Maria Santos has been selling breakfast meals along a busy Cebu City street for more than ten years. Before dawn, she prepares rice, fried fish, and puso in her small kitchen, knowing that office workers and drivers will soon line up at her stall.

Her day begins at four in the morning, setting up a modest table and cooking equipment near a jeepney stop. By six, customers are already familiar faces. Many greet her by name, a sign of trust built through years of consistency and care.

Despite long hours and unpredictable weather, Maria remains optimistic. The income from her stall supports her children’s education, something she considers her greatest achievement. She believes hard work, patience, and honesty are the keys to survival in the city.

Maria’s story is just one of many in Cebu, yet it captures the quiet determination shared by countless individuals who keep the city moving. Her profile reflects the strength found in everyday lives, often unnoticed but deeply meaningful.