Ni NORA CALDERON

VIRAL ang tweet ni Maine Mendoza nitong nakaraang Linggo ng hapon na, “I got myself, I will catch myself, and I will pick myself up” kasama ang link sa open letter na sinulat niya sa kanyang blog na mainemendoza.com/an-open-letter.

Ipinaliwanag muna ni Maine ang dahilan ng open letter niya at nagpasalamat sa lahat ng suporta at pagmamahal na ibinigay ng fans sa kanya/sa kanila ni Alden Richards, ang mga pagsasakripisyo nila para sa career nilang dalawa, at sa lahat ng mga nagawa nila lalo na ang pagtulong sa kapwa. Habang buhay daw niyang ipagpapasalamat ito sa Diyos dahil dumating sila sa buhay niya at nakilala sila simula nang mabuo ang AlDub noong 2015.

BALITAnaw: Ang ika-15 anibersaryo ng Maguindanao Massacre

Ito po ang ilang bahagi ng open letter ni Maine:

“When AlDub happened, everything escalated. My life changed drastically when Kalyeserye began. We’ve had blessings on top of blessings, Alden and I were given so much more than we would ask for. But more than anything, we will be forever thankful that God had given us people like you. People who support us in the things we do; those who always stood by our sides and defended us against judgments and cristicism; those who love us truthfully as a pair and as two different individuals; and those who never gave up. And for all the love and efforts you have given us, you deserve to know the truth that at this very moment, Alden and I are just friends. We are a love team.

“I hope you understand that I am here because I love making people happy. I am blessed to be in Eat Bulaga because I get to do what I want to do, and I get to be with such amazing people. I was never into money or fame. All I want in this life is to be free and happy. And I am certain that no amount of fame and money can ever give me genuine happiness. All my life I have been seeking love from people around me. And that is all that matters to me at this moment. As I have said, as you finish reading this letter, a lot of you would probably turn your backs on me. I am ready for it; I know this day would come. Even if I am left with a small number of supporters after posting this, kahit sampu lang, as long as I know and I feel they truly love me and care for me, I’ll be fine. Or even if I am left with none, I have family and friends who love me dearly and will never leave my side, whatever happens. Sapat na iyon para sa akin.

“I also owe this to everyone who were dragged into this. Our families, friends and workmates are being bashed and ridiculed by some. Kahit sinong madikit sa amin pinag-iisipan at pinagsasalitaan ng hindi maganda. Basta hindi naayon sa kagustuhan ang mga nakikita, nagagalit. It hurts me seeing them being hurt. It hurst me how some of you are so capable and to proud of throwing so much hate on others – especially on people who care about us. Family and friends outside the industry are being taken into the wrong context, even if they do not have anything to do with the issues thrown at us. Hiling ko ang sana bigyan natin sila ng respeto.

Naiintindihan ko na pinoprotektahan ninyo lang kami, at nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng ginagawa ninyong pagtatanggol sa amin, pero sana maintindihan n’yo din na hindi kailangang maliitin ang pagkatao ng iba. Hindi n’yo sila kailangan tirahin ng masasamang salita. Alam kong karamihan ng pinagdadaanan ko ngayon ay parte ng mundong ginagalawan ko. But some things are really getting out of hand, kailangan na din natin ilagay sa wasto. But then again, I know that at the end of the day love wins over hate. I still believe, and I fervently hope, that the same love who brought all of us here together in the beginning, will heal all scars and unite us again. Let us not focus on those who judge, but to thos who love without any hesitations and expectations. I am who I am right now because of that.

“Again, thank you very much for the love and support you have given me. I will forever cherish the presence of the whole fandom in my life. 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 too.”

With so much gratitude, That Girl