Poverty in the Philippines

Sometimes I think we Americans lose focus on how lucky we really are in the scope of things...

Absoloutly many of us take for granted the American lifestyle. I tell my kids almost everyday how lucky we are. Great captures of a "different" culture.

You should have seen people living under the bridge with minimum shelter. but hey, they can manage. it's just a pity that there is still long way to go for this problem in the Phils to be solved.

I hate images like this because they're so real and true and good.

if I had a million of dollars, though, I would try to help as many people as I could, in the same way someone helped me.

Moving images

Luke the images I posted here are weak in comparison to what I see every time I go to the P.I. But the worst areas aren't safe, especially for a foreigner with an expensive camera. These particular shots were made of an abandoned lot turned squatter area across the street from my brother-in-law's house.

Poverty in Manila makes our poor neighborhoods and projects look like Beverly Hills in comparison and when you see the children who must live there it absolutely breaks your heart.

I think a lot of Americans need to re-learn how to live with less. Our current problems are caused by living beyond our means, and this may be the perfect reminder that it won't work forever. Touching shots, BTW.

+1

I understand that if you ever get to India, it is shocking.

Excellent comments sparker1. Spot on! And thanks for the images, Rhilton4u. Are you from there, do business there, visit family there often? It sounds like you're there frequently. I hope you don't mind my asking.

Kajuah wrote in post #7308942
I hate images like this because they're so real and true and good.

if I had a million of dollars, though, I would try to help as many people as I could, in the same way someone helped me.

Moving images

I hear ya brother. Unfortunatly throwing money never really seems to help at the bottom. Somewhere, somebody has a plan I just wish I knew what it was..

johnthebaptist wrote in post #7311532
Excellent comments sparker1. Spot on! And thanks for the images, Rhilton4u. Are you from there, do business there, visit family there often? It sounds like you're there frequently. I hope you don't mind my asking.

My wife is from there...we try to visit family about once every 3-5 years.

I know these fourms are not for political comment, but since it has been started... I'll go against the grain here and play "devil's advocate".

Yes, we live well in America, but, we also do a lot of good. As bad as the economy is right now in the US, we continue to help others. There are millions of people all over the world who would not be able to live at all, if it were not for American aid. I do my part in making private donations and my taxes help many. I feel no guilt, but I remain compassionate.

During the Viet Nam war, I spent a lot of time in the P.I.. I thought it was a lovely country and met many wonderful people.

I go to PI every other year to visit family and seeing this image pretty much everywhere is truly a humbling experience. Last time was a bit different as I stayed at a friend's luxury apt in Makati and saw that the local Starbucks was able to charge the equivalent of $6.50 for a venti mocha latte... the huge disparity between rich and poor is amazing and, i'm sure, largely at the expense of the latter.

You've documented this aspect of life there very well. Excellent images, although a bit oversharpened looking for the web for my liking.

People in powerty is usually happier than most North Americans.

i'll be visiting philippines this march, its been 5 years since the last time i visited. i grow in that country and i know this images so well.