For 13 years, being a trisikad driver is the only way of living which sustains her and her 13-year-old son. Two years ago, her husband died.

Presently, together with her young son, they live in a small hut, owned by someone else. If the owner finds a lot buyer, which would amount to 3 million pesos, they will be forced to move out and find another place to live.

Prior to her comfortable house where she lives now, Ate Shelly used to live in a street, without any proper roof that would shelter her.

Ever since she was a young girl she has faced hardship. First, her mom died giving birth to her second sibling. After that, her life began to twist its knots: living under the roof with her dad was miserable. He deprived her of the opportunity to learn - her dad took education away from her when he refused to send her to school.

After her dad succumbed to death, she was forced to live next to her aunt. At that time, she knew she had to learn to defend herself.

Her uncle frequently called her to enter his room every time her aunt went out. She took notice of the darkness inside and the windows were closed. She wondered why, but by any means, it didn't frighten her.

Something inside of her which transcended courage to tell her aunt about such encounters, despite the underlying threats she had to face.

As a kid, she was beaten up by her dad. If she endured such pain, jumping off a roof as a means of escape from her uncle, it would make no difference.

Yet escaping was in her mind, running to her boyfriend to save herself - hoping for a better life, was another impending crisis she was yet to give into.

Her hopes for a better life living with him were transient. As she was expecting their second child, he imprisoned her in their room before leaving for work. She did not receive any special treatment during those crucial years of her life, and only ate at the time he came home from work.

Not only that, he called her names and as a mother of two children, what was more terrifying to see as she entered their room - her husband talking to another woman online.

In spite of what happened, Ate Shelly carried it with dignity. She was aware of her lack of education, which she was not ashamed to admit, and did not let it impede her to handle such family issues with calmness as she brought his clothes outside.

He even asked for money from her before leaving their home. Ate Shelly, in her own defense, she refused: she had their son with her and how was she going to keep their living stable?

Driving a "trisikad" was the only way of living she knew that would provide all their daily expenses. Her knees trembled as she started to pedal it, and had to endure its weight and the distance of the destination of her passenger.

Carrying all weight within her and the forces outside of her life was something worth noting the struggles every woman has to deal with.