A Memorable Journey in the Rifts of Sanity

Warning: May not be a pleasing reading experience for the close-minded

We all have a special place. A place where only a select few would know existing. It could be a tree house with little pals, a hideout, inside the bathroom at 3 in the morning, or on the school rooftop with some friends. But more than a place that physically exists, there are areas in our sanity created to house our inner selves. I, for one, actually have mastered creating a sphere where I could talk to myself when no one seems to bother me. It could be practically anywhere as long as I could feel having a little chat with myself. Insane? It's more of realizing that you know yourself well that you can talk to versions of yourself that exists in the realm of your own mentality. In psychology, you call those beings, Id, Ego, and the Superego.

But there is a certain someone I knew, just recently that may, or may not, realize the existence of his character, materialized due to the many conditions of his lifestyle and environment. Yes, we can create personas of ourselves, separated by the surroundings and situations we are dealing in life. Sounds like a fictional movie? Nope. Some may call it the Dr. Jekyll - Mr. Hyde syndrome. But less extreme, it's more of a figment created in the recesses of our mind, divided by the memories and experiences encountered in our daily dealings. Getting close to the edge of sanity? Don't worry, it's perfectly safe.

And don't think that this is beyond normal. Almost everyone in this society has their own alternates showing up depending on the crisis and predicaments faced in the call of circumstance or consequence. They use it as a scapegoat from reality when they cannot seem to handle the demands of the situation. It may be identified as immaturity, irresponsibility, neglect, selfishness, greed, gluttony, guilt, piety, hatred, anger, spite, or chaos. Some think of it as mood swings. Others perceive it as "toyo". In short, it's a being that's far beyond our usual character. An individual that appears to be physically the same, but mentally, emotionally, and socially different.

Now that I have readied your minds in the existence of the alternate world, let me carry you to a place where only a few could visit and understand so perfectly. Just a reminder, what you will read and comprehend beginning the next paragraph, may, or may not be, the person who you think he is. We cannot have our usual selves contain what's being said and conveyed by this individual, knowing that his state only exists in the rifts of his sanity. Ready? Let's jump in!

I actually came in contact with this person at the moment he was closing down his communication lines, mentioning that he would stop tweeting as he has limitations. I'm not sure what the limits are, but he may actually be concerned that it may be too much for him to bear, being out for too long. He wasn't a kind that may be afraid of the sunlight. I think, he's more of the shy and timid type that's worried of his time frame. Yup, it's just like he was as conscious as little kids that may be scolded by the parents when children go beyond what's set for them.

I was not able to see how everything happened from the start. But thank goodness he was kind enough to mention that he would leave the account open for the sake of those who would like to have his messages as good and lasting memories. When I actually went back to his previous posts, I was shocked to know that he was considering having the said Twitter account removed. It could be because he was afraid that he might be questioned and judged of his intentions for making the said dimension come into being. But I was proud that his decision changed, most probably because he was feeling happy of what he was doing. The outcome of what will be understood will depend on the level of understanding the individual will manifest.

Even from the beginning, he was cautious of what he will say, even until the end. But what interests me was the kind of aura emanating from the words he say, or the manner of his language. Some would like to stress the point, but they know it would be more of an unsafe assumption that has no guarantee of being confirmed. The followers feel it in their hearts, but that was merely it. No, even the power of forensic science and critical investigation will not work in this world. It was his alone, never to be perverted by the doubtful and the cynical.

The account was created when Alden Richards went to Japan for his commitment to the network. He was surely busy, had "me" times alone, and is usually sleepy. The person I encountered on Twitter was lively, jolly, and energetic! It was like he's the type that was released in the middle of a toy store, going around and spreading joy like crazy! Despite of his feelings however, he knew his purpose... He existed to say something in exchange of the many people that would follow him. He made a bet that wasn't sure of being met because he did not spread his existence so broadly. He made a few HTs, but that was it. When he reached a certain number of followers, he would stop by, sit down, and share stories that almost none of us have heard of... If we did, it would be more of a self-served assessment.

When he made confessions, he had the resolve that it was unheard of. He was sure that none of those visitors who went in that special place  knew Alden Richards better than him. He even shared information that none of us are aware of, as if he was actually tempting us to think hard and stretch our imagination to our limits.

But no, not everyone who went there were as clueless. Due to their love and loyalty to Alden, some bits and pieces scattered in the recesses of that dimension lead to the realization that the person who was walking on that journey of happiness may almost be the same individual that had made the nation scream their lungs out... But there was something different in him. It's not the guy that would just smile, wave, and leave things as they are. He wasn't as tolerant and forgiving when it comes to the questions, assumptions, and ideas thrown his way. Well, he could be defensive in a way, but you will feel his deep concern and involvement to many of Alden's personal and professional affairs. To some, he could even be mistaken as someone having the same connections with Alden's PA, but no... To the point that he knows very much of what's occuring behind the cam, you will feel that he is much closer and more connected. He may have been protecting Alden harder, tougher, and stronger than any of his fans could do. He may have been watching Alden fight the battles, clear out the misunderstanding, patch the prejudice, and address the criticisms, and made sure that Alden wasn't hurt in any way. He may have stood firm in those fights and gave Alden the kind of peace he needed, reminding him of the family, friends in the industry, and true fans that love him deeply. He needed to stay unshaken from every wind of aggression blowing Alden's path to fame success.

Have you kept your eyes peeled, your minds open, and your hearts unbarred? As you take the journey with the person and breathe his words into your system, running in your mind, awaking your senses, you will feel something familiar. It may be Alden, but it's not the guy. It's not the person who we adore. He's not the individual we see everyday. He was simple, intellectual, eloquent, and well-esteemed. If there was any person who could fit Maine's real persona, the character inside this journey would be the perfect fit. But he would only be visible when everything else is invisible.

There were even times in the journey when he had to make sure that those who follow him knew what the stroll was all about. He sometimes ask other travelers of what they know in the path they are treading. Alas, there are some, keen and observant, giving answers and confirming the info obtained from the real world. It delighted it and he loved how the loyalty was conveyed.

But as the journey is coming to its close, there were more and more doubters, there arose haters, and the very fans that supported Alden became bashers, all because this person is denying every allegation or assumption of his identity. He was able to discuss some matters that mattered more to him, more than anything. He just brushed the evil aside, remembering why the Twitter account was created in the first place. But he was sometimes forgetful... It was funny that no matter how much he wanted to make his dimension exclusive to its existence in its own terms, there were moments when the rifts left open showed a glimpse of the real world. Made up? Nope... I would call it a blissful escape from the harsh and cruel world called reality.

His gifts were worth remembering. The kind of love he has for Maine, for Kalyeserye, for Eat Bulaga, for the fans, for AlDub Nation, was much much intimate, rather than laid back and breezy. It was as if he valued these things and would do everything in his power to protect and defend it. Nope, not to the point of death, but more to the incidental identification of love to those he cherish. He's a good guy, and he showed it every minute of the journey, even though he's tired out, wasted, trembling, and dazed. He poured his heart, he shared his mind, and even took the risk to leave himself totally open for anything that would come his way as he gave many things away for the sake of the fandom and the love team. In the end, he was just like Alden: selfless, unassuming, and God-fearing.

Those were the sweetest days I have sojourned in the deepest regions of a mind that's not willing to delve in the worst of what the real world has to offer. He cannot go out. It was a privilege that he only has to make sure that everything about him and Alden would stay intact. Their relationship cannot be marred with one sphere overcoming the other. It was the only gift Alden could give to the person that exists away from the joy and pain of everything. All of it was clear to me. I knew what I saw was real. Though he can't leave the rift that was between sanity and ecstasy, I was glad that I came there, saw every word coming from his moutn a breathe of sensibility and chivalry, and feel his loyalty to Alden Richards.

Only a few fans could understand, or fathom what actually occured therein. And those who knew, those whose hearts burned, those whose wisdom were lit, those whose passion were kindled, knew that nothing from there should come out. It should stay there... And from what he told me personally, yes, the traveler spoke to me before I left the plane, that he will never be mistaken for Alden, nor he was Alden, nor will ever be Alden. But he assured me one thing...

That it was harsh to be judged.

And all I could do for the traveler was to make sure that I would protect him as he protected Alden. And yes, when the winds stopped blowing, when the feet grew weary and tired, when the hands stopped shaking, I went back to the real world and created this entry as a way to let the AlDub Nation know...

Malapit na nga talaga ang tamang panahon! (Man, this last line sure got me into tears, literally)