“Go placidly amid the noise and haste…”

These are not just the opening line of 1927 poem written by Max Ehrmann entitled “Desiderata”. For Maxine, the very words that continuously prompts our hero’s selfless acts of kindness towards other children.  It encourages her to academically perform and actively participate in different extracurricular activities. The phrase is her favorite from the poem that kindles our protagonist’s undying desire to give own family’s life a lot better. These qualities make our star one of the shiniest ones that ever radiated in the Pantawid Pamilya universe— one that tirelessly glitters and inspires other wanderers.

Being the second child in a family with three (3) children, Maxine, equally loves both her siblings and says that they make family struggles lighter. The eldest of them, Princess Macryl who is, like Maxine,is  from a Special Science Class at Araullo High School and  the youngest, Prince Marcky who excels and tops class shimmer in Makakua’s galaxy and together, the three (3) siblings make such perfect constellation that brightens the days of their parents despite poverty and hardship.

Maxine recalled how their life was changed by Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

“Mahirap po talaga kasi po hindi naming alam kung saan manggagaling ang panggastos sa araw-araw naming pamumuhay at hirap pagkasyahin ang kaunti lang po na mayroon kami. Pero po nang dumating po ang Programa, malaki po ang pinagbago hindi lamang dahil sa nabawasan ang mga problema at nadagdagan ang mga pantustos sa gastusin sa eskuwela kundi dahil nakatulong ito upang ma-refer at magkaroon ng pormal na pagsasanay si papa sa TESDA bilang electrician kaya talagang nagamit niya ito dahil nagbukas po ito ng pintuan at oportunidad na makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa,” she said. (It was difficult because we didn’t know where to get money to sustain our daily living and we also had hard time budgeting the small amount of money we had. But when the Program came, it has changed many things for it did not only lessen our problems and added budget for school expenses but also assisted my father to receive formal training as electrician at TESDA wherein the skills my father acquired were used which opened opportunity to work abroad.)

Our achiever, even during her elementary days at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, had demonstrated her potential for greatness. Maxine bagged countless recognitions from storytelling, Balagtasan, Quiz Bee and Singing contests. Her winning streak was continued upon entering Junior High which brought more distinction from participating inDramatic Duologue Contest to Speech Choir Contest where the piece Desiderata really marked Maxine’s perspective in life.

Maxine’s parents limitlessly show support by being present in all the scholastic activities being participated by their child and by pushing Maxine to do desired things for, Merry Cel, Maxine’s mother, believes that nothing, not even poverty can stop Maxine max to reach dreams in life and that their social status can never hinder.

These are just only few things that made Maxine deserving for the title Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child 2018 1^st Runner-up.

Now, our hero serves as a volunteer for Joy Kiddie Center, a children-focused non-government organization where Maxine tutors younger kids who enjoy listening to our champ’s applause-worthy playing of angklung, ukulele, chimes and other musical instruments. Maxine explained that service to youth, through blessing of strength and talent given by god, gives such fulfilment and happiness that no amount of money can pay. Maxine aspires to be a chef one for yet another selflessly innocent reason—to let others enjoy dishes Maxine prepared.

Truly one who sees a silver lining in every cloud not only is blessed but is also a blessing to others like Maxine, our star, who despite experiencing poverty, shines luminously with pride and selflessness.