Charisma, part 2: The AlDub phenomenon

One of the perks of working from home is the pleasure of taking breaks any time—especially during lunchtime, staying glued to my all-time favorite noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” I have always wondered what makes it such a huge success; they are celebrating their 36th year on the tube—longer than some marriages, unfortunately.

Like what I talked about in my previous column, on “The Power of Charisma”, the show's success has something to do with how they make people feel. It's a whole experience. The fantastic trio of Tito, Vic and Joey and their great mix of co-hosts make us laugh, cry, and give us a pleasant experience to savor each day. I just salute the hardworking team behind them too.

My husband (Coach Frankie Lim) and I sometimes find ourselves in tears, laughing at what some would call “kababawan.” We don’t care; it's such a lightening moment that we share. When you get the jokes (and mind you, you have to be quick to pick up their humor sometimes), you can’t just repeat it without breaking down in laughter first.

Part of the charm is the ability to go to the people deep in the heart of the barangays with the trio of Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros and Jose Manalo. They should also be applauded for what they go through, rain or shine. You see them sweat it out to try to bring fun and humor all the time.

Then I discovered the now infamous “Kalye-serye,” which started out as Q&A’s with the people in the barangay, helping them deal with life’s problems. Then came into existence a new character, Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) and her helper, Yaya Dub (Maine Mendoza). Yaya Dub doesn't speak; she only does dubsmashes with her animated face. And then Alden Richards shows up in the audience...and the phenomenon now known as AlDub is born.

AlDub is a hit, with the “kilig” factor of a love that can never be—a love forbidden by Lola Nidora and hindered by crass fashion victim Frankie Arinolli (Jose Manalo...sorry dad, same name!).

Against all odds

So why is AlDub a hit? Why is it striking a chord with people? Why is it trending? Why is it an Un-de-nia-ble, Cer-ti-fied Hit? For me, it's the charm and charisma these people have. It's their ability to make us feel good about ourselves by bringing us authentic joy without the need to bring other people down. These things are difficult to fake. It's as instantaneous as comic ability should be.

Then there's also the fact that Filipinos have a soft spot for the underdog. According to University of South Florida psychology professor Joseph Vandello, there have been several studies on why many people prefer underdogs to favorites. One finding is that people think the underdogs work harder. “We like to back the team that has its back against the wall, not because we like backing losers, but because we like to see a team beat the odds.”

Add to that the idea of Yaya Dub as Cinderella, controlled by Lola Nidora and in need of help from an outside force, her Prince Charming (Alden).

Some may argue that Yaya Dub is no Marian Rivera, that she is in fact the opposite of the “maputi, matangos ilong” idealized by many...but that could be exactly why people relate to her. Maybe like her, they too can find their Prince Charming, who will sweep them away from poverty so that they can live happily ever after. That is the Filipino pulse: ever in search of hope, love, laughter, a fairy tale ingredient of what can be possible.

Underdog or Cinderella, AlDub is a hit because of its unpredictability and chemistry, its story of finding love in unexpected places, of being rescued by Prince Charming, and the pure wit and humor that takes us out momentarily from the rigors of life. So the next question is… is there really a forever? — BM, GMA News

Next column: Dressing for success.

Olen Juarez-Lim, AICI FLC, is a certified Image, Etiquette, Civility and Protocol Consultant.

Do you have any questions for Ms. O about etiquette or improving your image? Send them to submissions@gmanews.tv!