MARICEL P. MALAYO - is a shy 14 year-old who graduated from elementary with honors in Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental in the visayas region. She is very happy that after 4 years, she is, at last, reunited with her mother, Merly, who has been a housemaid in Parañaque City, Metro Manila. Shy Maricel dreams of becoming a successful nurse someday.  Her hobbies include reading books and watching television.

FAMILY BACKGROUND - Fours years ago, Melvin and Maricel, lived in Brgy. Bangkal, Makati City after husband Edwin abandoned them.  Merly was sick, pregnant,unemployed. After three months, Merly delivered her third child, Christian.  She didn't know how to support her three children especially Christian who was born unhealthy.  When her husband's sister came for a visit, Merly Decided to give Christian away thinking he will have a better life with her sister-in-law who cannot have a child at her own. The sister-in-law brought Christian to Bicol in Southern Luzon and Merly hasn't seen him since.

Merly brought her two children home to Negros Occidental, planning to start a new life. But life was harder there. Soon she left her children with her sister, returned to Manila and found work in Parañaque City as a housemaid. This enabled her to support her two children back in the province.  After four years, she was able to send for Maricel who now lives with her. Son Melvin has to wait while Merly saves money for his transportation to Manila. Merly said she dreams of being reunited with her three children. She once planned to get Christian back but she was threatened by her husband. Now, all she can do is pray that all her children will be safe and healthy. meantime Merly and daughter Maricel share their hope for a brighter fufure.

LIZ ANN V. VILLEGAS - thirteen year old Liz is 5'6" tall. Born on March 7,1995 in Orani, Bataan, she is the second of four children of Ramir and Liezel Vergara. Liz's favorite subject is Math because "it is not boring". She is very happy being 4th from top of her class. At home, she often helps her mother with chores and loves watching TV. She likes vegetables more than junk food. Ever-smiling Liz is a happy pleasant child despite her family's financial problems.

FAMILY BACKGROUND - The Vergara family lives in ashanty made of thin plywood, plastic scraps and rusty aluminum for roofing in the crowded community of Lorenzana in San Dionisio, Parañaque City.  They fetch water from the community faucet nearby,paying P2.00 for every 5 gallon pail. Electricity worth P600/month is shared with relatives who live nearby. The mother, Liezel, is the sole breadwinner in the family. She does laundry for others to earn money for the family's daily needs. The father, Ramir,is unemployed. Liezl is just grateful that her eldest son Rommel and daughter LIz Ann are both responsible. She is hopeful that her sacrifices will pay off when all her children finish their studies and get good jobs. Liz' scholarship will be invaluable to turning that hope to reality