AlDub Update: First Date Episode Nearly Beats Pacquiao-Mayweather Television Record
Everyone knows that AlDub is popular, but Manny Pacquiao popular?
It has apparently reached that level.
The popular segment on the noontime show Eat Bulaga has been steadily gaining viewers over the past month or so, growing into a now-global phenomenon that is smashing records both on television and on Twitter. Now the crowning episode — the first ever date between star-crossed lovers Alden and Yaya Dub, which was broadcast last Saturday — is at a level only reached by the Philippines’ most popular athlete.
As GMA Network reported, the AlDub first date episode drew a 43.1 rating, a high for Eat Bulaga in 2015 and close to the level for the “Fight of the Century” back in May.
The report went on to highlight the numbers.
“Powered by the AlDub nation, the long-running noontime show posted a rating of 43.1 in Mega Manila according to AGB Nielsen, a new high for 2015.
“That number puts the 36-year-old program in rarefied air, as it has reached the level of Pacquiao fights.
“The pound-for-pound king’s last exclusive fight on GMA-7 against Chris Algieri last November drew 43.8 rating, less than a point above the AlDub number.
Pacquiao’s fight against Mayweather last May, which was simulcast over three different networks, drew a 28.4 rating on GMA-7, 12.7 on ABS-CBN, and 3.3 on TV5 – a total rating of 44.4. That was just 1.3 points higher than Eat Bulaga’s Saturday episode.”
The show is earning more than just ratings. The AlDub first date episode also blew up on Twitter, with more than 12 million tweets within a few hours of the episode airing. A number of other big moments in the couple’s history, including the abduction by watchful aunt Lola Nidora that resulted in their second-ever meeting, have also earned millions of tweets.
The attention has helped the AlDub saga gain fans outside of the Philippines as well. News outlets across Asia and even in the United States are starting to take notice, and Disney even polled fans about AlDub on their official Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/waltdisneystudiosph/photos/a.231757700933.171547.210226505933/10153823677790934/?type=3&theater
The saga is gaining popularity in Guam as well, including among the expatriot Americans living there.
The AlDub drama may not last forever, though. Some critics wonder how long Eat Bulaga will be able to keep up the level of interest, especially now that Alden and Yaya Dub have had their first date. The show is also facing a growing challenge from It’s Showtime, which is crafting an ongoing love saga of its own with the Pastillas Girl.
Though It’s Showtime is still solidly behind AlDub in the ratings (and the rabidness of fans), the Manila News noted that this may be changing. It’s Showtime has announced a free concert at the Araneta Coliseum for its fans, one expected to draw plenty of attention and viewers.
[Image via Facebook/Eat Bulaga]
