To those of us who have been to school with her, we will remember one of the few Asian girls who fit in like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle.
To some who ride the school bus, she's the girl who sits out back reading a thick book.
She is as normal as a Catholic School girl as one could imagine.
But at most times, she stood out.
For the past 10 years, Ana Gella Opong has spent her life in the Philippines with her family.
Taking up Medicine in one of the country's best universities, she spent her limited free time volunteering for socio-civic organizations and has found her vocation in empowering her fellow Filipino youth.
"I have never been more at comfortable with myself, than I am now.
Spending time with the youth from different sectors has made me realize that if I want to see change happen in my country, I have to do my share," Opong passionately imparted during one of our conversations.
"I have always been proud to be Filipino.
And I meet people who'd rather say they are Asian than say they're from the Philippines, because of what's been happening to our country.
That's just depressing," she added.
When engaged in a conversation with her, one would think that her passion is one which encompasses all previous knowledge of emotions.
She instantly becomes animated that you can just imagine her waving her hands as she speaks.
However, an awkward pause happens when she is asked of her political views.
Her answers become calculated and very safe.
"In public, I am non-partisan.
I make it a point not to mention my political beliefs and my choice of political candidates when I speak to the youth, as I volunteer for a non-partisan organization.
In private and with friends, I am able to express my views freely.
I don't want to use the organization as part of a political campaign.
" Growing up in a political household, Opong was expected to have a politician's mindset.
But, as is in her nature, surprised everybody when she confronted their clan's patriarch that her political beliefs are in every way, different from the way she was brought up.
"Everybody thought I had the traditional politician's gene in me.
Everybody thought I shared the same values and beliefs as my family, so when I told my grandfather that I will continue pushing for reform and am against political dynasties, every one who was in the room at that time held their breath.
" So how far does she intend to go? And what does she gain out of everything? "I have already gone against my family's wishes.
Nothing could ever top that, I think...
My children will have a better future if the political system in my country changes.
A better Philippines is what I hope to gain...
And someday, maybe Filipinos will be proud of their ancestry.
"