You know you’ve made it when your legions of fans have named themselves a nation after your tandem, and prayed to all gods you end up with your love team partner.
So when Alden Richards got linked to GMA-7 actress Julie Anne San Jose—allegedly confirmed by one of the network’s directors Rich Ilustre—the AlDub nation got into a tizzy. AlDub, however, was quick to defend their fan base, and asked everyone to keep calm and not fight.
“[Our fans aren’t] being possessive naman, they’re just… kumbaga, parang nasaling lang sila, na-hurt yung feelings because of a rumor that’s not true. [They feel involved because they were hurt by a rumor that’s not true],” says Alden.
“And siguro po, respect na lang din po sa mga taong involved, huwag na lang po natin silang pag-usapan, kasi wala naman po sila dito. [We have to respect the people involved. Let’s not talk about them especially since they’re not here, anyway],” he adds.
Maine Mendoza agrees. “Saka, wala naman pong dapat pag-awayan. Kasi misunderstanding po yung mga nangyari. [Also, there’s nothing to argue about. It was simply a misunderstanding.],” to which Alden adds, “Happy lang, good vibes lang.” After all, the two don’t need all this negativity when they’re promoting their very first movie My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More, showing this Christmas as a Metro Manila Film Fest entry.
If you’re wondering just how big of a kerfuffle it all was, let’s just say the director had to apologize after all the online harassment.
To #AldubNation, I sincerely apologize. I was wrong. It was a mistake on my part. Rest assured I will be more cautious in the future.
— Rich Ilustre (@RichIlustre) December 7, 2015
Logged on to offer my heartfelt apologies to @aldenrichards02 for my mistaken posts and all the damage that resulted from it.
— Rich Ilustre (@RichIlustre) December 8, 2015
It’s a totally humbling lesson to see the power of 1 unintentional word or click. But I accept all responsibility 4 d effects of my mistake.
— Rich Ilustre (@RichIlustre) December 8, 2015
And most especially to @mainedcm I am sorry for the misunderstanding. Know that I consider myself not just your director but also a friend.
— Rich Ilustre (@RichIlustre) December 8, 2015
Love teams here are serious business. Online rule of thumb: Don’t spark rumors that may spell the ruin of a fandom’s main ship. That, or don’t criticize your OTP’s presidentiable.
[Bandera]
Photo courtesy of Bandera
