At the ALDUB Stay Strong episode, Donya Babah constantly reminded Alden of his wedding to Cindy Kournikova. [That’s how I remember the Russian way it is spelled.] Alden still hasn’t dressed up and it’s already less than a few hours before the wedding itself. Alden was the image of the saddest groom ever. Even foundation was obviously absent on his flawless face. But it didn’t make him any less attractive.
Donya Babah made plans after the wedding. And she informed Alden about them too whether he approved it or not. Donya Babah was stuck in her bubble that Alden will be happy after the wedding. So she assumed that he will be happy upon learning that after the wedding. They will go and meet Cindy’s parents. That alone was odd at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Alden marries Cindy first before meeting Cindy’s parents? That’s how rushed this wedding is. Donya Babah basically “bought” a wife for Alden. Alden didn’t want to hear of the wedding anymore from his grandmother and walked away.
After Brian White’s live performance of “God Gave Me You” to plug his concert at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Donya Babah started looking for his “favorite grandson” again. That’s when her maids told her about a letter that arrived last Monday at the ALDUB Runaway episode. She almost scolded the maids as it might be an important message. Donya Babah glanced at the letter and realized that yes. It is an important letter. The letter was from the woman she called “Urzula”. It was the name Donya Babah called YayaDUB with.
“Dear Lola. Alam ko pong minsan sa buhay kayo, nagmahal din kayo ng totoo. Ang pagmamahal na inaasam nyo at kukumpleto sa buhay nyo. Maswerte po ang mga taong nabibigyan ng ganitong pag-ibig. Yung sa akin po, alam ko po natagpuan ko na. Pero alam ko pong mahal niya kayo katulad na rin po ng pagmamahal ko sa lola ko. Hindi ko po alam kung mamasamain nyo po itong ginawa ko. Pero susubukan ko na rin po. Ayoko pong dumating ang araw na magsisisi ako kasi hindi ko po naipaglaban. At natakot po ako na subukan ang kumatok sa puso ninyo. Ayoko pong ako ang maging dahilan para suwayin kayo ni Alden. Kaya nga po ako na po yung nagparaya. Masakit po. Pero kakayanin ko. Sa sulat pong ito, hihingi po ako ng isang pagkakataon sa inyo. Na hahanapin namin ni Alden ang kaligayahan namin. At nang malaman po namin kung kami ba ay para talaga sa isa’t isa. Maganda man po o hindi ang istorya namin, babalikan ko po ang araw na ito para ikwento sa mga magiging apo nyo na pinagbigyan nyo ang puso ng apo nyo at hindi ang yaman sa mundo.”
(Dear Granny. I know that once in your life, you attained true love. The love that you have been longing for and will complete your life.People who attain this kind of love are very lucky. For me, I have found it. But I know that he loves you in the same vein as that of my love for my granny. I don’t know if you will take my gesture negatively. But I will try. I don’t want the day to come that I will regret not fighting for it. And that I did not try knocking into your heart. I don’t want to be the reason for Alden to disobey you. That’s why I conceded. It is painful. But I will endure. In my letter, I will ask one chance from you. That we of Alden will find our happiness. And for us to know if we are really meant for one another. Whether our story turns out beautifully or not, I will recall this day to tell your future great grandchildren that you gave in to your grandson’s heart and not to the riches of the world.)
Donya Babah was visibly moved at YayaDUB’s letter. She only got to read it at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. She fought back tears fearing it would smudge off her ton of makeup. She was left to contemplate on the upcoming wedding now that YayaDUB chose to be humble and beg for her understanding.
Frankie Arenolli later arrived to meet Lola Nidora and Donya Tidora. He’s dressed in Lanvin at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. [Finally! An actual brand name! Never mind if it isn’t legit.] After getting forced to change his car due to an aborted grand entrance, he approached the grannies for any updates. Of course, they are not attending the wedding. Donya Tidora spoke against attending it. “Hindi kami pupunta sa wedding ano?” (We are not going okay?) Frankie’s enthusiasm is not matched by the grannies.
Lola Nidora supported Donya Tidora’s statement at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Frankie, totoo yan. Nasasaktan na nga si Yaya. Tapos pupunta pa kami dun? No.” (It’s true. Nanny is getting hurt. Then we’d go there? No.) Donya Tidora tried to ask Frankie’s feelings though. “Pano ka na, Frankie? Yung ‘friend’ mo na si Cindy, ikakasal na.” (What now, Frankie? Your “friend” Cindy is getting married.) Frankie tried to explain his thoughts in broken English. “You know I really really sad. Look at that I’m sad.” Bossing Vic Sotto found the broken English funny.
Frankie could have wooed Cindy if she wasn’t engaged. He revealed this in the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “You know if Cindy is single, I will make ‘ligaw’. But later on, she is double. So no more masayang araw. No more enjoy. No more ‘pasyal’. No more ‘Isla Puting Bato’.” In short, none of the dates would happen again. Frankie got somewhat emotional. Bossing Vic and Boss Joey had to comfort him at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode before he breaks down. Frankie’s English may be broken. But he really felt hurt. “Again I have loser.”
Bossing Vic tried to distract him from the pain. “That’s true. You have a top down then it rains.” It made Frankie feel worse at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Look at the sunshine. It’s coming again.” Just when he has replaced his top down SUV with a different luxury sedan, the sun shone again. Seems like even the weather does not like Frankie. The KalyeSerye commentator panel could only laugh it off.
The weather didn’t know whether to rain or to shine. It rained due to the collective sadness of the ALDUB Nation. But it reveled at the sight of Frankie distraught. And Frankie is starting to genuinely like Cindy. “Nagugustuhan ko na si Cindy. I love her and what’s wrong with me? I’m a good-looking man.” It made the KalyeSerye commentary panel laugh more. Senator Tito even noticed the howls among the Broadway Centrum audience at Frankie’s remark. Frankie claimed that the audience agrees with him. Bossing Vic then asked the audience himself. “Is he handsome?” The audience replied. “No.” Frankie replied in broken English again at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “You know? You’re all liar!”
Lola Nidora tried to comfort him at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Darating din ang sa yo.” (Yours will come soon.) At least there is no more bad blood between Lola Nidora and Frankie after Frankie learned of Lola Nidora’s duplicity at the ALDUB Against All Odds episode. Frankie’s drama wasn’t so noticeable though. “Hindi napapansin ang luha ko sa pawis ko.” (My tears get ignored due to my sweat.)
Lola Nidora then turned her attention to Donya Tidora. “Tidora, I want to talk to Alden.” Alden then appeared on the next monitor. Finally dressed up for the wedding he never wanted. But the slicked back hair and light foundation could never conceal a sad face. Lola Nidora complimented his outfit. “Bagay na bagay sa yo. Napakakisig mo sa suot mo. Sabi nga sa akin kahapon ni Yaya, salamat sa yo. Ilang beses mo rin pinatunayan sa akin ang katatagan mo.” (It fitted you well. You look very dashing in your outfit. Just like what nanny told me yesterday, thanks to you. You have proven your endurance to me several times.)
Lola Nidora then reminded Alden of his responsibility at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Ngayon ipakita mo ulit yang katatagan mo. Sana maintindihan mo si Yaya. Nadurog ang puso ko. Pero hindi yan pagsuko. Yan ay sakripisyo. Mahirap intindihin. Balang araw, maiintindihan mo rin yan. Alden? Maging mabuti kang asawa kay Cindy.” (Now show me again your endurance. I hope you would understand nanny. My heart was crushed. But it’s not giving up. It’s sacrifice. It’s hard to understand. Soon, you will understand. Alden? Be a good husband to Cindy.) It did nothing to quell Alden’s sadness at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Lola Nidora even had to confirm if Alden heard her right. He did.
YayaDUB was at a different part of the house. DUBsmashing Ella Mae Saison’s “If The Feeling Is Gone”. Alden replied with Luther Vandross’s “I’d Rather”. When YayaDUB DUBsmashed Agot Isidro’s “Sa Isip Ko”. Alden replied by DUBsmashing Hale’s “Kung Wala Ka”. Donya Tidora’s sobs were heard in the background as Alden and YayaDUB exchanged more tracks. Their exchange was interrupted by a rushing SUV at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode.
It was Donya Babah. She found it hard to get off her SUV due to an erratic child’s lock. Her Sigue Sigue Sprutnik bodyguards are not around. But her maids are with her at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. The sound of her voice got Lola Nidora up on her feet quick enough to anticipate the worst. To avoid another outburst, she calmed herself with her newfound yoga moves. She knew that Donya Babah still has control over the mansion. But she needed to calm down especially once Divina a.k.a YayaDUB is at stake.
Lola Nidora tried her best to sound civil towards Donya Babah. “Ano ang sadya mo?” (What are you here for?) Donya Babah was not her arrogant self. “May gusto lang akong linawin. I want you to understand. I want to talk with Urzula.” (I just want to clarify something.) The sisters replied almost in unison at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Wala si Yaya dito. May binili.” (Nanny is not here. She bought something.) Donya Babah said that she will wait.
Lola Nidora asked Donya Tidora to warm up her hands just in case. YayaDUB has conceded and now Donya Babah is here. Lola Nidora was suspicious. “Di ba kasal ni Alden ngayon?” (Isn’t it Alden’s wedding today?) If not for Donya Tidora holding Lola Nidora’s hand, a knuckle sandwich might have flown at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “At sinasabi ko sa yo ngayon, Donya Babah. Hindi dito ang simbahan. Baka naliligaw ka lamang.” (And I am telling you. This is not the church. You might be lost.)
Donya Babah waited for YayaDUB. Lola Nidora isn’t done with Donya Babah yet. “Pero kung gusto mong makausap si Yaya, antayin mo. Pero binabalaan kita. Sobra sobra na ang pananakit mo kay Ursula.” (If you would like to talk to nanny, wait for her. But I am warning you. You have hurt Ursula way too much.) She extended her hand at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. But Lola Nidora asked Donya Tidora to stop her before she loses her cool.
Donya Tidora had to turn Donya Babah’s attention away at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. So she called on Frankie for a formal introduction. Frankie joined in the Tupperware party in an effort to diffuse hot tempers. Lola Nidora repeated the warnings. Donya Babah had other concerns in mind as she covered her nose and mouth. “Mag-toothbrush ka naman ng kaunti.” (Brush your teeth even just a little.)
Soon YayaDUB was back. She paid her respects to Donya Babah upon arriving. Then handed her little pack to Lola Nidora. “Yan na yung pinabili ko sa yo. Akina yung toothpaste.” (There goes my little pack. Hand me over the toothpaste.) Donya Tidora muttered under her breath to Lola Nidora. “Mahiya ka! Kanina ko pa inano yan!” (You should be ashamed! Been telling you since awhile ago!) The ALDUB Stay Strong episode is one of the few episodes where Donya Tidora can cuckold Lola Nidora.
Frankie busted Lola Nidora further. “Kinakain mo lang kasi yung toothpaste. Di mo imumog eh.” (Problem with you is that you just eat the toothpaste. You don’t gargle it.) Upon regaining her composure, Lola Nidora told YayaDUB about Donya Babah. “Yaya, hinahanap ka nito. Mag-usap daw kayo.” (Nanny, she’s looking for you. She said she wanted to talk.) YayaDUB was hesitant knowing Donya Babah’s sharp tongue. But she relented at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode.
Donya Babah repeated what Lola Nidora said. “I want to talk to you personally.” Lola Nidora snapped at Donya Babah. “Yun na nga ang sinabi ko di ba?” (Isn’t that what I said right?) Donya Babah ignored Lola Nidora to emphasize how private the conversation should be. “Private moment only.” Lola Nidora was even more distrustful of Donya Babah because of this. “Dahan dahan lang. Makakatikim ka na ngayon, Donya Babah.” (Careful. You’d get into some experience, Donya Babah.) Donya Tidora had to remind Lola Nidora though. “Pinatikim mo na nga eh.” (She already experienced it.) Donya Babah had to cover her nose and mouth again to avoid another “dose” at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Bossing Vic comforted Donya Babah. “Mai-immune ka rin, Lola.” (You’d get immune in due time.)
It took some convincing for Lola Nidora to let YayaDUB talk to Donya Babah in private. Frankie consoled YayaDUB. “Okay lang. May anti-rabies ka naman.” (It’s okay. You’ve had your anti-rabies immunization shots.) Lola Nidora revealed the reminders she gave YayaDUB in case this encounter with Donya Babah happens at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Binilinan ko si Yaya. Isang pagkakamali niya lang, uppercut mo agad yan.” (I told nanny. That if she committed one wrong move, she’d dish out an uppercut to her.)
Donya Babah and YayaDUB talked without the microphones on. So the audience could only hear Frankie and the grannies talking at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode here. The KalyeSerye commentators could see Donya Babah as if she’s scolding YayaDUB. YayaDUB was at her meek self. Frankie was worried that Donya Babah would throw an elbow. “Sisikuhin yata!” (I think she’d strike with her elbow!) Bossing Vic corrected Frankie. “Hindi siko yan. Tuhod yan. Tuhod!” (That’s not her elbow. That’s her knee!)
Donya Tidora could only ask Lola Nidora what the conversation could be. She’s the one close to the corner where Donya Babah pulled YayaDUB aside. No avail. Later, Donya Babah was seen visibly upset. But she didn’t hit YayaDUB at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. She just bit a leaf from a nearby plant. Later she fed a leaf to YayaDUB too. Frankie suspected something. “Nagnganganga yata ito eh.” (I think she’s into betel nuts.) Then to everyone’s surprise at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Donya Babah hugged YayaDUB.
Senator Tito was hungry for updates. “Teka teka teka. Pengeng development.” (Wait wait wait. Give us some developments.) Bossing Vic interpreted it as something positive. “Mukhang nagkaayos.” (Looks like they got along.) Frankie had other thoughts. “Nagkasundo na sila sa kasal?” (They agreed on the wedding?) YayaDUB ate another leaf. Donya Babah then pointed at something as if telling YayaDUB to go. YayaDUB ran to the van towards the direction that Donya Babah pointed at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode.
YayaDUB left before Lola Nidora’s entourage realized. They called out to her, checking if she can still come back to clarify things. Both grannies ran to the street. Frankie tried to chase them with his car only to find it gone. Lola Nidora prepared for the worst at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Ano nangyari kay Yaya? Rogelio Rogelio Rogelio! Kunin ang chopper! Kunin ang cellphone!” (What happened to nanny? Get the chopper! Get the cellphone!)
Donya Babah was talking in the background. Lola Nidora had to ask her. “Ano ang sinabi mo kay Yaya? Alden ka nang Alden! Wala kang camera!” (What did you tell nanny? All you could say is Alden! The camera is not on you!) Donya Babah kept her lines while trying to get back to her SUV. Lola Nidora tried to stop her. But she almost had a seizure. She had to call on the Rogelio Rogelio Rogelio for her medication. Donya Babah took the opportunity to scamper. “I will go with my grandson.”
Once calmed down, Lola Nidora told the Rogelio Rogelio Rogelio to bring out the umbrellas. It was a problem as they are on their way to their Sugod Bahay errand. She then settled for the phone to check where YayaDUB had been. Donya Tidora trusted YayaDUB’s judgment call though as she pacified Lola Nidora. “Okay lang, ate. Alam na niya ang ginagawa niya. Matanda na si Yaya.” (It’s okay, elder sister. She knew what she’s doing. Nanny is old enough.) All they had to wait for is Bossing Vic to draw the number of the next Sugod Bahay winner.
After distributing prizes. Frankie went back to weeping for his lost top down. Lola Nidora tried to calm him down though. “Wag ka na ngang ano. Ang dami-dami na nating mga kinalulungkutan. Yung kasal. Yung auto mo. Alam mo kahit tayo’y nalulungkot, magpakasaya na lang tayo. Magpaka-good vibes tayo. Shot!” (Stop whining. We already have so much to be sad about. The wedding. Your car. You know even if we are sad, let’s just try to be happy. Let’s try some good vibes. Have some shots!) The closest they have to shots at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode though is mugs of coffee.
Frankie got his mug of coffee too for a toast with Lola Nidora and Donya Tidora. “Hindi pa ba tayo nagkaka-commercial dito?” (Haven’t we gotten an ad deal with Nescafe yet?) As they shared coffee at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Senator Tito suggested to Frankie. If Cindy is really getting married, why not go for Donya Babah? Frankie was against it. “Tito Sen, wag naman ganun. Ano naman ang hitsura namin?” (Not that suggestion please. Imagine how we’d look like together.)
Bossing Vic agreed with his brother’s suggestion. “Byuda yun.” (She’s a widow.) Frankie insisted against it. “Hayaan mo siyang mabyuda.” (Let her stay a widow.) The camera then panned over Donya Babah to convince Frankie further. Donya Babah was pacing around the living room. Boss Joey then guessed what’s on her mind at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “Tinitingnan niya kung ano yung mga mahaharbat niya.” (She’s checking which items can she take home.)
Alden then appeared on the monitor. He was still at the studio despite getting dressed for the wedding. Donya Babah then talked to him. “Aldrin, Aldrin, are you ready now my grandson?” Alden said yes. But could not help but asking Donya Babah. “Lola, matanong ko lang po. Anong ginawa nyo kay Yaya? Anong sinabi nyo sa kanya?” (Granny, just a question. What have you done to nanny? What did you tell her?) Alden doesn’t call YayaDUB anymore as “Maine” like in the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. [But when would he call her Divina?]
Donya Babah promised Alden to tell everything. But she had chest pains. “Sandali naninikip ang dibdib ko. Where is my Kargasok?” Senator Tito remembered Kargasok as an old type of medication. As Donya Babah waited for her Kargasok tea, YayaDUB was shown on the other monitor at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode on her way to where Donya Babah told her to go.
Later, Lola Nidora, Donya Tidora and Frankie tracked down Donya Babah. Doesn’t seem like it’s her mansion. Nevertheless, if they can’t make YayaDUB tell what Donya Babah told her, the grannies would ask Donya Babah herself at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Donya Babah welcomed them just the same. “Did you brush your teeth?” Lola Nidora replied. “Yeah already.” She kissed both grannies and excluded Frankie from the pleasantries.
Donya Babah shared her monitor with them to check on Alden. Donya Tidora liked Donya Babah’s other house. “Your house is very nice.” Donya Babah is proud of her property. “Of course we’re very very rich.” Frankie’s arrogance got the better of him. “Beautiful house. Like my garage.” Frankie is still moneyed compared to Lola Nidora as of the ALDUB Stay Strong episode though. But richer than Donya Babah? The story has yet to show that.
Frankie went straight to business. “I am here to say goodbye to Cindy. Where is Cindy?” Donya Babah said it would be addressed. “Later.” Donya Babah found it appropriate to have them all present in addressing Alden. She ran out of English pleasantries eventually. “Nahihirapan na akong mag-English.” (I am having difficulty with English.) Donya Babah then checked it Alden is still where he stood.
Donya Babah then started talking to Alden at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. She again addressed him as Aldren. “Aldren, are you there? You know that I love you very very much. Mahal na mahal kita, aking very very favorite na apo. And your future is very very good. But nakalimutan ko na meron ka palang sariling puso at isip. Akala ko maganda ang gagawin ko, Aldren.” (But I forgot that you have your own heart and mind. I thought what I would do for you is good.) This is where her voice broke.
Donya Babah then revealed her decision that she earlier told YayaDUB. “The letter from Urzula really opened my heart. Nabuksan ang puso ko ba. Naalala ko paano ang sakripisyo ng isang babae. Ang puso niya ay malakas, Aldren. At yun ang binuksan niya sa akin. Hindi ko yun nagawa noon. Sinubukan kong ipaglaban ang aking sarili.” (I remembered how the woman’s sacrifices can go. Her heart is strong. And that is what she opened up to me. I failed to do that before. I tried to fight for myself.)
In other words, Donya Babah married not for love but for responsibility. It was the family tradition that she tried to impose this time to Alden. “Ngayon nagsisisi na ako, Aldren. Masarap magmahal, Aldren. Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Magsimula kayo ulit ni Urzula. Pinapunta ko siya diyan.” (Now I regret it. It feels good to love. It’s not yet too late. Start anew with Ursula. I sent her there.) Alden’s smile broke out at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode.
Alden asked Donya Babah if she was serious. Donya Babah kept asking for Alden’s forgiveness at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. “I love you, my grandson.” Alden replied. “I love you too, Lola.” Lola Nidora was thankful to Donya Babah for fixing everything in time. She even imposed her newly-brushed breath. “Mabuti inayos mo na. Pero ayusin mo din si Cindy.” (Good thing you settled this. But settle Cindy too.)
Donya Babah promised to talk to Cindy at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode too. She would settle whatever business needs to settled. That was the root of the fixed marriage anyway. As Donya Babah waited for Cindy to come down. YayaDUB was shown at the other monitor racing to the stairs at the Broadway Centrum. YayaDUB then went for the first place where Alden would go anytime he’s sad or happy. The gazebo.
Donya Tidora was screaming so loudly. [Because the other screamer, Allan K, is absent.] Donya Babah complained. “Nakakabingi naman ito eh!” (She’s deafening!) Lola Nidora had to tap her hard to remind her of her legs. It might cause another MTRCB memo if unchecked. YayaDUB made it first to the gazebo. Alden sped up his walking to meet her there. Upon seeing YayaDUB, there is no turning back. They ran to each other at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode for that warm embrace they thought they have lost.
The ALDUB Nation saw Alden and YayaDUB reunited at the ALDUB Stay Strong episode. Donya Babah is more than happy to see her grandson smile again. Then again, Frankie is just as happy. Obviously, he has moved on from YayaDUB upon meeting Cindy. Frankie was bragging around having the last laugh as he watched YayaDUB and Alden in a round of embrace.
It was at this moment in the ALDUB Stay Strong episode when Cindy finally came out. She was already in her bridal dress. She tried to walk down the stairs. But she miscalculated her steps by the stairs and fell down. Frankie tried to catch her. But once the camera has panned over Cindy, she’s unconscious. Her head hit the stairs. Frankie tried to resuscitate her with some mouth-to-mouth. But Cindy regained consciousness before he could touch her lips.
The soap opera trope that the ALDUB Nation feared has already happened. But instead of Alden or YayaDUB, it was Cindy who allegedly contracted amnesia. She can’t remember who she is. She doesn’t recognize Donya Babah. Most of all, she doesn’t know Frankie. Even worse, she doesn’t speak Russian anymore. Lola Nidora called out for the medics. Frankie could only cry at losing another loved one. This time to amnesia. Cindy’s memory got a new beginning too. A clean slate that would mean no trouble anymore for Alden and YayaDUB.
Alden and YayaDUB has regained each other. Will Frankie regain Cindy as well? The Russian model who played the role of Cindy, Alina Bogdanova, has a potential of staying longer in Eat Bulaga. Either as the amnesiac Cindy or one of the mainstays/dabarkads. She is a quick study in improv. But which is closer to reality then. Tune in to Eat Bulaga. Monday to Saturday at noontime. Like Eat Bulaga’s official Facebook page to catch the ALDUB Stay Strong episode replay.
With instant solutions in place, does it include the lost ring and the mortgaged mansion? As of the ALDUB Stay Strong episode, it’s still deadlocked. And Lola Nidora almost lost her cool. She can endure Donya Babah’s bullying tactics. But once YayaDUB gets dragged into her bullying tactics, it’s fair game. But for how long? Until the first ALDUB film “My Bebe Love” gets aired? More episode recaps to come. All that is left for you to do is follow us on our social media accounts. Like our official Facebook page, The Philippines Web. And follow us on Twitter @pinasamazing. We’d be expecting you.
