"Life is like a vexatious trap, yet delicious and precious." Each one of us tastes the bitterness of life. And a fair amount can feel it most of the time. We might think that uncertainty is the only certainty when living. Nothing is sure; however, change is for sure. Hello hive mates, I'm gracialicious.com. Join me to explore the beauty and best of my allegory.
My name is Mary Grace G. Tapales; you can call me Mary or Grace. I am 22 years old. A dreamer and believer. The second-born child of the Tapales family. I am the second-born child in a family of six children, five of whom are boys and one of whom is a girl. I am currently residing alone in a city, specifically Minglanilla City, Cebu. You want to know why? Well, you will know as we continue. My family is currently living in one of the most beautiful provinces of Cebu, which is Toledo City. We belong to a middle-class family with no regrets but a lot of life-honest questions. Like goodness, fate! Why are we suffering like this? Hence, to provide, we are not financially stable. However, I am very grateful to the Almighty God because he never leaves us behind and never fails to guide and provide, and to my parents, who give whatever they can just to make us live comfortably. Also, I could conclude that having not so much offers a large amount of experiences and lessons in life, as you will know if you browse below.
I am in my 4th year right now, taking up a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing Management. To tell you something, the journey has been a twist for me. However, let’s talk first about my achievements in previous years (if there are any). Anyway, to tell you honestly, I don’t have much because I was so shy before. I don’t like people, especially some of my classmates in elementary school, because they often bully me. However, even if I did, I would never forsake my studies. I did my best to pass all the necessary requirements, and I continued doing it until I reached high school. In high school, I became more productive and increased my interest—to be part of honor students, to get medals to make my parents more proud, and to use it as a way to repay all their hard work and sacrifices. I would have loved to do it up until now; however, I can now justify what others have said as I am experiencing it. “College is a survival mode” titles are not the primary concern but to pass. Sometimes, when I’m having my alone time and doing some reflections, I could say that studying is just easy if I’m just well-off. But thanks to the lacking's, I experienced the following, shown below:
I started selling going back in high school. I felt shy back then, but I forced myself to overcome the fear because my mom badly needs help, and if I don't do it, we won't have an allowance or food to eat because most of the time my father's income will not be enough, so we need each other's help to survive. Going back, I sell different types of food products made by my mom because, with humility, she is really a good cook (sorry I can’t show you much photos since I didn't have a phone back then). So I will just name the products: we have donuts and shakoy, banana chips (that I'm currently selling to my and putocheese, and also variants of foods such as fried chicken, ham, eggplant, and so much more. I was actually happy at that time since my mother gave me tips from selling, so I had the opportunity to save money that I used to buy a keypad cellphone (my first phone).
Moving forward, my college, together with the pandemic and typhoon Odet, gives us really hard times. It caused my family disunity because my parents fight all the time because of the financial issues. Additionally, having a defective cellphone is not easy for an online class. So, I decided to find a job, even if my parents were against it. I followed my instincts and trusted my gut. I apply to one of the most known and productive companies in Cebu, which produces the most satisfying product called golden bihon. This is where my life and our lives change. I’m a production worker, and we manufactured golden bihon. I've been working here since the second semester of my second year, up until now. Working full-time as a night shift and fulfilling the role of a student during daylight wasn’t an easy odyssey for me, yet it is something I could say is worth it. Through my work, I was able to buy a smartphone using my own money. I was also able to meet our needs and desires; I was able to help my family financially; and I was able to give some of the money that we used to build a house last year.
I love working in factories. I love it when my skills are used because it gives me enjoyment and helps me energize. I’m also into writing poems. I really love poems. For the reason that I love its form down to its hidden meaning. I love how it is constructed from its theme, rhymes, and rhythms. Additionally, I like weird movies too, such as horror movies. You know what? This is my primary choice when it comes to movies. Then, next to it, are Korean dramas. I really like watching it the whole night if there’s spare time. I shall likewise put my heart into drawing. I was in the 6th grade when I discovered that I could do it, and since then, I have realized that I have strength on this part. Then, lastly, I love cooking too. I like experimenting with some recipes because I believe that it’s an art from the heart.
Swimming is my cup of tea. An activity that relaxes my body and a source of serenity.
There are three main reasons why I join hive. First and foremost is to express and listen to unheard voices. I know there are people like me who can better express their thoughts and feelings through writing rather than verbal. Secondly, is to enhance my skills and abilities, specifically in writing communication and thirdly is to improve my self-esteem. Thanks to my best friend, 
Thank you for patiently reading my abouts. I love to see you on my next blog🥰 Lovelots hivemates💝
