The University of the Philippines Arboretum is a mini-rainforest situated in the heart of Mega Manila. Also called “Pook Arboretum,” the forest is home to a community of urban poor: laborers, tricycle drivers, jeepney drivers, scavengers. Most of whom lost their livelihood due to the pandemic. To alleviate the difficult situation, residents set up a […]
Read More POOK ARBORETUM’S 60-MINUTE COMMUNITY PANTRYAmalia Alcantara is the epitome of “so others may live.” “Ate Bebang” to many, Ms. Alcantara is a human rights activist, urban poor organizer, and leader to Nagkakaisang Residente ng Pook Malinis — a depressed community on the skirts of UP Diliman. Troubled by an impending demolition, pandemic crisis, politics and police issues. Since the […]
Read More “ATE BEBANG”Calatagan in one day. Put your hand in the hand of the man who walked on the water.
Read More STRAIGHT FROM THE SEASHELLSix typhoons in two months. “Ulysses” for the swan song. Looking back at the congregation of storms — from my quarantine window.
Read More UPSHOTSAt the height of Typhoon Rolly’s onslaught in Calabarzon, a fire was raging at a fishing community in Bacoor, Cavite. Good thing a forced evacuation prior to the typhoon was placed, saving the families from the inferno. Now the same people are asking the question: was the fire done deliberately while everyone was away? The […]
Read More BURNED TO THE GROUNDBullshit every step of the way. I meant cow dung, at the “Bakahan.” Officially, the Padre Garcia Livestock Auction Market. Where thousands of farm animals from different places in the Philippines are hauled in for auction. Referred to as the “Cattle Trading Capital of the Philippines” Padre Garcia reopened the market after a two-month lockdown […]
Read More PICTURES: PADRE GARCIA LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKETCrazy thoughts in these crazy times. Our regular Zoom videoconference at the office includes work-from-home personnel in Manila, Visayas and Mindanao. And all sorts of background noises. Every session is open to the sound of life in the backdrop. You can’t blame people for not having soundproof spaces in their homes. Different places, but no […]
Read More PINOY ZOOM CONFERENCE: THE TEN USUAL BACKGROUND NOISESWe stand here together in the patio. For the most part, the stage setting for affairs of the church and the state; of indignation and proclamations. Also of con men and lawmen. Peddlers and beggars. Tarot readers and believers. Looking over, the Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene. We stand together amid social isolation, loneliness, and […]
Read More PLAZA MIRANDA