The Second Monthsary: My AlDub Conversion Story

September 16, 2015 marks the second month of the moment that changed noontime TV and the lives of millions of people. I for one was changed because of what Yaya Dub and Alden showed on one sunny afternoon during Eat Bulaga's Juan for All segment, Problem Solving. I was never able to see the episode that day, but the story about a live "on screen kilig" got my wife curious. One time, she viewed the love team on TV the first time and she showed it to me. I was never interested then...

This is my conversion story, recalling how I got the AlDub fever differently than other men.

As I have mentioned above, I was not interested with Yaya and Alden, being romantic on air. I was never a fan of love stories or romantic movies. The time I'm able to watch them was with my wife, convincing me to watch so she never feels alone. I had occasional encounters of feeling kilig, but it only lasts until I see the credits roll in the end. I am never heartless, it's just that I am not into it. I am more of an intellectual spiritual anime guy and love was not much of a thing for me.

For over two months, yes, even as I write this entry, I am still amazed at how Maine and Alden influenced me the way I am now. I still ask myself at how it was possible for these two individuals to find their way into my heart and change my perspective in many ways. Some are questioning my habits, others are surprised with the manifestations I show in supporting the AlDub MaiDen love team.

Everything started on the July 20 episode, and it was a Monday. Things were busy as normal and it was lunchtime so me and my wife are eating our food while watching Eat Bulaga. We usually switch channels from 2 to 11 to see something interesting. From there, my wife mentioned of a sensation that's spreading in the airwaves and she switched the channel so we could watch Kalyeserye together. I saw what happened then and I was actually surprised that such a concept exists on Philippine TV; a story about a Yaya with a Lola, gracing the screen, and a dashing young man doing the moves on split screen. I was like, "Seriously?!" And seeing how things are turning out, I actually liked what I saw. It was funny, witty, and tastefully done. There was no dull moment, especially with JoWaPao around. There was nothing obscene or off. I had fun watching it. I felt nothing unusual yet, but I found myself smiling seeing how Yaya Dub reacts and moves. I thought she was truly unique, a presence that's one of a kind.

That evening, my wife backtracked the previous episodes over YouTube and I had to watch what she's watching because her face showed an expression I commonly see when she sees love stories. It was the July 16 episode: the day when everything began. Compared to what I felt earlier that day was totally different. When I saw Yaya Dub open her eyes when she saw Alden  looking at her on the split screen, I smiled just like her. Yes, right then and there, I somehow connected with Maine's emotions when she reacted differently. And my feelings were confirmed when the teasing barrage flew from Allan, Jose, and Paolo; not to mention Vic and Joey too, noticing that ounce of kilig with matching hiding of the face and the abrupt moving of the eyes, lips, and tongue. It was magic! I was awed with the sight of genuine emotions shown on air. Yes, my fondness to the loveteam started there. But that was never enough for me.

I wanted to know who Yaya Dub was, who she is, and why she became popular. Dubsmash is her forte. She had more dubsmash done than most individuals, and she even had some for over 1 million views due to her skills (so regardless if it's Kris Aquino she's acting on, she will still be famous anyway). She's born from a wealthy family, she graduated from a prestigious college with honors, and she loves eating street food.

But of the many things I found out that made me wanna follow her was her knack for good books and her passion for blogging (I am easily attracted to girls who have an excellent sense of grammar, who speaks and writes American English fluently). She has class, she's demure and yet she's not afraid to show her true self to anyone. She's not good at playing pretend and very sincere with her deeds and actions.

She does not mind looking ugly or feed on stuff that ordinary members of the society eat. She's far from most Class A's I could think of. Her parents and siblings are as humble as her and their wealth does not tarnish their pride or virtue as human beings. She plays the drums, she sings, she draws, and she can write poems. In a way, she's perfect but she does not mind getting dirty if time calls her to play such roles.

I guess that's why many people love her, including me, and my wife. Yes, some have digged her past and she may have follies like any other. But who are we to judge? What matters is that she's rising beyond her limits and now she has fulfilled her dream of being in showbusiness, as an actor. She received more than she deserved. She's darling and her smile could launch a million ships!

She takes time to thank her fans, does not worry of being tired answering questions over Ask.fm, gives effort to the people who follow her, and even creates videos to show gratitude to the fandom that supports her. She's not into bashing, she's a pluviophile, and loves music. She spends time with family and goes to Church on Sundays. She likes dogs and loves children.

There are so many things to like about her. And thinking about why I am a proud member of this fandom, even creating my own blog to share my thoughts and feelings, was because of her and how the AlDub love team influenced me for the many good things in the world.

And now that there's competition vyeing for the attention of the masses, I am the least worried. There's nothing that can compare to Alden or to Maine. That's a definite. After being a fan for over 2 months, I could never think of any reason to leave this God-given, fate-driven, love-stricken fandom! This may be for good and I don't mind sharing it to anyone.

My name is Josef Ray Dagatan, 32 years of age, happily married for nine years, a straight normal guy, and a proud member of the AlDub nation... And this is my conversion story.