Cicilia is an only child living with her parents in Padadita. Her father works irregularly as a fisherman or motorbike taxi driver, while her mother takes in clothing alterations to help support the family, who have unpaid school fees. Both her parents are unwell — her father had a stroke and previous surgery, while her mother experiences vertigo. To help cover her own needs, Cicilia takes on odd jobs for neighbors and saves what she earns for school supplies; she once used prize money from ranking third in her class to buy new shoes after hers wore out. She dreams of becoming a bridal makeup artist after graduating and hopes a scholarship can ease her family's financial burden.