Sharon Cuneta says she has ‘utmost respect’ for Maine Mendoza after ‘awkward’ EAT moment

Sharon Cuneta and Maine Mendoza. Images: Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta and @mainedcm

Megastar Sharon Cuneta clarified that she meant no disrespect to “EAT” mainstay Maine Mendoza when she mentioned the latter with Alden Richards during the variety show’s premier episode on TV5 last July 1.

Speaking to the press at a recent brand event, the veteran actress-TV host said that she only mentioned her upcoming film with Alden Richards which has the working title “A Mother & Son’s Story.”

“Ang sinabi ko lang naman may movie kami ni Alden, kasi they’re good friends,” said Cuneta, referring to her guest appearance on “EAT’s” debut on TV5. (What I only said is that Alden and I have a movie together, because they’re good friends.)

Richards and Mendoza, or “Yaya Dub,” comprise the highly popular “AlDub,” an amalgamation of their names which they collectively used during skits at the old “Eat Bulaga” segment, Kalyeserye. Their love team became so popular for many years that they even held a massive concert in one of the biggest concert venues in the country.

While their love team was only fictional, some fans thought that their pairing was real. Mendoza is set to marry Quezon City congressman Arjo Atayde later this month.

Some fans of Mendoza, however, appeared to have taken exceptions when Cuneta teased Mendoza with Alden during her EAT guesting, saying the veteran actress should have taken into consideration the fact that Mendoza is now engaged. Cuneta then congratulated Mendoza, but then she suddenly brought up her movie project with Richards.

“Maine, congrats ha. Nagshu-shooting ako ngayon [ng pelikula]. May kasama ako, ‘yung anak kong bago, ‘yung bago kong son. Pangalan niya [ay] Alden,” Cuneta told Mendoza, who would respond by congratulating Cuneta on the project.

(Maine, congrats. I’m shooting a movie now. I’m with someone, my new child, my new son. His name is Alden.)

For a second time, Cuneta congratulated Mendoza before uttering, “Hi, Alden. Nandito si Maine (Maine is here). Hi, Direk Nuel [Naval].”

The moment drew different reactions from netizens, with some describing the pair’s interaction as “awkward.”

Cuneta, during the interview with the media a few days later, addressed the issue once more. She said that she meant no disrespect to Mendoza, and that she’s happy about the TV host’s relationship with Atayde.

“Siyempre, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Maine, and she’s marrying Arjo. And, you know, I’m friends with Sylvia,” she said, referring to actress Sylvia Sanches, Atayde’s mother. “So, I’m very happy for them, very proud of them, very happy,” Cuneta added.

Mendoza and Atayde officially became a couple in December 2018, and in July last year, took their relationship to the next level when they became engaged. Last month, Atayde’s family visited Mendoza’s home for the pre-marriage practice of “pamamanhikan.”

Sharon Cuneta and Miel Pangilinan with InLife President and CEO Raoul Littaua, and Nina Aguas, Executive Chairperson of InLife.

During the event where Cuneta and daughter Miel Pangilinan were launched as brand ambassadors of an insurance firm, the Megastar said that having started in the entertainment business at a young age, she learned early on the value of hard work. She said this is possible because she put her trust in partners who she believed helped her hone her skills without fear holding her back.

“With a trusted partner that believes in our dreams, we can fearlessly pursue our passions and cultivate our own artistry. Let us embrace the spirit of artists and take courage to dream big.”

On the other hand, Miel said she shared her mother’s confidence in expressing herself and pursuing her passions without fear of judgment or making a mistake.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this movement that celebrates inclusivity and diversity,” said Pangilinan, who recently came out as member of the LGBTQIA community, with the support of her family and friend. EDV

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