The learner in Maxene

In many ways, Maxene Magalona and Gemma in Saang Sulok ng Langit are very much alike. Both are strong and unrelentless in times of trials. The onscreen and the offscreen persona have deep love and affection for their families and siblings. And they are both determined to improve their "stations" in life. So it wasn’t hard for this Sagittarian to sink her teeth into the role.

But despite the deep similarities in the personalities of Maxene and her character Gemma, Maxene is the first to say she got nervous when the role was offered to her. This is not Maxene’s first TV drama series, but it is her own. The plot, the story, the whole drama series revolves around her character Gemma.

In this industry, we know that to be given the spotlight in a drama series you’ve got to be an established thespian with enough following to sustain viewership. It is to Maxene’s credit that while she knows she’s got a name already–she maintains her level-headedness. Maxene admits she still has a lot to learn.

The producers of Saang Sulok however, had only her in mind even during the pre-production stage. "We knew from the very start that the role will fit her. And we see a lot of potential in this young star." quips Saang Sulok executive producer Mark Gustillo.

It did not matter that Maxene herself admits she has a hard time crying. "I see it as a sign and time for me to improve," she says. The fact that TAPE management gave her the main role helped Maxene take on the challenge and work on other areas of her acting.

As Gemma, Maxene not only has to seriously hone her acting skills. She also had to adjust her time schedule radically. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays she is off to location until 1 a.m. to shoot. But her studies is still her priority. And she finds it really funny that she became more disciplined when she accepted Saang Sulok. It’s amazing how her tight schedule helped her become more organized.

"During the first semester, I had all the time to do my reports and assignments. So I was always putting things aside. Last semester, I had to really do my reports and assignments on specific time. Otherwise, I would not be able to do it all," says Maxene.

At 17, Maxene is open to all sorts of roles. She would welcome a contravida part someday. Villain roles are hard to come by for this lady because of her angelic face.

Maxene is taking up Theater Arts at the Ateneo de Manila University. She is very comfortable doing interviews and on-the-spot reporting. She welcomes any chance to develop herself in these fields.

Maxene is particularly aware that she needs to be more abreast with the current issues. Good thing is, while Saang Sulok does not give her the names and faces behind the news, the drama series gives her a chance to look at real-life scenarios and see what is really happening in our society. It has also shown her the difficult part of being an actress. Shooting takes place at the oddest hour and at the oddest place in the Philippines. The mud, the dust, the dirt , the poor are not made up.

After two months on the air, Saang Sulok has considerably gained the viewers’ interest. Gemma and her siblings have even gained the viewers’ symphaty. Maxene however, is not resting on her laurels and in fact wants to give more depth and meaning to her character.

"I want to be able to truly internalize the needs of the character," she says.

Away from the limelight, Maxene has a simple dream. She wants to teach the young, mold their minds and lead them to educate themselves. What a a noble goal for a lady born to life’s comforts.