A decade has passed since Yaya Dub captured the nation’s hearts—and now, ten years later, the woman behind the iconic character is taking a moment to look back on the unexpected journey that forever changed her life.
In a heartfelt reflection shared on her milestone anniversary, Maine Mendoza—best known for her breakout role as Yaya Dub in Eat Bulaga’s wildly popular Kalyeserye segment—spoke about the whirlwind of fame, the lessons learned, and the quiet joy of choosing peace over the spotlight.
“Wow, can you believe it’s been a decade?” she wrote. “From a timid girl who inadvertently ended up in the spotlight to a (still timid) woman who embraces the steadiness of life.”
Yaya Dub was never supposed to be a star—but her silent expressions, lip-syncing antics, and electric chemistry with Alden Richards in the AlDub love team quickly turned her into a national phenomenon.
At the height of her fame, Mendoza found herself navigating a new world of cameras, fans, and fast-paced fame. But as she shared, her heart always longed for something simpler.
“When things felt overwhelming then, I found comfort in music,” she said, recalling how Michael Bublé’s Home helped her stay grounded amid the chaos. “I’ve always found myself seeking a place of silence and peace.”
While many expected her to ride the wave indefinitely, Mendoza chose a different path—one of mindfulness, purpose, and authenticity. “You bet, not everyone is after fame and the spotlight,” she wrote candidly. “What I had was a fleeting phase in my life.”
Still, she remains endlessly grateful to the fans and colleagues who stood by her through the highs and lows. “Thank you to those who stood by me from the beginning… for simply embracing who I am and all that I have to give.”
At the heart of it all, Maine credits Eat Bulaga and her fellow dabarkads for giving her a space where she could always return. “I have been blessed to have Eat Bulaga as my home,” she said. “It’s a big blessing not everyone gets to experience.”
A decade after Yaya Dub first graced the screen with wide eyes and witty charm, Maine Mendoza continues to be a testament to staying true to yourself—even in an industry that rarely slows down.
“Mula noon, hanggang ngayon. Maraming salamat, dabarkads. I will always be right here, in the place I call home.”
