Maine not afraid to get hands dirty
Maine Mendoza marks her third year in the longest-running noontime variety program, Eat,
Bulaga. She has evolved from the timid Kalyeserye character Yaya Dub, to a spontaneous, engaging host in the Sugod Bahay segment of Juan for All, All for Juan.
The 23 year old recalled that when she was just starting in the business, during the time when she did not do talking lines for three months and only communicated by dubsmashing songs on national TV, it somehow prepared her for the job ahead. She was able to observe how co-hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros, collectively known as JoWaPao, work together onscreen.
“At first, I was really nervous but they gave me enough time to absorb everything. It’s a big adjustment for me but I received a lot of help and good advice from the people I work with. They know when to intervene and to give support when I am having a hard time,” she said.
Mondays to Saturdays, Maine and JoWaPao are out in different barangays and other locations to deliver special gifts and cash prizes to a lucky dabarkad.
They’ve been out in the sun, crossed rivers and even traveled to remote places just to provide “isang libo’t isang tuwa” to the show’s loyal following.
Maine said that being out every day and meeting new faces from different walks of life were all new to her. “To be honest, I’m not used to this new environment but I love connecting with people. I want to know their stories and what they are going through.”
Jose and Wally noticed that she’s a natural and has her way of reaching out to people.
“You wouldn’t feel that she grew up from a different background. She is grounded, has empathy for others and is always willing to lend a helping hand,” Jose said.
Wally also shared that Maine is not afraid to get her hands dirty and would always pay attention to the people they interact with. “She’s open to new things. She’s not afraid to try anything and you’ll really feel that she’s enjoying this job. She loves hosting and she excels in it.”
Maine, on her part, said the people they meet made her re-evaluate what’s important in life and also taught her the value of hard work and to be grateful always.
“I learned that life is hard and sometimes extra difficult for some. I’ve seen the real picture and I realized that I am so blessed to have been given a complete family, supportive friends and a career. We all know that this blessing came by me so fast, so I try to be grateful always,” she said.