Screenshot from BBC video
By NR Ramos/mb.com/ph – The popular tandem of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, otherwise known as AlDub, has been featured anew in a special report on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that aired Tuesday.
Filipino BBC World News anchor Rico Hizon discussed the impact of the tandem on various businesses, noting how the two are now most sought-after endorsers in the Philippines.
It enumerated the couples’ numerous TV commercials and print ads including multinational giants (McDonalds, Coca-Cola), telco/gadgets (Talk ‘N Text, O+), household products (Zonrox, Downy, Tide), food (Bear Brand Adult Plus, 555 Sardines, Datu Puti), clothing (Boardwalk, Bench), as well as beauty and grooming products (Rejoice, Hapee, Bench Fix, Snowcaps).
“By international standards, the sum total of their endorsements is paltry. No one would confirm how much they’re earning from these deals but it’s estimated to be little more than $200,000 (£132,600),” Hizon said.
Hizon also mentioned how the two became instrumental in the soaring ratings of noontime show “Eat Bulaga” of late, noting, “Since being featured in the show, the previously unknown couple have pulled in an average of 8.6 million viewers every day – a record rating for a Philippine lunchtime television show.”
In an interview with the two, Hizon asked both how they feel about their popularity.
“It’s very overwhelming,” said Mendoza. “I mean, everything that’s happening right now hasn’t sunk in to me yet… the mere fact that people are so engaged and drawn into this whole thing is unbelievable… the support and love our fans are giving us is amazing, they’re incredible.”
Richards shared, “Well, basically, AlDub is just an accident. Nobody planned this, nobody knew that it would turn out this way. Nobody knew that it would be this successful.”
When asked if the sweetness they express for each other onscreen are all for show, Richards, quipped, “What do you think?”
He was quick to add, however, “Whatever we have now, we’re just making the most out of it and we’re just having fun…”
Mendoza interjected, “No pressure… We’re not closing our doors anyway to what’s going to happen next between the two of us. We’re both single anyway.”
Richards, added, “So that possibility is possible.”
This is the second time the two have been featured on BBC News.
In an article by Heather Chen titled “‘AlDub:’ A social media phenomenon about love and lip-synching,” she discussed how the dynamic duo stirred interest in the local and international scene and broke online records.
“It isn’t just the local fans. US politicians and even alternative rock bands have declared their love for the show and its young stars,”
Chen wrote.
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