Maine Mendoza marked her third anniversary on noontime variety program “Eat Bulaga" recently. Looking back on it all, she has evolved from the timid “Kalyeserye” character Yaya Dub, to a spontaneous and engaging host in the “Sugod Bahay” segment of “Juan for All, All for Juan.” Maine Mendoza The 23-year-old recalled when she was starting in the business, during the time when she did not did not have lines for three months and only communicated through songs that she lip-synced on national television, it somehow prepared her for the job ahead. She was able to observe how co-hosts Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros, collectively known as JoWaPao, work together on screen. "At first I was really nervous but they gave me enough time to absorb everything. It's a big adjustment for me but I received a lot of help and good advice from the people I work with. They know when to intervene and to give support when I am having a hard time," she said. From Mondays to Saturdays, Maine and JoWaPao are out in different barangays and other locations to deliver special gifts and cash prizes to lucky dabarkads. . Maine said being out every day and meeting new faces from different walks of life were all new to her. “To be honest, I'm not used to this new environment but I love connecting with people. I want to know their stories and what they are going through." Her co-hosts, Jose and Wally, noticed that she’s a natural and has her way of reaching out to people. "You wouldn't feel that she grew up from a different background. She is grounded, has empathy for others and is always willing to lend a helping hand,” Jose said. He added that while Maine is the youngest and latest addition among them, she was able to adjust swiftly. “We listen to each other because we treat each other as family. We’re together six times a week so it’s only normal that we learn each other’s quirks. The good thing about this team is that we are all open to suggestions. We share what we know and we really work together for the benefit of the audience.” Wally also shared Maine is not afraid to get her hands dirty and would always pay attention to the people they interact with. "She's open to new things. She's not afraid to try anything and you'll really feel that she's enjoying this job. She loves hosting and she excels in it." Maine, on her part, said the people they meet made her re-evaluate what’s important in life and also taught her the value of hard work and to always be grateful. "I learned that life is hard and sometimes extra difficult for some. I've seen the real picture and I realized that I am so blessed to have been given a complete family, supportive friends and a career. We all know that this blessing came by me so fast, so I try to be grateful always,” she said. In her three years in the industry, and after trying her hands in acting, Maine admits that hosting comes more naturally to her. She said there's a different sense of fulfillment after talking to people, learning their stories and seeing happy faces in every barangay they visit. Maine said her regular hosting gig in “Sugod Bahay” gave her a newfound passion for hosting. She sees herself doing this profession for a long time and looks forward to meeting more people and making the audience happy.