O n the afternoon of our second day in Manila, we always take our Jeepney to one of my favorite parts of town, where there’s a community of people living under an overpass. It’s an area which was introduced to me by fellow photojournalist Red Santos, who I had the good fortune of meeting a few years back. The people living under the overpass are surviving in conditions that most of us would find unbearable, but there is a sense of optimism and friendliness among all that live there. We’re always welcomed into the community and usually spend quite a bit of time talking to, and photographing them. It’s a bit of a cultural exchange, that leaves an impression on my tour guests.
After photographing under the overpass, we head on down the railroad tracks to ride the “skate train”, a unique mode of transportation used by the locals to transport people and passengers, short distances along the rail lines.
There’s on spot on our route where we have to cross a bridge. There’s nowhere to jump off if and when a real train comes, but the skate train conductors know the train schedule and pay close attention, so as to time the crossing of the bridge safely. I think that France, above and Jerry and Doris, below were a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but it was over quickly and all went well.
After our excursion and photo shoot under the bridge, along the tracks and on the skate train, we headed back to Melate in our Jeepney, it’s always a memorable day for me, and for everyone else too. I just love Manila and all its friendly people. Don’t tell anyone, but I think it’s the best “street shooting” city in Asia!
Hi Karl,
It always amazes me that even though these people live an extremely simple and poor life, they appear much happier than most of the people I encounter here in California!
Why is it that with our big houses and fancy cars, we still struggle with genuine contentment?
Wonderful photos of daily life in Manila my friend!
Terry
Is it the little Polaroid printer that you use to give picture?