MANILA, Philippines – Maxine Blanco was just 19 years old when she gained her angel wings, but her story lives on as she has inspired so many people with her will to live and try her best in everything despite the cancer diagnosis.
It was Gab Sta. Ana, Maxine’s boyfriend, who announced the sad news of her passing on Saturday, March 23; yet he was also partly happy that she was now free from suffering and pain.
“Max fought hard and I’m thankful for everything. No more pain, no more suffering. She might [have] left us, but her spirit will always be here. I love you Maxine,” Gab wrote, sharing a photo taken during happier times.
In a post that has gone viral on Facebook, Gab shared their sweet love story. He narrated through pictures how their love had grown since the first time they met and became sweethearts in Grade 8.
It was love at first sight for Gab, he shared, as he met Max and saw all the qualities he wants in a girl, all in this charming young lady. He did his best to woo her until she finally said yes in a date he had spent his entire allowance in: on February 25. He chose the date knowing it’s a holiday so they can spend the whole day together.
Through the years, the two managed to keep their love strong – and they were regarded as one of the best ‘love teams’ in their school.
After completing Grade 12, the two enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Despite their busy schedules, they continued to spend time together as they built their dreams and talked about their aspirations.
In 2018, however, Max was diagnosed with cancer. It was definitely a difficult situation, but Gab made sure he was there for Max, supporting her throughout her ordeal. He stayed strong for her, not giving her a problem because he knows she is already going through a lot.
Amazingly, Max is an inspiring young woman who coped with her cancer by focusing on her studies. She was critically ill, yet she wouldn’t let cancer stop her from reaching for her dreams. Thus, she continued going to school on days that she could manage to do it. This earned her much admiration from Gab and netizens who heard of her story.
Even while weak, Max would also spend time with Gab – and they even had a wonderful date as they celebrated their 6th anniversary. They watched her favorite band, Ben&Ben; the band would later visit her at the hospital, serenading her last Friday.
She passed away the following day.
On March 23, Facebook page Live Life To The MAX announced:
3pm... the hour of the divine mercy.
Maxine earned her angel wings and slowly going up in heaven. For sure all the other angels are thrilled in welcoming her. ❤️
No more pain Baby Girl. We love you very much Maxine. 💓
#LiveLifeToTheMAX
Rest in peace, Max…
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
It was Gab Sta. Ana, Maxine’s boyfriend, who announced the sad news of her passing on Saturday, March 23; yet he was also partly happy that she was now free from suffering and pain.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
“Max fought hard and I’m thankful for everything. No more pain, no more suffering. She might [have] left us, but her spirit will always be here. I love you Maxine,” Gab wrote, sharing a photo taken during happier times.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
In a post that has gone viral on Facebook, Gab shared their sweet love story. He narrated through pictures how their love had grown since the first time they met and became sweethearts in Grade 8.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
It was love at first sight for Gab, he shared, as he met Max and saw all the qualities he wants in a girl, all in this charming young lady. He did his best to woo her until she finally said yes in a date he had spent his entire allowance in: on February 25. He chose the date knowing it’s a holiday so they can spend the whole day together.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
Through the years, the two managed to keep their love strong – and they were regarded as one of the best ‘love teams’ in their school.
After completing Grade 12, the two enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Despite their busy schedules, they continued to spend time together as they built their dreams and talked about their aspirations.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
In 2018, however, Max was diagnosed with cancer. It was definitely a difficult situation, but Gab made sure he was there for Max, supporting her throughout her ordeal. He stayed strong for her, not giving her a problem because he knows she is already going through a lot.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
Amazingly, Max is an inspiring young woman who coped with her cancer by focusing on her studies. She was critically ill, yet she wouldn’t let cancer stop her from reaching for her dreams. Thus, she continued going to school on days that she could manage to do it. This earned her much admiration from Gab and netizens who heard of her story.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
Even while weak, Max would also spend time with Gab – and they even had a wonderful date as they celebrated their 6th anniversary. They watched her favorite band, Ben&Ben; the band would later visit her at the hospital, serenading her last Friday.
She passed away the following day.
 |
| Photo credit: Gab Sta. Ana / Facebook |
On March 23, Facebook page Live Life To The MAX announced:
3pm... the hour of the divine mercy.
Maxine earned her angel wings and slowly going up in heaven. For sure all the other angels are thrilled in welcoming her. ❤️
No more pain Baby Girl. We love you very much Maxine. 💓
#LiveLifeToTheMAX
Rest in peace, Max…
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
