Hi!! This man consistently feels proud of himself. Despite facing many challenges, he remains standing and fights for the future, just like bamboo: bending but not breaking. Many people have asked me why I have a girly name. However, I never questioned it because my parents chose it for me. It’s a special name, not a reflection of my true identity. This is Mariel Llanos Principal, have a saying “If you dream it, you can do it”.

This place is one of the tourist spots here in Tuburan, because of its two tall rock formations with water between them. All visitors and residents in this area will ride a gakit/dakit (just like a kayak, but this is made of bamboo and rope) to reach the other side or opt for a longer route to this cliff. I was born and raised in Marmol, Tuburan, Cebu. I love this place not just the view, but this place gave me more memorable stories and achievements.

During my elementary school days, I attended Marmol Elementary School (2009-2016), the place where I grew up. During my high school years, I attended Tuburan National High School with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics from 2016 to 2022. This time, I am a third-year college student and still pursuing my future. Taking up a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics.

Talking about hobbies and interests, I love playing basketball and traveling with nature. For me these interests make me feel comfortable and stress-free. I enjoy spending time with my friends and traveling at my own pace. I am a person who is not familiar with everything but can give you everything that I can.

One of my biggest accomplishments was graduating from senior high school. There were a lot of challenges at that time because of the pandemic. I had no internet connection in our house to communicate with teachers and for the synchronous and asynchronous classes, I went to the top of the mountain to catch the internet even on a stormy day. After all those struggles, there was a happy moment in my life. I believe the saying, suffer now, enjoy later.

The challenge I have faced in life is financial instability, which has made it difficult for me to meet my needs, especially regarding my studies. Money provides a means to navigate the uncertainties of life. If you don't have this, you cannot follow society's trends. We can’t live without money.

I have faced many challenges throughout my life, but financial difficulties were the most significant. This challenge has shaped me into a person who learns to solve problems through hard work. I saved money because it was the only way to overcome my difficulties. Always be positive.

My goal in life is to graduate from this course and build a successful career. I want my parents to achieve financial stability. I want to give them what they cannot have this time, and I want to help others who need my assistance. In God’s name.

Fun fact about me is my name. Before I got my name, Ariel was my first name, but my parents decided to add M before A because I have no sister and to have a combination of their name.