The Girl Behind the Words: Get to Know Me

Hey there, lovely souls! Welcome to my corner. I'm Maxene Angel, the storyteller behind these words you're about to dive into. I've broken down some facts about me into chapters, making it easier for you to explore my life story step by step. Join me as we peel back the layers of who I am. Let's journey through it together, one chapter at a time.

CHAPTER 1: Life Before I Became an Accoutancy Student at PCU-D

I am Maxene Angel Barron Naling, 19 years old, from the Land of the Brave and Capital Band of the Philippines, Bacoor City, Cavite. I am studying Accountancy at Philippine Christian University - Dasmariñas (PCU-D). Looking back to my senior high school days, I remember trying out for seven different schools. By God's grace, I got accepted at PUP-Manila, PLM, CVSU-Main, UMak, FEU, and LPU-M. Six out of seven! But despite these successes, things didn’t go as I had planned.

For various reasons, I didn't end up attending any of those schools. Instead, I found myself at PCU-D, a school I didn’t even know much about before. At first, it felt like a setback, like my plans had fallen apart. But now, I see it differently. I believe that God redirected me here for a reason.

At PCU, I found peace and met new people who have become important parts of my life. I am surrounded by others who share the same dream and goal as me: to become an accountant in the future and, if it is in God’s timing and grace, to go even further and become a CPA-lawyer.

However, I must admit that I am still adjusting, especially in my learning journey. I am not the most recited type of student, partly due to shyness, I think. Even now, I find myself managing to study our law subjects by heart. Yet, I firmly believe that everyone has their own capabilities, and what works out for others will eventually work out for me. 

CHAPTER 2: Moves

When I was young, I loved to dance. My family called me "Kai" because I would always dance to the song "Sayaw Kikay." If they changed the music, I would cry until they played it again.

As I grew up, I was very shy and didn't want to go outside or play with other kids. But over time, I got braver. My cousin and mother encouraged me to join a dance contest for our town's fiesta. We practiced every day, and we won! We kept winning every year until I was in 6th grade. After that, I stopped dancing at the fiesta but continued to join dance contests at school.

Most of my pictures are on a broken laptop or in a photo album, so I can only show a few.

In high school, my classmates and I joined every dance competition we could. We often won first place or at least got a good spot. Even in Physical Education class, I loved dancing and got good grades.

In senior high school, I choreographed a dance performance for our whole ABM batch. We won, and it was one of my proudest moments. After that, some of my classmates and I were chosen to represent our school in other contests.

In college, my friends and I joined a dance competition during PCU-D Foundation Day as freshmen.

These are some stories about my dancing journey. Behind every dance, I was always fighting my shyness and trying to be more confident.

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CHAPTER 3: Capturing Moments: The Art of Documenting Life

Growing up, we had a big box full of photo albums. I loved flipping through those old pictures, seeing my parents, relatives, and my younger self frozen in time. But then, Typhoon Ondoy hit, and all those cherished albums were lost. I was still quite young, but I started to think about how fragile our memories are. What if social media disappeared one day? All those pictures and videos my parents posted would vanish unless we printed them.

Photography became a passion of mine early on. I loved taking pictures, especially when no one was looking. Capturing nature, moments of peace, and everything that made me happy felt like magic. Each photo was a little piece of the world that I could keep forever.

When I was in junior high school, my family decided to start making photo albums again. We began compiling different photos, each one telling a different story. It felt good to have those memories preserved in a physical form.

By 2019, I took this a step further. I started compiling my own photo albums, filled with pictures of my classmates, school events, and memories from junior high to senior high school. Even though I shared some photos online, they were just a tiny fraction of the many polaroid pictures I had taken.

I'm a very sentimental person, and I really love documenting life. Each photo is a reminder of a moment, a feeling, a story that I want to hold onto. For me, documenting life isn't just about preserving memories; it's about celebrating them, keeping them alive, and sharing them with others.

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CHAPTER 4: My Love for Cats

When I was just a child, around 7 years old, I had my first memorable encounter with a cat. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was helping my mother with the laundry. Out of nowhere, a cat leapt at me, its claws scratching from my neck down to my back. I was terrified. At that young age, all I could think about was the stories I'd heard about rabies and the dreaded injections that might follow. It wasn't so much the injections themselves that scared me – although I wasn't a fan – but the entire ordeal left a lasting impression on me.

As the years went by, the memory of that scratch faded, much like the childhood fears we outgrow. Our family had a cat named Cloudy, an old and gentle creature with pure white fur. Cloudy had been with us since my uncle was just 13 years old, and she lived a remarkable 28 years, passing away in 2021. Her age was mind-blowing to us all, and her loss left a void in our hearts.

It took us two years to feel ready for another cat. In 2024, we welcomed two new furry friends into our home: Philo, a 5-month-old boy, and MengMung, a 3-month-old girl. From the moment they arrived, they brought joy and warmth back into our lives. They quickly became more than just pets – they became my best friends. Their sweet and smart personalities won us all over, and they seamlessly became cherished members of our family.

There’s something indescribable about the bond I share with Philo and MengMung. They offer a kind of companionship that is pure and unconditional. When I look into their eyes, I feel a deep connection, a mutual understanding that transcends words. They have a way of sensing when I need comfort, and their presence is both calming and joyful.

Having them around has reminded me of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of love and companionship. I truly adore them, and I can't imagine our home without their playful antics and affectionate purrs. They’ve taught me that sometimes, love comes with fur and whiskers, and that’s perfectly okay.

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Chapter 5:  My Escape

When I was just 9 years old, a world of wonder opened up to me through books. I remember the moment vividly – the feel of the pages, the smell of the paper – as I dove into my first chapter book. From that day on, my fascination only grew. By the time I was a teenager, my room was overflowing with novels, biographies, and every genre imaginable. Each book was a portal to a new universe, and I eagerly leapt from one world to another.

Many people told me that reading was boring, but I couldn’t disagree more. There was something indescribable about the way stories could transport me. I found myself learning about places I’d never been, experiencing emotions I hadn’t yet felt, and understanding perspectives far beyond my own. The magic of reading is that it allows you to live countless lives and learn innumerable lessons without ever leaving your chair. 

But reading was just the beginning. My curiosity for stories naturally led me to writing. I was in third grade when I penned my first poem, a simple piece that I performed in front of my classmates. I remember the nervous excitement, the thrill of sharing something I had created. That moment sparked a passion that carried me through to senior high school, where I participated in various literary events, each one honing my craft and deepening my love for storytelling.

There's a feeling I get when I write – a feeling that's hard to explain. It's as if the words are not just coming from my mind, but from a place deep within my soul. The act of crafting a story, of molding words into something beautiful and meaningful, is incredibly fulfilling. It's an escape, a challenge, and a joy all at once.

Reading and writing have become integral parts of who I am. They’ve shaped my view of the world and my place within it. Through them, I’ve found a voice and a purpose, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

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Chapter 6: Trying New Things

Ever since I was young, I've had a passion for board games, and it paid off when I won silver medals in chess for two consecutive years back in senior high school. But my interests didn't stop there. In my senior year of high school, I discovered a love for theater, stepping into roles both on stage as an actress and behind the scenes as a floor director. I'm always eager to try new things. 

Despite never considering myself artistic, I took up painting, finding joy in each brushstroke. Baking became another delightful experiment, filling my home with the warm scents of freshly baked goods. When I have some free time away from academic responsibilities, you might find me engrossed in a book, or out on the badminton court. I still love to play chess, of course, but I've also been learning the guitar, joining dance classes, or simply enjoying a walk. I cherish these moments, often setting aside time for personal reflection or a "self-date," where I can relax and recharge. High school was a particularly rewarding time for me. I participated in essay and poetry contests, both in English and Tagalog, and was fortunate enough to win for three consecutive years. These experiences deepened my love for writing and expressing myself creatively. 

One of my proudest achievements was completing an online course through Stanford University, earning a 2 certificate that reminds me of the value of continuous learning. 

I thrive in solitude, relishing the independence of commuting alone or browsing through a mall at my own pace. I truly appreciate my own company, finding positivity and contentment in these moments of solitude. 

In essence, I am a person who embraces positivity, continually seeks growth, and values the peace that comes from spending time alone.

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Conclusion:

As I wrap up this post, my journey from high school to university has been filled with unexpected turns and newfound passions. Despite the setbacks, finding my place at Philippine Christian University - Dasmariñas has brought me peace and purpose. From photography and beloved pets to the transformative power of books and writing, I've embraced a variety of interests that have deeply enriched my life. My experiences in chess, theater, painting, and continuous learning have shaped me into someone who values growth, cherishes memories, and finds joy in the simple pleasures of life.

If you enjoyed reading about my journey, stay tuned for more stories and insights. Follow my blog for more personal experiences, reflections, and inspiration. Let's keep vibing through life's adventures together!