Story Of My Life

Hi! I’m Chenzen Lee S. Gonzaga, but most people call me Jhing. I was born on April 14, 2009, and I’m just your typical not so typical girl full of energy, passion, and stories to tell.

Because of my name, people often ask me, “Are you Chinese?” And actually… they’re not wrong! I do have a tiny bit of Chinese blood, passed down from my great-great-great-great-grandparents. Just a small trace, but it’s true.

Most people know me as someone who’s jolly, energetic, and fun to be with. I’m that girl who laughs out loud, joins games, and brings life into the room.

But there’s also a side of me that surprises people. My friends always say I have “scary eyes” not because I’m mean, but because when I’m serious or annoyed, one look from me is enough to make my friends fall silent. 

I admit, I sometimes have random mood swings, even when I don’t understand the reason. Maybe it’s part of being a girl or maybe I just feel emotions deeply. Either way, it makes life more real and more interesting.

Back in elementary school, my sport was badminton. I used to play it all the time and even joined friendly matches. But now, I only play it for fun and relaxation. My real sport  the one I’m committed to  is volleyball. I’m proud to be a player for the TSAT volleyball team, and every game gives me a sense of purpose, strength, and teamwork. The court is where I truly feel at home. Before joining volleyball, I also had a moment as a trainee for the basketball team. It didn’t work out the way I hoped, but my love for basketball never went away. I still enjoy watching games and learning new tricks on the side. And if I ever get the chance, I’d love to try Taekwondo, not just to learn self-defense, but to challenge myself in a new way.

One of my proudest moments was when I represented our school during the MAPEH Festival, under the Likhawitan category. I wrote and performed my own song  standing on stage, sharing my voice with the crowd. It was scary at first, but fulfilling in the end. I also love dancing, especially hip-hop with cool footwork, which I usually share on my TikTok. My videos have reached people I’ve never met, and some even request me to perform at school events. But I still get shy about dancing alone on stage… maybe someday, when I’m braver. My biggest idol is Niana Guerrero. She’s young, talented, and full of confidence — everything I aspire to be as a dancer.

If there’s one thing you need to know about me  I’m a certified foodie. I love trying new foods, especially ramen, milk tea, and café desserts. I think I’ve already visited almost every café in Tadian! My top favorite? Teassence. Their milk tea and ramen are unbeatable  it honestly gives Baguio cafés a run for their money. Egan Jhem is another favorite, but you’ll need patience  great food takes time!

When it comes to travel, I enjoy beach trips, road trips, and picture-perfect views. But please don’t invite me to go hiking  I hate exhausting myself on a mountain trail. I want to enjoy the journey, not suffer through it. 

I may dress like one of the boys, but I love fashion in my own way. When we visit the city, I always make time to check out my favorite stores:

Crissa – for trendy, comfy, and girly-cool outfits

Uniqlo – for classic pieces that match my laid-back style

And don’t even get me started on shoes! I’m obsessed with Nike and Puma sneakers. I could literally spend hours choosing the perfect pair. A new pair of shoes gives me confidence — it’s like stepping into a better version of myself.

I’ve always been more comfortable hanging out with boys. I wear oversized shirts, baggy pants, and often act like “one of the boys.” People sometimes label me “malandi” just because I have close guy friends but they don’t really know me. Truth is, I’ve never had a boyfriend, and I’m in no rush. My guy friends treat me like their little sister, and I appreciate how they value our friendship without malice or bad intentions. However, being a girl among boys has its downsides too. Sometimes, their girlfriends get jealous, and I have to distance myself to respect their relationship. It’s not easy, but I understand. Not everyone believes in platonic friendships.

And yes  I’m a total daddy’s girl, which probably explains my confidence and how I carry myself.

Living life differently  whether through style, friendships, or personality  comes with challenges. I’ve been judged, talked about, and misunderstood by people who don’t even know the real me. But I’ve learned not to let their words define who I am.

Yes, I’ve felt scared  of failing, of being humiliated, of not being enough. But those experiences have only made me stronger, braver, and wiser. I now know that every trial is a lesson, and every mistake is part of growing.