BULACAN, Philippines – It's the grand day AlDub fans have long been waiting for – the "Tamang Panahon" (right time) that Lola Nidora has always spoken so seriously about.
Fans flocked to the sold-out show at the Philippine Arena Saturday, October 24, ready to see how Alden and Yaya Dub's (together, AlDub) story will play out on the huge stage.
As a treat for fans, the show aired with no commercial breaks and feaured the long-awaited grand meeting between the 2.
AlDub is all about the once-forbidden love between Alden and Yaya, played by Maine Mendoza, kept apart by Yaya's boss, Lola Nidora.
Their courtship has played out in scenes on noontime show Eat Bulaga, marrying both social media (AlDub is a perennial worldwide trending topic on Twitter) and live elements, like the grand "AlDub: Tamang Panahon" day.
The thousands-strong crowd cheered on the love team as the show kicked into full swing.
Lola's band of other lolas (older women) opened the show:
The Eat Bulaga hosts then took to the stage.
Lola Nidora apparently swooped in via chopper with some good news for all. Previously, Nidora explained that all members of the AlDub Nation were invited to the event for a special cause. The gathering will benefit the AlDub library project, where 100% of the ticket sales from the event will be given to the 3 elementary schools they picked.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lola Nidora's announced that they have raised enough money for the AlDub library project <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBSaTamangPanahon?src=hash">#ALDubEBSaTamangPanahon</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657767994852937728">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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And here she is:
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lola Nidora's opens with " Dessert" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBSaTamangPanahon?src=hash">#ALDubEBSaTamangPanahon</a> <a href="https://t.co/nMIOaSRss4">pic.twitter.com/nMIOaSRss4</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657774895690977280">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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And earlier, we got this lovely tweet from Dawin:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watching <a href="https://twitter.com/EatBulaga">@EatBulaga</a> supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBTamangPanahon?src=hash">#ALDubEBTamangPanahon</a> where 55K people are expected to dance to my song Dessert! <a href="https://t.co/KlcY0eOCek">pic.twitter.com/KlcY0eOCek</a></p>— Dawin (@OfficialDawin) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDawin/status/657747609046654976">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Lola also shared throwback pictures and details about her old love.
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<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lola Nidora shares some of the "suitors" she had. <a href="https://t.co/1KLlUYi2se">pic.twitter.com/1KLlUYi2se</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657788278175731712">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Duhrizz, also played by Wally Bayola, also made an appearance to tease the crowd, saying that "AlDuh" (Alden+Duhrizz) was better than "AlDub" (Alden + Yaya Dub).
She said that she knew Alden and Yaya were very much in love and that she wanted to say sorry because she loved Alden and that she would move on.
“Wala sa yaman, o sa hitsura, o sa taas ng pinag-aralan ang pag-ibig, tandaan mo ‘yan,” Lola later told Duhrizz. (True love isn't about wealth, looks, or educational attainment, remember that.)
After an appearance from Rihanna, another one of Wally's alter-egos, Lola finally teased the appearance of Yaya Dub.
"Yayaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Lola hollered.
Maine could be seen riding in a pretty red dress on the back of a jeepney – a callback to an older episode where she rode in on a jeepney in a Cinderella-inspired dress.
She and a group of dancers performed to "Fantastic Baby."
There was also a dance number from little star Ryzza Mae Dizon, who made a grand entrance via hoverboard. There was also a little show from the adorable young Baste, who danced to "Gentleman."
Lolas Tidora, Tinidora, and Nidora reflected that they were happy for Maine's newfound good fortune and love.
A short teaser was also show for My Bebe Love, Alden and Yaya's movie with Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai delas Alas.
Nidora fondly talked to the audience about Maine Mendoza, the actress who rose to fame after her memorable Dubsmash videos, befor beginning her stint in the kalyeserye.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A video of Maine "Yaya Dub" Mendoza now being shown. She will grace 2 magazine covers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBTamangPanahon?src=hash">#ALDubEBTamangPanahon</a> <a href="https://t.co/CNCpPQEN5r">pic.twitter.com/CNCpPQEN5r</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657790751741349889">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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There were also interviews from Maine's friends and family, who gave viewers a look into Maine's life as a student, just a regular lady, sometimes shy, but lively and exuberant. There was even a short interview from Yaye Pepe, who is the yaya of Maine.
After that came a romantic dance number from Maine, set to an instrumental version of Selena's "Dreaming of You."
At the "stroke of midnight," a montage of AlDub footage played and the cameras cut to a dressed-up Alden Richards making his way to the Philippine Arena carrying a large box.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alden Richards about to enter the Phil Arena <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBTamangPahanon?src=hash">#ALDubEBTamangPahanon</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Teazx2CAd">pic.twitter.com/5Teazx2CAd</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657792664759242752">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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"Anyone can make you smile but it takes someone special to make you happy," read a sign in the entrance.
Every inch the Prince Charming to Yaya's Cinderella, Alden made his way up to see Yaya.
A close-up look at the box held by Alden showed that it was filled with beautiful red roses.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alden is almost near the door!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBTamangPahanon?src=hash">#ALDubEBTamangPahanon</a> <a href="https://t.co/vHORiZIr2i">pic.twitter.com/vHORiZIr2i</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657793181929463809">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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A beaming Maine looked on from the stage.
Tension built as scenes from their previous almost-there meet-ups were shown. Fans held their breath in anticipation as Alden continued the long walk to Maine, slow and steady.
To "Thinking Out Loud," Alden and Maine finally looked upon each other (the meeting was not without a series of pabebe waves, their trademark move).
Suddenly, Lola Nidora appeared, taking Maine and Alden by the hands.
"Dumating na hindi inaasahan, binago ang mga buhay natin. Yaya Dub, Alden," said Lola, stepping back to allow them to touch. (What we did not expect has happened and changed our lives.)
"Lola, sandali po (wait)," said Alden, reaching out for a group hug between the 3. After a tearful embrace, Lola left them alone.
"Maine, ang tagal kong hinintay tong chance na to, to say that God gave me you. Ang layo na rin narating natin. Dalawang taong naghahanap, and finally nagkita na rin. Salamat sa 'yo," he said.
(Maine, I've been waiting for this chance for so long, to say that God gave me you. We've come a long way, two people searching for, and finally finding each other. Thank you.)
Arm in arm, the lovebirds walked down the stage together.
Set against the backdrop of brightly lit lanterns, Alden sang a song for Maine, and for the whole AlDub Nation – the now famous "God Gave Me You."
In a surprise, Yaya sang into the microphone, performing a few lines with Alden.
Afterwards, the 3 lolas came out to greet Maine and Alden. Nidora asked Yaya/Maine to speak her mind.
"Alden, thank you. Alam mo, pinagdasal ko talaga tong araw na to. Ganun din naman ang gusto kong sabihin sa 'yo. God gave me you."
(Alden, thank you. You know, I prayed for this day. That's also what I want to tell you. God gaveme you.)
"Ang dami na nagbago sa buhay natin, ang daming nangyari, pero ang dami pa rin hindi magbabago. Isa doon, ikaw at ako," said Maine.
Alden gave her a huge hug, with Yaya/Maine beaming.
(So much has changed in our lives, so much has happened, but many things won't change. One of those things: you and me.)
Lola said that she wished Alden and Maine would take time to get to know each other, be friends. She asked them not to betray the trust given them by their lolas.
With that, Alden and Maine formed a hard with their hands, then pinky swore.
Nidora then asked them both to dance. But before that, Alden rushed off to get his gift: just like Cinderella, the perfect pair of shoes for Maine.
And just like that, the lovebirds, in front of their loyal fans, had the dance they've finally been waiting for.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alden and Maine's first dance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBTamangPanahon?src=hash">#ALDubEBTamangPanahon</a> <a href="https://t.co/VIDx6QbsRL">pic.twitter.com/VIDx6QbsRL</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/657800677381423104">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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This was followed by a Dubsmash shared by the two, as hosts, fans, media cheered them on.
The show ended with a dance number featuring Yaya Dub, Alden, and the rest of the Eat Bulaga crew.
Before the show
Before the program, a few lucky fans got to participate in some pre-show activities and win special prizes.
Veteran Eat Bulaga host Joey de Leon tweeted this:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Nakakaiyak. Nakakaproud. Nakakakilig. Nakakatuwa. Nakakagalak. Nakakatalon. Nakakasigaw. Nakakalula. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALDubEBTamangPanahon?src=hash">#ALDubEBTamangPanahon</a></p>— G I Joey (@AngPwetNyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngPwetNyo/status/657763241435664385">October 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Keep checking back for more photos from AlDub's huge day! – with reports from Alexa Villano/Rappler.com
More AlDub stories:
AlDub's big day:
- AlDub's 'Tamang Panahon' Twitter record
- Photo recap: 'AlDub: Tamang Panahon' with Alden, Yaya Dub, Lola Nidora
- [IN PHOTOS] 'AlDub: Tamang Panahon' fun: Fans flock to Philippine Arena
Other stories:
- #AlDub recap: Lola Nidora's 'tamang panahon' finally gets a date
- WATCH: Lola Nidora, Yaya Dub accept Catholic Social Media Award
- Why does everyone seem to love 'AlDub'?
- The Good, the Bad, and the Sad of the Kalyeserye/Aldub phenomenon
- #AlDub recap: Yaya Dub sings for Alden, fans get an Aldub duet
- Wally Bayola on Lola Nidora, 'AlDub,' Maine Mendoza
- Twitter exec commends #AlDub: 'It's a global phenomenon’
- #AlDub recap: Alden visits Yaya Dub, AlDub takes first photo
- IN PHOTOS: PH stars, fans celebrate 'National Pabebe Wave Day'
- AlDub theme song performer Bryan White coming to Manila
- AlDub fans help #ALDubEBforLOVE pull in over 25 million tweets
- #Aldub: Yaya Dub and Alden finally go on their first date
- #AlDub: That time Yaya Dub and Alden almost met face-to-face
- Filipinos tweeted 12 million times for AlDub's romantic date
- How #AlDub is breaking the Internet
- #AlDub update: The #YaKie wedding
- #AlDub, the story so far: Alden and Yaya Dub's forbidden love
- #AlDub: Yaya Dub and Alden's 'Cinderella' moment
- #AlDub: The fun tandem of Alden Richards and 'Yaya Dub'
- #AlDub: 10 celebrity fans
- Yaya Dub actress doing well after fainting during 'Eat Bulaga'