Not many people have heard or been to this mini rainforest right in the heart of Mega Manila: the University of the Philippines Arboretum. Not even most “Kyusi” dwellers themselves. For one, it’s not heralded. A la Secret Garden. Two, the forest is shut off from the public’s view by the edifices of UP Technohub […]
Read More PHOTO ESSAY: INSIDE METRO MANILA’S LAST RAINFORESTHenry Supnay watches over his hired crew as they mend fishing nets near Lake Bato floodwall. “These meshes could last twenty years were it not for the triple whammy of 2019,” he muttered. He was referring to typhoons Sarah, Tisoy, and Ursula which hit the province one after the other on that year leaving their […]
Read More IN PHOTOS: LAKE BATO. ORDER OF THE DAYSalem Espares-Estrada, 55, hasn’t heard from his son Dexter in four months. Her only news of his whereabouts came in Monday morning: he was one of those who perished from the C-130 plane crash. Cpl. Dexter E. Estrada, 32, has been in the Philippine Army for nine years. The desire to support his parents and […]
Read More NO SACRIFICE TOO GREATThe 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 SEASHELLAt 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 MARKET