​I am Joanna Maye A. Gilbuena. I was born on June 25, 2006, in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu. My world was shaped by the rhythm of the tides and the laughter of fishermen in my hometown. Life was simple, with contentment found in having enough to eat each day. But as the oldest of four, I harbored a fierce ambition: to give my family a better life.

​From Day Care to High School, I was an achiever who always brought medals home. This culture of mine brought pressure on myself in my college journey. However, those moments and the sacrifices of my Mama and Papa changed me and brought about determination for my own dream: to become a Captain of an airplane. This dream of mine requires a lot of sacrifices and investment for me to achieve my goals, but, as Papa said, “I always have a choice to be successful if I also have the courage.”

​At present, I am pursuing my studies at Cebu Technological University as a Mechanical Engineering student, and I hope that someday this program will help me become successful. I want to inspire my fellow Santafehanon that being poor is not an excuse to stop fulfilling their dreams. In my college life, I am not joining any organizations, but I spend most of my free time studying and airplane spotting with my buddy.

​I am also one of the scholars of KFF Foundation Inc. This family is not just helping me with my burdens in finances, but also this foundation has given me lessons that I can use and share in the present and future. This foundation has given me the chance to share who I really am. My Ate’s and Kuya’s energy and insights gave a laugh and a lesson to me for me to grow.

​I not only excel in my studies but also feel a deep connection to God’s creation. I regularly volunteer my time to help clean up the environment in Santa Fe. My commitment to both academic achievement and environmental stewardship is very important to me. I believe in contributing positively to my community and the world around me.