Masquerade over for ‘AlDub’

Maine Mendoza at Bench’s “Under the Stars” fashion show

According to French novelist/screenwriter Marguerite Duras, “Ecrire, c’est hurler sans bruit,” which means “Writing is screaming in silence.”

That’s exactly what Maine Mendoza’s open letter to her fans is all about. It’s a plea for understanding and a cry for freedom.

It’s like a note demanding that “Maine,” who’s being held hostage by the show biz system, be released so she can be free to do, say, think and feel as she pleases.

It’s sort of Yaya Dub (Maine’s moniker) wanting to be a yaya to herself. This time around, she longs to take care of her personal needs. (“Ako naman, this time,” as she puts it.)

At press time, Yaya Dub is still a no-show in “Eat Bulaga.” Is she doing a John Lloyd Cruz? Both superstars are living proof that fame isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

The price they pay for success is more than their fat paychecks. Sometimes, the trappings of success can indeed feel like a trap.

Maine’s dilemma reminds me of what my late mom (Inday Badiday) used to say, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

Ma also pointed out the difference between stars of yesteryears and today. She said that during the Sampaguita and LVN era, celebs had an air of mystery.

There was a demarcation line between their public and private lives.

With social media these days, there seems to be no more boundaries.

Now, fans have direct access to their idols’ daily lives. But, that also depends on what their idol is putting out there. There must be a limit, but avid fans can’t seem to get enough.

As public “properties,” celebrities are “owned” by their fans to a certain extent. Without the fans, they won’t be way up there.

But, there are diehards who can get so possessive and demanding. That’s when trouble begins—when fans forget that even “show biz” personalities are persons, too.

Although Maine’s concerns are valid, it’s sad that the illusions of the “AlDub Nation” have been shattered just like that.

After Alden and Yaya Dub’s million-peso endorsements, the masquerade is over. Their love team has turned into a love scheme.