In a surprising twist that has sent shockwaves across Philippine showbiz, veteran comedian and TV host Jose Manalo has finally spoken out about the long-rumored connection between Maine Mendoza and Vic Sotto. After years of silence, speculation, and whisperings behind the scenes, Jose has decided to share what he knows — and his revelations are nothing short of explosive.

🤐 “I Kept Quiet for Too Long…”

 

During a candid sit-down interview with close friends in the industry, Jose admitted that he had stayed silent out of respect for all parties involved. But recent developments and what he called “the never-ending curiosity of fans” pushed him to open up.

“I’ve been working closely with both Vic and Maine for years. I’ve seen things—good things, awkward moments, real struggles. But now, people deserve clarity.”

The admission immediately piqued the interest of long-time fans of Eat Bulaga and the AlDub phenomenon. Whispers about Vic allegedly playing a behind-the-scenes role in Maine’s career had persisted for years, often misinterpreted or exaggerated.

🧩 A Complicated Web of Loyalty, Mentorship & Misunderstanding

Jose was careful with his words, making it clear that there was no scandal, but rather a deep, misunderstood bond between the two stars.

“Vic was a mentor to Maine. That’s it. But you know how people are — the public turns any closeness into something more. They never really understood the respect between them.”

He went on to explain that the father-daughter dynamic between Vic and Maine was often taken out of context.

“Vic has always been protective of Maine, especially during her rise to fame. People thought he was being controlling, but really, he just didn’t want her to get lost in the chaos of the industry.”

💔 On the Toll of Rumors

Jose didn’t hide the fact that the constant rumors took a toll on everyone involved — especially Maine, who struggled under the weight of fame and public scrutiny during her peak AlDub days.

“It hurt her. A lot. She’s strong, yes. But not immune. People forget she was just a young girl thrown into a world of lights, pressure, and noise.”

He emphasized that even Vic was deeply affected by the rumors, choosing to stay silent rather than add fuel to the fire.

🫂 What’s the Real Score Now?

Jose clarified that Maine and Vic remain close, but purely as friends and colleagues.

“There’s no secret relationship. There’s no betrayal. Just real friendship, trust, and a long working history.”

He also added that both Vic and Maine are in different phases of their lives now — Vic with his family and Maine with her own love story.

📣 Why Speak Now?

When asked why he chose to speak now, Jose said:

“People deserve to stop assuming. Let’s give them peace. And let’s stop dragging names through mud when all they ever did was try to make people laugh and smile.”

💬 Netizens React

The internet lit up with reactions. Some fans expressed relief, others praised Jose’s courage to speak honestly without creating more drama. A few longtime AlDub fans still held on to theories, but many welcomed the clarity.

🔚 Final Word

In an industry where silence is often mistaken for guilt, Jose Manalo’s decision to speak out may not solve all the mysteries, but it does bring a much-needed sense of closure.

“We’ve been through so much. Let’s just move forward. Stop the hate, stop the guessing. Just be happy for them — for all of us.

Vic Sotto, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola to try a “satire” show via The Jose and Wally Show Starring Vic Sotto
Joining the cast are Buboy Garavillo, Miriam Quiambao, Dianne Medina, Nina Jose, Erika Padilla, Mcoy Fundales, Jimmy Santos, and Roy. “A show within a show,” is how lead star Vic Sotto describes his upcoming comedy series on TV5, The Jose and Wally Show Starring Vic Sotto.

Similar to their previous shows Laugh Out Loud and R U Kidding Me, Vic will be reunited with Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola.

PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) attended the show’s press conference yesterday, October 24, at the TV5 Broadway Centrum Studio on Aurora Blvd., Quezon City.

Here, the show’s director, Bert de Leon, shared how the idea of ​​making this kind of show began.

“Well, it started because… You know, Vic [Sotto] and I have a history of doing sitcoms, and this is the latest one,” director Bert began.

“When channel 5 said they wanted a sitcom with Vic, Jose [Manalo] and Wally [Bayola], it was like a continuation of what we did, Laugh Out Loud and then R U Kidding Me.

“Now, coming up with a new sitcom, Bossing [Vic Sotto] and I talked and for a change, let’s make the two of them the lead, Jose and Wally but starring Vic Sotto.”

A SATIRE SHOW? This show will reflect the off-cam struggles of the entire production team to make a show happen.

Director Bert talked about how the story will unfold.

He said, “We try to give the sitcom a different spin, a different look.

“‘Those two [Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola] both have TV shows on rival networks, they’re really rivals.

“Wally’s name is Willie, Jose’s name is Joey.

“Now, both of their shows have been canceled. Their common friend, in their desperation to get back to doing another show, is their director friend, Direk Vic.” He [Direk Vic] is the one who thought of combining the two and that, the basic concept of the show is the working pain of how to put the two together, the two artists don’t get along, they are frenemies.” They have to learn to coexist because the motivating factor is, they both have TV shows.

“The glue that holds everything together, the two of them are angry plus the production staff, and also the network bosses, and Direk Vic because he is the core of the whole group.”

The end-product of the show seems to be a spoof of several personalities in the showbiz industry. However, Direk Bert said that they don’t want to make fun of those who work in showbiz.

“Oh, I guess we can call it one,” Direk replied when asked if their show was satire. show.

“But, the dosage of fun is bigger.

“We’re not doing this show to give bad shots to the industry and to the people running it.

“We just made use of the situation behind the scene.”

The director added, “The characters we pulled it out of our hats, what. It’s like we just thought, maybe it’s good that way.

“But, you can’t get rid of the similarity.

“Of course, that’s the way it is with all networks, we can’t bend reality anymore, right?

“So, what, we’re just having fun with real-life situations, we adopted them in a comedy set up.”

Apart from Vic Sotto, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola, the cast also includes Buboy Garavillo, Miriam Quiambao, Dianne Medina, Niña Jose, Erika Padilla, Mcoy Fundales, Jimmy Santos, and Roy.

The Jose and Wally Show Starring Vic Sotto will start on November 5, Saturday, after Wil Time Big Time.