.

Following a cameo footage aired on July 16, 2015 which sparked instant excitement from viewers, the AlDub fever just progressed on–breaking records and stunning both viewers and the media. What could possibly be the reason for the success of the AlDub segment?

The AlDub Kalyeserye revolves its plot around dubbing lovers who profess their emotions through songs and tagboard-written messages which send kilig or anticipation to its viewers. This said, the segment not only employs romcom antics but also instills and displays morally-accepted values long forgotten.

Many times is the process of courtship incorporated into its storyline and in most cases, it features how the guy must show respect and obedience to what is expected of him whilst the girl must exhibit self-restraint and a sense of personal space – reliving old courtship practices.

Also, valuable moral lessons learned such as determination amidst tasks and hardships, patience in achieveing one's goals and the concept of sacrificial love are clearly depicted, making the storyline not only entertaining but educational as well.

The modern age of immense media influence equates to the conclusion of using television shows like this as basis of one's ideals and actions. It is important to keep them in line, making sure they project an image that highlights celebrated Filipino values.

The YayaDub segment does exactly all of these, promoting and broadcasting the need to reconsider and reassess the acts of the Filipino youth. With a hilarious and exciting plot, interesting characters and significant life lessons to ponder upon all in a single entertaining TV show, it is no wonder how the AlDub segment has managed to turn the Philippines into an AlDub Nation.

Micaella Chyven Q. Gadin

Cebu City National Science High School

School Press Advisers' Movemement (SPAM) – Silver Medalist in Editorial Writing