Maine Mendoza has called on her fans and supporters to “give her the freedom” she deserves.
In an open letter she wrote and posted on Twitter last Sunday, Mendoza thanked everyone by acknowledging their undying love and support for her and onscreen partner Alden Richards.
Mendoza recalled the days when she was just starting her stint in the industry saying that she considers it “the good old days”.
“I used to be really amazed by the support AlDub was getting back then. I was overwhelmed by all the attention and support you are giving us. AlDub Nation 2015, ang saya saya lang. When everyone was taking things lightly and we were all just so happy. Do you remember the good ol’ days? Back when things are so not complicated? Still worth remembering up to this time.
She, however, noted that things completely changed and did not expect things to turn that way: “Two years later, a lot has changed but some things remained the same. Masaya pa din kayo. I can see how happy you guys are whenever you are all together. Iba yung saya niyo sa tuwing magkakasama kayo. Masasabi kong ibang klase yung pagkakaibigan at samahan na naubo sa pagusporta niyo sa amin. At hindi ako magsasawang ulit-ulitin na sana huwag mawala yan kahit ano pa ang mangyari.”
The phenomenal star and host of Eat Bulaga explained in her letter that, “Ang hirap. Yung mga taong nagsasabi na wala akong dapat na maramdaman kundi kaligayahan kasi piagpapala ako at dapat akong magpasalamat sa kanila (at sa kanila lang) dahil “wala naman ako kung wala sila”.”
Mendoza added that: “I have not been able to do what I want and say what I feel because every time I try to express my thoughts and feelings, some of you tend to misapprehend and invalidate them in so many ways. ”
The Dabarkads clarified, however, that she is thankful for everything her supporters and fans were able to contribute to the success of her career. “Do not get me wrong,” she said “I am thankful for everything I have right now. And I have the Lord and the people who helped and supported me along the way to thank for that.”
Living in a box
“I just could not take how some people feel so entitled to so many things.
“Hindi sa career, ultimo personal na buhay.
“Minsan nga tinatanong ko ang sarili ko, sino ba talaga ang gumawa sa akin? Ang Diyos ba o sila?
“Pagmamay-ari ba nila buong pagkatao ko para diktahan ako sa halas lahat ng bagay? Bakit ganun?
“Ganun ba dapat kapag mahal mo yung tao? Susubukan mong kontrolin ng naaayon sa kagustuhan mo?
Dahil tingin mo yun yung tama?
Dahil tingin mo doon siya liligaya?” Mendoza asked in her letter.
The last straw
“Dumating yung araw na naramdaman ko na para bang hindi na ako masaya.
“Na kahit samdamakmak ang biyaya ang natatanggap ko, nawala na yung ligaya sa puso ko. Hindi ko na makita yung ligaya sa nga ngiti ko at kinang sa mga mata ko.
“Hanggang sa nagtanto ko na iyaon pala ay dahil sa ilang mga tao na nakapaligid sa akin. Yung mga taong akala ko tunaay na nagmamalasakit at nagmamahal sa akin. Hirap,” she exclaimed.
The dubsmash queen also clarified that she and Alden are nothing more than just “friends”.
Mendoza ended her letter by asking the public to give her as well as Alden a little space and freedom they both deserve.
“I do hope I have also given you enough joy for you to give me the freedom I believe I deserve. Freedom to feel what I want to feel, be what I want to be, and do what I want to do. Alden deserves the same.”
