I tried analyzing this phenomenal love team and kalyeserye based on the following critical theories:
·
The base of
Marxism is the relationship between the classes. Example is the
employee/employer relationship that can be
seen on the role of Lola Nidora and Yaya Dub. The kalyeserye also shows the
wealthy (ruling class) vs. the poor (working class) based on the following
instances:
o
Lola Nidora vs
Yaya Dub, this can be seen at the start of the kalyeserye, even before the love
team of Alden and Yaya Dub, Yaya Dub needs to follow Lola Nidora because first
and foremost Lola Nidora is her employer. Yaya Dub also has an “utang na loob”
because Lola Nidora serves as her grandmother after her parents left her under
Lola Nidora’s care. In return, it is now her responsibility to take care of the
old lady and follow her wishes, because she knows that “Lola Nidora only wants
the best for her”. These reasons, in a way affect every decision she does and will
do in her life.
o
Lola Nidora vs Alden, starting the day
Alden announce his intention to court Yaya Dub, Lola Nidora became the upper
hand, because Alden needs her permission in almost everything that concerns
Yaya Dub which is under her care and also her employee.
o
Lola Bhabha vs
Lola Nidora, when Lola Nidora was informed that she is indebted to Lola Bhabha
and Lola Bhaba can get the Explorers’ mansion anytime she wants, the situation
was reversed. Now, Alden with his Lola Bhabha is the ruling class.
·
The idea is a
reflection of reality
o
The main idea
that makes it successful is their digital relationship, their interaction
via the digital screen which represents the age we are in. Where instant
relationships via email, Skype or dating websites are becoming the norm in
finding true love. Also, for OFW and their love ones who are communicating via
the internet.
·
Places reality
over idealism
o The tamang
panahon tagline shows this. Despite their mutual understanding, the reality
is they still haven’t met each other personally (initially). However, it can
also be said that idealism are also shown in the show because they are
trying to show the audience of the supposed right ways and right time for
everything.
·
It gives
insight into everyday life
o
The dubmash
phenomena, the instant relationship, the digital advantages and boundaries are
all tackled in this kalyeserye.
b.
Feminist
·
Female characters prevail in the series.
Male characters are short-lived except to Alden.
·
The Explorer sisters: Lola Nidora,
Tidora and Tinidora are all accomplished and happy even without a man in their
life.
·
Yaya Dub is the first one to like Alden.
However, because she is a girl and a Filipina, it is Alden who needs to woe
her. Gender roles are clearly defined in the kalyeserye. Lola Nidora is a
typical conservative grandmother with lots of reminders to Yaya Dub. Despite of
living in the city and already in the modern times, duties are assigned by
gender. Alden should court Yaya Dub because he is the guy. He needs to follow
Lola Nidora because she is like the grandmother of Yaya Dub. Lola Nidora as an
elderly lady needs to be prim and proper and Yaya Dub is expected to follow her
example.
·
The joke of Lola Tidora (Paolo
Ballesteros) on the bouquet of flowers being a baby can be a maternal instinct
from the character he is playing which is an elderly lady. Even though simple
explanations can be rendered such as because of the shape of the bouquet which
is similar to a baby, being affectionate to a newborn child is a trait of a
woman.
c.
Structuralist
Cultural
practices can be seen in ALDUB such as Filipino customs, traditions and
beliefs. According to de Saussure, words,
he says exist primarily in relation to one another, before they exist in
relation to an object. The word ALDUB is the combination of ALDEN and YAYA DUB,
their relation to one another as a love team is the first thing that comes to
mind rather than their individual identity or real identity.
d.
Postmodern
ALDUB in a way is like a repetition of
the formula of Cinderella, Be Careful with my Heart of Sir Chief and Maya and
the likes. It has a light and feel good feeling. Its simplicity and "go with the flow" formula were also great additions. ALDUB is commodified and consumed; the ALDUB NATION is a result of
that, having a large following currently makes them top endorsers of leading
products. Even politicians use their name. Any connection to them connotes opportunities
and anything they represent shows success.
e.
Postcolonial
The way we love the mestizo features of
Alden Richards in a way show our post colonial mentality. Frankie, a rich guy
in love with Yaya Dub also shows an interesting characteristic. He loves to
wear designer clothes with big names on it like Channel, Guess, and the likes.
He represents the way we like the American brands which is also related to our
colonial mentality.
Additional observation: Wordplay was used to its highest form,
creating new words, new identities and new meanings. Such as kalyeserye (street
series), Lola Nidora (grandmother of Dora) which is originally from the show
Dora the Explorer. As I remember, it started with Doktora the Explorer, which
later gave birth to the Explorer sisters, Doris and other characters.
