Angela Marie Legaspi Manalang was born on August 24, 1907, in Guagua, Pampanga to parents, Felipe Dizon Manalang (born in Mexico, Pampanga) and Tomasa Legaspi.  

She studied at St. Agnes Academy in Legaspi, where she graduated valedictorian in elementary. In her senior year, she moved to St. Scholastica's College in Malate, Manila, where her writing started to get noticed. 

Angela Manalang was among the first generation female students at the University of the Philippines. Angela initially enrolled in law, as suggested by her father.  

It was also during her education at the University of the Philippines that she and poet, Jose Garcia Villa developed a lifelong rivalry.