My name is Maria Kyla. I just turned nineteen last November 5th. I am a first-year psychology student at an institution here in the Northern part of Cebu. I live a quite exciting and paradoxical life. I am a balanced persona, fulfilling my roles as a family member, a friend, a student, and most importantly, a strong companion to myself. By paradoxical, I mean that there were moments that I am at the peak of my capabilities and later on would be at the bedrock of doubts and sadness. I would be most interested to someone and something then later on would never expect to lose it. I am smiling yet I feel blue. I want companionship yet I would rather be on my own. Maybe the more unpredictable life is, the more exciting it becomes.
Ever since, I feel deep within me the joy on going out for adventures. So here are those moments. I’m a nature lover, I go on for hikes and even swimming. I adore the wide, calm, peaceful and green scenery of the mountains as well as the sea. Even the city lights from there. I like traveling to new places on my own. It makes me trust myself more and learn about how people in such areas behave and what differences they have from us. Lately, I went to Leyte, for mind refreshment. Also, I go on for long rides. When I was at primary school years, I was taught to ride a bike. From there my excitement to be on the road and drive grew. I also give a big go to extreme rides. Last year, we went to an amusement park and I straightly went to those spirit pulling giant rides. I can still remember how the moon felt so close to my face. I love trying new things for the sake of fresh experiences. I am open for such opportunities, that I impulsively joined a council here in school due to peer invitation. And gratefully, I became its second Secretary.
I enjoy spending quality time with friends, family, and new people. I cherish making good memories that we can look back on. Even a simple bond in the park, a quick lunch meet-up, a small talk and movies together can make me feel happy. Most of all if the family will go on for family outings and reunions. Also, even with people I do not know. I just make sure I spend the moment with them.
I am soft-hearted, my heart melts for kids, animals especially cats—and for individuals. I have this cousin of mine who grow up with me by his side. From the day he was born until now. So, he addresses me as “Mama Kaky”. It feels heartwarming deep inside. I am also close to my cousins from both sides since we are just a count of 7 from each side. My affection with cats is strongly high. I feel this cute aggression for them. For individuals, I feel empathy whenever I see kids and elders roaming around or even working hard for their individual purpose.
I enjoy pursuing various activities and passionately putting my best effort into them. Life opened my eyes and mind when I was sixteen. It was the sprout of my hidden talent, I may say? August 2022 when I got an offer to represent our family/clan on our barangay’s opening. Though it is not for a big fuss, but I took it seriously. Because of course, it was my first time to join on such competition. All I knew was to play around with the children in our area. I got trained by my second-degree cousin who a that time, just joined the city’s pageant. Unexpectedly, I won. On my birthday that year, I was tasked to represent our barangay and won once more. This was a memorable year, as it marked the beginning of my senior high school journey. Most of all, my favorite age - 17! A month after my second win, I had the privilege of representing my department in a pageant. Despite being my first actual pageant, I was fortunate to be named First Runner-Up. On my birthday last year, 2023, I represented our department again and got the Second Runner-Up title. I am just grateful I got to shout my favorite age and our department twice on stage. And I also joined various competitions afterwards. But of course, life would not be a bed of roses always. We also face defeats which are supplementary for our growth and learning to do better next time.
Lastly, I am both an introvert and extrovert, depending on the circumstances and the energy I feel from my surroundings. I enjoy reading books, watching podcasts, playing around and deeply connecting with myself. I even have this favorite spot in our area. And of course, our favorite, ICE CREAM!!! I am a believer of Self-love, actually. But even though I enjoy my own company, I also cherish the bond with people around me, especially if I know the purity and clarity of our connections.
These past few months, I’ve been consistently hanging out with my friends since it's class time again. I have been wondering what my friends are typing on their phones but I did not dared to ask. Thankfully, last November, my friend and classmate, @junnyjun, introduced me to this beneficial platform, and I became interested as well. I joined the free online orientation led by Miss @jeannmazing on November 9. A comprehensive and informational discussion from her. Thank you for that, Ms. @jeannmazing. However, the effort to start writing has been challenging due to busy organizational duties and maybe a bit of procrastination.
I aim to inspire and motivate anyone reading my blogs in a positive way, the same in this community as well.
For now, this will be the end of my beginning (just joking!). I’ll wrap up this introduction here. I hope that getting to know me a little will encourage you to interact with me. I look forward to building a good connection with you.