Alden Richards: 'Yaya Dub' is only girl in my life now

MANILA, Philippines – AlDub is my priority.

This is what Alden Richards said when asked on whether he feels like his personal life is taking a back seat due to his surging career during the press conference of the movie “My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore” on Wednesday.

The GMA-7 actor recently faced a social media controversy after Rich Ilustre, the director of noontime show “Sunday PinaSaya,” allegedly answered in the affirmative when a fan asked on Twitter if Alden and Julie Ann San Jose are currently a couple. However, according to a number of netizens, Illustre’s reply was edited.

Alden is one-half of AlDub, the popular “Eat Bulaga” love team with Maine Mendoza, who plays Yaya Dub in the Kalyeserye segment of the daily noontime show.

READ: BBC asks Alden, Maine: Are you both in love?

When asked about the issue, Alden said that he is currently single and that he is not in a relationship with Julie Ann.

“Hindi ka naman nambababae 'di ba?” a reporter asked.

“Hindi rin po,” Alden answered. This prompted Maine to quip, “Si Yaya.”

“Si Yaya lang,” Alden said.

“Si Yaya lang ang babae mo,” a reported said. “Opo,” the actor replied.

The 23-year-old actor said, "Yung focus ko po is nandito sa AlDub. As of the moment, I'm not entertaining any feelings towards anyone."

As for his relationship with Maine, Alden maintained that he and his Kalyeserye onscreen partner are very good friends, especially after they finally got to interact with each other following the “Eat Bulaga” special event “Sa Tamang Panahon” last October. They also worked together for their movie “My Bebe Love,” where they are paired up opposite lead stars Vic Sotto and Ai Ai delas Alas.

“We got to know each other. After 'Tamang Panahon,' mga isang buwan na rin 'yung nakakalipas,” he said.

Alden added: “Talagang ang masasabi ko lang po is nage-enjoy akong kasama siya, nage-enjoy ako na katrabaho siya... And I'm very comfortable with her.”

The 23-year-old actor said his focus is on AlDub.

READ: AlDub hashtag among Twitter's top trending topics in 2015

“Yung focus ko po is nandito sa AlDub. As of the moment, I'm not entertaining any feelings towards anyone,” he said, adding that he’s open to the possibility of a romantic relationship with Maine. “It's a matter of choice po e, and I choose to focus on what's happening now.”

Alden faced members of the entertainment media to promote “My Bebe Love,” an official entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. 

He considers it a dream come true, his biggest MMFF entry so far.

“Yung mga huling ginawang kong Metro Manila Film Festival na entries, parang hindi gano'n ka-essential yung role. Kumbaga, ito yung biggest MMFF entry ko kasi second lead kami ni Maine... This is a big chance for me,” he said.

“I've always dreamt po of doing a big film sa MMFF and I'm honored na kasama ko itong magagaling na artista sa tabi ko.”