ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden: Recipe for Love

Allan K and Senator Tito gave opposing wishes. Allan K knew how fully booked Alden’s schedule is. Chances are as early as the ALDUB Happy Bae Alden episode, it’s already booked a year in advance. Allan K assured Alden that whatever happens, in case his schedule is not as hectic as it used to be anymore. Eat Bulaga will always have a spot open for him. In a nutshell, Allan K’s wish for Alden at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode is an open door policy.

Senator Tito on the other hand was somewhat fatherly. “Luwagan mo ang kalendaryo mo. Magpahinga ka naman.” (Leave some space in your calendar. Learn how to rest.) He also used the opportunity to defend Alden from his bashers. A stark contrast to the accusations of certain bashers regarding his work ethic. His biggest beef against Alden is his punishing workhorse approach to his job. Besides almost everyone else is already commenting how work had taken a toll on his health. So he wished that his reminder to stop and smell the flowers would finally register to him at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

Maine Mendoza was nowhere to be found early at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Lola Nidora and Donya Tidora were already on the spot waiting for the Sugod Bahay errand to commence. But Lola Nidora can’t push through with the errand as she can’t reach YayaDUB’s number. The prompt kept saying “The subscriber cannot be reached.” Either she’s at a signal-dead spot. Or her phone is off. Donya Tinidora clarified though that she returned the thick pad of cash stolen at the ALDUB Welcomes 2016 episode. So what remedy may have commenced?

Later Lola Nidora and Donya Tidora were shown at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode running around like headless chickens. Allan K oriented Bossing Vic about YayaDUB being missing. Donya Tidora’s update wasn’t so comforting either. “Pinuntahan ko sa mga classmate niya. Wala dun.” (I went to her classmates. She wasn’t there.) Lola Nidora found YayaDUB’s MIA schtick ill-timed. “Hindi puedeng wala siya. Siya itong excited sa birthday ni Alden. Papano na yun?” (She can’t be missing. She’s the one who’s excited for Alden’s birthday. What now?)

Lola Nidora found it odd for YayaDUB to go missing without informing her folks. “Lagi namang nagpapaalam ang batang yun. Bakit ngayon nakalimutan niya?” (She would usually inform us. How come she forgot now?) Lola Nidora’s Freudian slip at the ALDUB Welcomes 2016 episode might have caused YayaDUB to be extra careful now with her surprise for Alden.

Alden himself is distraught to learn of YayaDUB missing right in his birthday itself. “Lola, asan po?” (Granny, where is she?) Donya Tidora answered in behalf of Lola Nidora. “Hindi nga namin makita.” (We can’t locate her.) Alden expected this to be the least of his inconveniences. “Bakit po? Di po ba? Siya nga po itong may surprise?” (Why? Isn’t she the one with the surprise?) The grannies greeted Alden a Happy Birthday before YayaDUB’s loss would totally distract them at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Alden thanked both of them.

Alden wasn’t asking for much. “Pero, lola, isa lang naman po talaga ang hiling ko ngayong birthday ko eh. Makasama ko po si Maine.” (But, granny, there is only one wish I have for this birthday. To be with Maine.) Lola Nidora ended up DUBsmashing Selena’s “Dreaming of You” in YayaDUB’s absence. She also tried DUBsmashing Maja Salvador’s “Kilig” to keep Alden preoccupied for the meantime.

Alden then asked Lola Nidora. “Lola, kapag nakita ko po ba si Yaya, puede ko po ba siyang i-kiss?” (Granny, if I see nanny, may I kiss her?) Lola Nidora snapped again asking Alden to repeat what he said. Alden then backtracked.“Joke lang po, lola. Joke lang po.” (Just kidding, granny. Just kidding.) It appeased Lola Nidora at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden. It was then Donya Tidora’s turn to DUBsmash. She ended up DUBsmashing the Malaysian clip once played at the ALDUB “pilot” episode.

Since the grannies are already DUBsmashing at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Alden then asked for a pabebe DUBsmash from the grannies. Lola Nidora was hesitant. “Parang sinasamantala na tayo ng batang ito ah.” (It’s as if this kid is already taking advantage of us.) Donya Tidora let it slide. “Hayaan mo na. Birthday niya naman.” (Let it go. It’s his birthday anyway.) The sisters then DUBsmashed the “Wala Kayong Pake” clip and the “Walang Makakapigil” clip.

The grannies didn’t know exactly what the cash is for that YayaDUB needed for the surprise. She ended up getting late for the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode occasion. Alden then DUBsmashed Jay-R’s cover of Agot Isidro’s “Sa Isip Ko”. Plunging him back to sadness. As Donya Tidora pushed Lola Nidora to entertain Alden again. Donya Tinidora arrived.

Donya Tinidora has some good news to share. “Pinahanap ko sa mga Cuando Cuando Cuando ko. Ngayon nakita nila, sumakay ng jeep. Bumaba tapos sumakay ng tricycle. Bumaba. Tapos sumakay ng bus.” (I had her searched by the Cuando Cuando Cuando. They saw her ride a jeep. Hopped off and rode a tricycle. Hopped off. Then a bus.)

Nothing follows. Either YayaDUB slipped through the cracks or the Cuando Cuando Cuando isn’t that efficient at searching people. Lola Nidora got even more nervous for the little info that Donya Tinidora brought at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Donya Tinidora resumed the search herself. Leaving her sisters to go on their Sugod Bahay errand.

After the Sugod Bahay errand. Lola Nidora finally got in touch with YayaDUB. According to Lola Nidora, YayaDUB bought a gift. And it took her three rides to get there. No mention though where it was. Lola Nidora just left her a reminder. “Sana umabot ka. Aalis na kami rito.” (I hope you make it. We’d be out of here in a bit.) She somewhat scolded YayaDUB for not informing them where she went for Alden’s birthday gift for the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

Well, it may not have been the party that YayaDUB planned for Alden. But it’s where the lavish part of the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode meets expectations. The rant below fitted Lola Nidora’s statement to her sister, Donya Tidora. “Puro hitsura kasi ang iniisip mo.” (All you ever thought of are your looks.) She carried a little plastic bag containing their gifts for Alden’s birthday. Lola Nidora asked if it’s already enough.

For Donya Tidora, it’s fine. “Okay na yan. Hindi halatang tira-tira natin nung Media Noche.” (That’s okay. It isn’t obvious that they’re leftovers from the New Year’s Eve dinner.) Lola Nidora found the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode as convenient. “Maganda talaga pag ang birthday mo kasunod ng New Year. Siempre yung regalo mo galing sa mga pinaghandaan.” (It’s really advantageous when your birthday falls after New Year’s Day. Of course your gifts come from the previous festivities.) YayaDUB got the lavish part of the surprise covered.

Alden met them on their way in. They gave their birthday messages to Alden. Lola Nidora has seen for herself anyway how noble Alden is. “Maswerte ang babaeng mamahalin mo.” (The woman whom you’ll love is very lucky.) The moment she addressed Alden as “manugang” (son-in-law), the crowd went wild. She was quick to backtrack in less than a minute. “Practice lang.” (Just practicing.) That’s when Alden noticed that the Kalye’s Angels are not complete. “Nasan po yung isa pa po ninyong kapatid?” (Where is your other sister?) Lola Nidora brushed off Donya Tinidora’s absence at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Kasama namin. Hindi lang namin siya nakikita.” (She’s with us. We just don’t see her.)

Lola Nidora asked to be led to the main stage while waiting for YayaDUB’s surprise. The dabarkads were seated close to the audience. Then the grannies left Alden to set the stage for YayaDUB’s surprise. The camera then went to show YayaDUB/Maine Mendoza by the gazebo. YayaDUB wore again the red dress that she wore at the ALDUB EB For Love episode. Divina a.k.a. YayaDUB a.k.a. Maine Mendoza then sang “The Closer I Get To You”. She sang as she walked from the gazebo to the backstage to the stage where she sang to Alden’s standee. Alden then appeared from behind the standee. As they walked to the stage.

Alden’s comment could be heard away from the mic. “Kelan ka pa naging singer? Singer! Singer!” (Since when did you become a singer?) Alden repeated his question after YayaDUB’s song. “Ngayon lang dahil birthday mo. Batiin muna kita ng happy birthday.” (Just now because it’s your birthday. Let me greet you first a happy birthday.) The crowd present at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden then screamed in unison. “Kiss!” Lola Nidora’s hawk eye glare then surfaced.

YayaDUB then addressed him as “Syokoy” (Merman) at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.. The grannies didn’t know why. But she went with her birthday message to Alden. “Isang karangalan talaga na makilala kita. And siempre maging parte ng buhay ng isang Alden Richards.” (It is really an honor to meet you. And of course to be part of the life of one Alden Richards.) Alden could only comment to downplay the hype of being THE Alden Richards. “Grabe siya.” (Damn.)

YayaDUB continued in a way that made the audience think. “Alam mo yung pangarap mo, pangarap ko, pangarap nating dalawa, sabay nating binubuo. Isipin mo sa dinami-dami ng tao sa buong mundo o dito na lang sa Pilipinas, tayong dalawa pa yung pinagtagpo ng Diyos.” (You know your dreams, my dreams, the dreams of the two of us, we formed them together. Think how many people are there in the world or here in the Philippines, we were brought together by God.) Could this be YayaDUB talking? Or Maine Mendoza slowly breaking character at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode?

Alden then asked her. “Alam mo kung bakit? Kasi we’re MAINE TO BE.” (You know why? Because we’re MAINE TO BE.) She tried to continue despite Alden’s attempt at another pickup line at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Nagtagpo tayo para tuparin ang pangarap nating dalawa. Siguro dahil birthday mo, sobrang saya mo. And I’m happy for you, Den, na masaya ka. Sa dinami-dami ng pagsubok na dinaanan mo. Sa dinami-dami ng sakripisyo na ginawa mo sa mga taong mahal mo sa buhay. Eto na. Eto na yung pinahihintay mo. Lahat lahat. Nasa harap na natin. Ang dami nang blessings. And ako, happy ako talaga for you. Ang maganda kasi sa yo is hindi mo nakakalimutan kung saan ka nanggaling. Kaya simula Laguna Boy, tingnan mo yung kasikatan mo. Nakaabot na sa iba’t ibang parte ng mundo.”

(We were brought together to fulfill our dreams. Maybe you’re overjoyed now because it’s your birthday. And I’m happy for you, Den, because you are happy. For all the trials that you have gone through. For all the sacrifices that you did for your loved ones. This is what you have been waiting for. All of it. It’s already in front of us. There are so many blessings. And me, I am really happy for you. The good thing about you is you never forgot where you came from. From being a Laguna boy, look at how famous you are right now. You have even reached various parts of the world.)

Alden chose to share the credit with YayaDUB. “Tayo yun.” (That’s us.) Alden is referring to the global phenomenal success he achieved as one-half of ALDUB. YayaDUB continued in her ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode message. “Pero kahit anong mangyari, siempre. Lagi mong tatandaan na andito lang ako for you as ka-love team mo. At siempre bilang kaibigan. God gave me you.” (But whatever happens, of course. Always remember that I am here for you as your love team partner. And of course as your friend.) That’s when YayaDUB started sounding more like Maine Mendoza in acknowledgment of Alden as her love team partner. Alden hugged her.

YayaDUB then explained her performance at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Yung kaninang ginawa ko, hindi DUBsmash yun ah. Ngayon lang ako kumanta sa harap ng maraming tao. Mga magulang ko, hindi ako napapakanta eh. Dahil birthday mo, para sa yo, ginawa ko.” (What I did awhile ago is not DUBsmash. It’s my first time to sing in front of a crowd. My own parents can’t even make me sing. Because it’s your birthday, for you I did it.) Alden held her hand. “Ang lamig nga ng kamay mo eh.” (Your hand is so cold.)

The crowd was then urging Alden for a kiss. YayaDUB was wary of Lola Nidora watching them. The crowd’s request went louder. It got Lola Nidora thinking. Lola Nidora approached Alden due to insistent public demand for a kiss. “Sabi ni Maine, birthday naman daw. Kiss daw.” (Maine said that it’s Alden’s birthday anyway. A kiss.) Alden then kissed … Maine’s hand. Lola Nidora approves. So YayaDUB/Maine [depending on which point of view you’d rather pick] finished her ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode message. “Ang dami pa nating pagdadaanan. Tayong dalawa. Sana wag kang magbabago.” (There is still a long way for us to go. The two of us. I hope that you’d never change.)

Maine/YayaDUB then prodded Alden to sit down for awhile. The combo package surprise is next for Alden to sit down and watch at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. The That’s My Bae Finalists came out to set the tone for … Alden’s clone. Or impersonator. He wore an Alden Richards mask and tribal gear. It was a throwback to the days of Richard Faulkerson Jr.’s stints in male pageants. Richard Faulkerson Jr.’s old photos as a pageant veteran ran in an inset slideshow screen. The impersonator then unmasked himself and revealed himself as Jose Manalo.

Jose then started with the usual Mr. Pogi opening line. “Gulat kayo ano? Ako po ang Mr. Pogi ng Laguna. Richard Faulkerson. At naniniwala po ako sa kasabihan. Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga. Balang araw makikita rin kita.” (Surprised, aren’t you? I am the Mr. Pogi of Laguna. Richard Faulkerson. And I believe in the adage – If there is an effort, there is a meal. Soon I will find you.) [“Nilaga” is often referred to as a meal in the adage anyway.] He then pointed to his removable tattoo that read “DUB”. Jose then walked a little faster back to where he appeared. Donya Tidora tried to stop him. “Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! San ka pupunta?” (Where are you going?) Jose then admitted the minor discomfort in his tribal gear at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Maginaw po.” (It’s chilly.)

Alden then explained this tribal throwback part of YayaDUB at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Nun po kasing sumali ako ng pageant, nag-talent po ako. Wild Boys. Ganyan. Ganyang-ganyan ang suot ko.” (When I joined a pageant, I presented my talent. Wild Boys. [dance number featuring Duran Duran’s hit single]) Donya Tidora sked Alden. “Nanalo ka ba?” (Did you win?) Alden replied. “Yes naman, lola.” Jose then saw the “syokoy” photo. “Wow! Bumigay ka dun ha?” (You really went all out [with your head gear].) Donya Tidora and Lola Nidora then understood the “syokoy” reference.

Donya Tidora then scolded YayaDUB for wearing the red dress again. “Ano ka ba naman, Yaya? Bakit yan na naman ang suot mo?” (What are you thinking, nanny? Why did you wear that again.) YayaDUB’s response was practicality. “Wala naman po sigurong masama na mag-ulit ng damit. Pero naman po kasi, kesa naman bumili ako ng damit, tinago ko na lang po. Pang-surprise po kay Alden. Yun po yung ginamit ko.” (I don’t see anything bad with repeating clothes. Instead of buying a new dress, I just kept it. For surprising Alden [at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode].)

[Note to Haters: So what if she repeats clothes? Refusing to wear a dress just because it’s been worn before on live TV is one of the shallowest practices ever. A celebrity is a celebrity is a CELEBRITY no matter how many times she wears a dress. A stark contrast to the starlets who have refused to repeat outfits whether they can afford that lifestyle or not. JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE AN IMAGE TO MAINTAIN. Frankly, that’s bollocks. Besides, this is consistent to the current plot of the fall of the House of De Explorer. You know who you are.]

YayaDUB then set the mood for the next surprise. It was a brief VTR of her main gift at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Eto! Ngayon ko lang ‘to gagawin buong buhay ko. Ngayon lang ako magbe-bake ng cake para sa tao. Ni nanay, tatay ko, kapatid ko, yung kapitbahay namin, yung ex-boyfriend ko. Hindi ko pinag-bake ng cake. Siempre birthday ng Pambansang Bae, Alden Richards. Since 24th birthday niya, ito na yung tamang panahon. Ang cake na gagawin ko para sa ating Pambansang Bae ay tinatawag kong Mainebow Cake.”

(This! This is the first time that I would ever do it in my entire life. Only now will I ever bake a cake for someone. Not ever my Mom, Dad, siblings, my neighbor, [not even] my ex-boyfriend. None of them received a cake that I baked myself. Of course, it’s the Philippine National Bae’s birthday. Alden Richards. Since it’s his 24th birthday, this is the right time. The cake that I am about to bake for our Philippine National Bae is called The Mainebow Cake.)

The clip showing Maine Mendoza baking the eponymous Mainebow Cake revealed the not-so-hard trick to make a cake display the rainbow colors upon slicing. 7 different servings of food coloring to comprise of 7 different layers. She then topped it off with icing and served at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden. The finished cake was rolled in by Donya Tinidora. Maine found the cake that she baked below her own expectations. “Hindi siya ganun kalinis. Pero ginawa ko para sa yo.” (It’s not that neat. But I did it for you.) It was small enough to be personalized for Alden’s pleasure.

YayaDUB told her that the candle-blowing will commence later to give way to more surprises. The VTR roster of messages then rolled in. First was from Alden’s adviser from Paco Catholic School, Mrs. Theresa Yanesa. She describe Richard as one fond of writing poems. He also kept his hair in place with so much gel. Then from the fan club who had been with him for several years now, the Aldenatics. Jennylyn Maniego spoke in behalf of the Aldenatics in the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode message.

Of course. Mr. Richard Faulkerson Sr himself was among the well-wishers in the VTR. “Kaya tinawag ko rin siya na ‘junior’, yung lakad namin. Yung body movements namin maski nakatalikod. So nandun yung pagkapareho namin. Saka siempre, kita naman eh.” Even Alden’s sister, Riza Faulkerson, was in the VTR too. She described her brother as one who’s funny at home. He would take out his family on movie night during his free time. Alden’s real-life granny, Lola Linda Peralta, was in the VTR too. “Perfect siyang apo. At perfect din siyang anak.” (He’s the perfect grand-child. And the perfect child.) Alden was her constant companion in going to church as revealed in the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

After the VTR message at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. YayaDUB braced Alden for guests about to arrive. It got Alden nervous thinking of who could possibly show up. The middle entrance door opened showing Alden’s friends from his secondary school alma mater, Colegio de Santa Rosa de Lima. Most of them were his teachers and advisers. Alden hugged his former teachers. Once he saw his former high school classmates, he was up and about. Everyone was extra happy especially once he started jumping around their presence. Alden ended up looking like a kid again.

Classmates way back in kindergarten and elementary were present in the crowd too. And Alden greeted them not in a formal way but in happy hugs that demonstrated “Where the hell have you been all this time?” It felt like a campus reunion on national television. When one of the former teachers was asked to speak, Ma’am Gina did not mince her words. “May ibubuking po ako tungkol kay Alden.” (I have something to reveal about Alden.) And everyone listened as Alden started getting nervous again.

“Sa totoo lang po, noong elementary yan, hyper. Pag gusto po niyang tumayo, gumala sa loob ng room, kukuha po yan ng walis. Maglilinis. Kunyari po magja-janitor. And then nung high school naman po, bilang guidance counselor din po niya ako. Pag haircut inspection, hinahanap po namin yan ng adviser niya. Natatagpuan po namin siya sa CR. Kasi ayaw po niyang magpagupit. Gusto niya yung mataas na mataas. Yung may patilya. Pero bagay naman po sa kanya.”

(Truth be told, when he was in elementary, he was so hyper. Whenever he wanted to stand up, to roam the room, he’d pick up the broom. He’d clean. He’d pretend to be the janitor. And then in high school, I was their guidance counselor. Every haircut inspection, we would start looking for him of his adviser. We would find him by the comfort room. [Comfort room or CR is local jargon for the toilet.] Because he didn’t want a haircut. He wanted his hair stiffened high. With sideburns. But it looked good on him anyway.)

She then ended her speech in behalf of the student body. “Happy birthday in behalf of Colegio de Santa Rosa de Lima. Mga taga-Santa Rosa. Yung stability ng kanyang career ay mag-stay. And stay grounded.” Alden appreciated getting “busted” for his childhood antics at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Hence a nice transition to the next people to greet him at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

The next person to speak was his friend for the longest time in his 24 years of existence, Dan. “Hello everyone. I am Dan. Magkakilala kami nito since birth.” (We know each other since birth.) Alden even tested Dan’s understanding of his own speech at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Ano yung birth?” Dan replied. “Since pagkapanganak.” The running joke is that they’ve been friends since they were zygotes.

Dan continued his birthday message for Alden. “Kaming mga friends ko, yung ibang mga friends namin parang tingin sa kanya, bully. Sobrang bully.” (Me and my friends view him as a bully.) Alden denied his “bully” past at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Hoy! Hindi ako bully! Dito lang oh. Ganda oh.” (I’m not a bully. I just bully him. [Pointing at one of his childhood friends behind him[.) Dan continued. “Growing up with Alden, nakita ko kung gaano kalaki yung puso niya para sa pamilya niya. So ang wish ko lang sa kanya for this birthday, good health and more time to spend with yourself and your loved ones. Yun yon.” (I saw how big his heart is for his family. So my birthday wish is good health and more time to spend with yourself and your loved ones.)

The moment Alden realized the next friend to give him a birthday message, he had [to put it mildly] mixed emotions. You then realize why school reunions are the best way to unleash nostalgia. “Dios ko, Phil Que Abregana.” [Not sure if I got Alden’s friend’s name right in our ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode recap.] He had some sense of humor too. “Wazzup, Ritward?” Alden knew one of the amalgams of his childhood nickname. “Long time no see.”

Phil then tried to be serious. ‘Musta, ‘Chard? Lakas mo na ngayon ah. Dati Ginoong Santa Rosa ka lang. Ngayon Pambansang Bae ka na.” (Howdy, ‘Chard? You have gone big time. You used to be Ginoong Santa Rosa. Now you’re the Philippine National Bae.) Alden could only “tap” him on the cheek though. His friend continued. “Wish you all the best kahit parang nakuha mo na lahat. Pa-cheeseburger ka naman.” (Wish you all the best even if it seems like you’ve got it all. Treat us to some cheeseburger.) Alden then offered a treat to McDonald’s. “Kita tayo sa McDo.” Before he gets carried away with his sarcasm, he finished his birthday speech. “Well, nice to see you again, bro.” Alden hugged one of his most memorable friends among those who arrived at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

And since Alden had been poking the guy in the white polo in between birthday messages. He prompted him to give a speech at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode too. “Yung naka-white! May speech yan!” (That guy in the white shirt! He has a speech too!) Mutual friends conspired to put him in front. Alden egged on his chubby friend. “Gusto mo ng exposure? Ayan! Exposure! Oh, mag-catwalk ka pa kung gusto mo. Speech!” (You want exposure? There! You might even want to catwalk your way.) Donya Tinidora noticed how pristine white Alden’s friend’s shirt is. “Alden, pari yata yang kaklase mo eh.” (Your friend looked like a priest.) Alden’s friend replied. “Hindi po. May inatenan lang po akong binyagan.” (No. I just attended a chistening.)

Alden then informed everyone the level of closeness to his friend. “Walang araw yata na hindi ko pinuna ang hitsura niya sa school. Pengeng speech. Me misa ka pa mamaya.” (There is not a day that I didn’t poked fun at his appearance in school. Come on, give me a speech. You still have a mass to officiate later.) And so he revealed. “So classmate ko po siya since Grade 2. Kasi po pag-transfer po niya sa school namin, medyo kakaiba po yung surname. So tinanong ko siya.” (He’s been my classmate since Grade 2. When he transferred to our school, his surname sounded different. So I asked him.)

Alden tried to push the latter’s buttons further at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Actually crush niya po ako nung ano … Hindi lang niya inaamin.” (He has a crush on me since … He just can’t admit it.) His friend managed to continue despite the brief interruption. “So ang wish ko lang po sa kanya, ipagpatuloy mo kung ano ang gusto mo. Yung mga friend mo, kami, lahat, we’re all here to support you. So ayun. God bless and God grant all the desires of your heart. So agree po ba kayo? Gumawa ng sariling show?” (My wish for him is continue what you wanted to do. Your friends, us, all of us, we’re all here to support you. So there. … Do you agree? I ended up hosting my own show?) The crowd agreed. Alden was so happy that friends are still the same old cheerful [and sardonic] guys that he met in school. “Guys, grabe kayo.” (Y’all guys.)

It was a rowdy surprise from his school friends that revealed his campus side. With friends like that, everything will really turn out fun for the kid also known as Richard Faulkerson Jr. The commercial break served as a welcome respite for Alden to reconnect with his old pals off-cam. One can only imagine how the sardonic humor would be amplified backstage. In short, he already knew where to get that same comic talent in the following weeks after the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

After the commercial break. Lola Nidora pulled Alden aside. “May hihilingin sana ako sa yo. Gusto kong makilala ang balae ko. At magiging masaya ako kung maipakikilala mo si Yaya kay Daddy Bae. Puede ba yun?” (I’d like to ask you something. I’d like to meet my “balae”. And I will be happy if you would introduce nanny to Daddy Bae. Is that possible?) [“Balae” is what an elderly person calls the parents of his/her son-in-law or daughter-in-law.] Alden didn’t think it would be possible at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Eh nasa bahay po eh.” (But he is at home.) Apparently, Lola Nidora knew better.

Later, “Daddy Bae” Richard Faulkerson Sr. appeared from behind while singing “Ngiti”. Upon coming on stage, he joins Alden to duet at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. They sing together while fighting back tears. Too bad the song was cut short. Then again, it gave Mr. Faulkerson time to give his son a birthday message live. “Simple lang ang message ko sa kanya.” (My message to him is just simple.) Alden interrupted him though. “Wag kang iiyak. Iyakin din ito eh.” (Don’t tear up. He easily cries too.)

Mr. Faulkerson then simplified his message. “Ang wish ko lang good health. And yung humility, wag mong tatanggalin sa pagkatao mo. All the best. We love you.” (I wish you good health. And never remove humility from your personality.) Father and son embraced each other. Then Alden remembered Lola Nidora’s request at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden. “Dad, sandali. Bago ka umiyak, may ipapakilala ako. Dad, ito po si Maine. Maine Mendoza po.” (Wait. Before you cry, I have someone to introduce to you. This is Maine. Maine Mendoza.) Alden also revealed that Maine had been itching to meet “Daddy Bae” in person.

In the midst of his hyperactivity and nostalgia. Alden braced himself for his birthday thank-you speech. With memories flooding in that are good, bad and awkward. Alden cried again as he tried to thank everyone who made the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.. “Hindi po ako nakaranas ng birthday na ganito ka-special. Thank you po sa lahat ng nag-isip. Maine, thank you. Ma’am Jenny, sa lahat ng writers. At saka kay Mr. Tuviera. Kanina pa po ako nagpipigil. Pero thank you po. Asahan nyo po na pagbubutihin ko po ang pagpapaligaya sa inyo. Hindi ko po inakala na mararating namin ito. Bossing, thank you po. Sinama nyo po ako sa My Bebe Love. At sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa akin. At saka sa Mommy ko. Ma, kung nasan ka, sana masaya ka. Kasi para sa yo to eh. Lahat para sa yo. Thank you po. Maraming salamat.”

(I never experienced a birthday bash this special. Thank you to everyone that brainstormed. Maine, thank you. Ma’am Jenny and to all of the writers. And to Mr. Tuviera. I’ve been trying to hold it together since awhile ago. But thank you. Count on me to keep on entertaining you to the best of my abilities. We never expected to go this far. Bossing [Vic], thank you. For including me at My Bebe Love. And to everyone who loves me. And to my Mommy. Mom, wherever you are. I hope you’re happy. Because all of these are for you. Everything for you. Thank you very much.)

Maine then tried to calm Alden down. It was the good kind of breakdown at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. But it didn’t stop her to try in cheering Alden up. “Eto. Para mapa-smile ka. Tikman muna natin yung cake na ginawa ko.” (Here. So that you’d smile again. Let’s taste first the cake that I baked.) Alden then tried to compose himself to personally thank Maine for everything. Maine then started looking for the cake slicer. “Teka lang. Wala yung panghati. Yaya?” (Wait. Where’s the slicer, nanny?) When the nanny is looking for another nanny, who could possibly come out of the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode?

Out came Alden’s “other yaya”. The PA he calls “Mama Tenten”. She carried the cake slicer while wearing YayaDUB’s polka dotted apron. Alden personally introduced her to the audience. “Eto po si Mama Ten. Since nag-start po ako, wala pang showbusiness. Nagpa-pageant pa lang po ako, kasama ko na siya. 8 years na po kaming magkasama. At 8 years na rin po akong sawang sawa na sa mukha niya. Pero alam mo, ma, bigyan mo ako ng message ngayon. Kasi po, every time na hinihingan ko siya ng message, tinatanong ko po siya kung love niya ko. Lagi niyang sabi hindi. Napipilitan lang daw siya sa akin sumama. Hello? 8 years? Napipilitan ka lang? Pahingi namang speech.”

(This is Mama Ten. She’s been with me long before I got into showbusiness. I was still a contestant at pageants then when she was with me. We’ve been together for 8 years. And I’ve been enduring her face for 8 years now. [Hahahaha.] But you know, give me a [birthday] message now. Because every time that I’d ask for a [birthday] message from her. I’d ask her is she loves me. She’d always say no. That she’s just forced to tag along with me. Hello? 8 years? And you’re just forced? Give me a speech.)

Allan K made a side comment with Alden’s revelation at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Ilapit mo nga dito nang makrompal.” (Bring her over here for me to knock some sense into her.) Mama Ten then gave Alden wish for the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Happy birthday. Sana wag kang magbabago. At saka salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa kanya at saka kay Maine.” (I hope you won’t change. And thank you to everyone that supports him and Maine.)

Alden then remembered doing the crucial thing at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. “Sandali. Hindi pa ko nakakapag-thank you kay Maine. Alam nyo, pagkatapos ng Eat Bulaga kahapon nandito siya. Tapos yun pala yung shoot na sinasabi niya sa akin. Tapos hindi niya sinabi na meron pala siyang pine-prepare na something special. Maine, thank you. Alam mo, sa lahat ng mga naging ka-love team ko, isa ka sa mga pinaka-special. Saka thank you sa effort. Thank you sa pasensiya pag sobrang makulit ako. At saka sana walang magbabago. At saka ALDUB You forever.”

(Wait. I haven’t thanked Maine yet. You know, after Eat Bulaga yesterday, she’s here. Then she told me the shoot that she was already preparing for. She didn’t tell me that she was preparing something special. Maine, thank you. Among all of the love team partners that I’ve had, you are one of the most special. And thank you for the effort. Thanks for being patient with me when I am too hyper. And I hope that nothing changes. And ALDUB You Forever.)

Maine is trying to be composed by focusing on slicing the cake she baked for Alden at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. She looked overwhelmed herself. She didn’t feel like adding anything to the birthday speech she already gave to Alden though. With this, Alden then remembered to thank GMA Network. “Thank you din po pala sa GMA. Atty. Felipe Gozon. Mr. Duavit. Mr. Yalung. Ms. Lilibeth Rasonable. Ms. Anette Gozon po. Thank you so much.”

Maine displayed a slice of the layered cake that she baked. The colors where vibrant enough to be seen onscreen. Another trend in the making from the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Alden and Maine shared the cake at the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Everyone almost thought the doves will follow. Lola Nidora almost got nervous. Then everyone remembered that it’s not yet a wedding. The ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode ended with a simple truck horn heard honking at the background.

Overall, the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode featured one of the celebrity birthday bash parties that you don’t see that often on national television anymore. It focused on the person, not the celebrity. The part of Alden’s life that is “too light” to include in drama anthologies like “Magpakailanman”. And most viewers thought they already knew everything about Alden due to the “overexposure” brought by this ALDUB hype. The audience discovered who his friends are. And how they find more common ground with Alden’s friends at Eat Bulaga (especially Mr. Abregana; he has that Jerald Napoles vibe). It was memorable not only for Alden but for everyone that loves him too.

Now is the best time for you to follow Eat Bulaga on social media knowing how it would take forever for you to get over the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode. Like Eat Bulaga’s official Facebook page to relive the ALDUB Happy Bae Day Alden episode.

Frankly, Alden Richards clawed his way to showbiz relevance. For a stint that I see more as a break from making soaps. Eat Bulaga is where Alden Richards tasted the sweetest success. He’s also one of the few talents from GMA Artist Center that ended up securing a place in Eat Bulaga. In short, he deserved the success that he is sharing now with Maine Mendoza. There would be more episode recaps for sure that would show Alden’s continuous quest to prove himself.  So it would be great to have you like us on our official Facebook page, The Philippines Web. And follow us on Twitter @pinasamazing. We’d be expecting you.