Tondo district is located in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is said to be the largest slum in the Orient and is known as one of the most densely populated areas in the world. One day, a large fire suddenly broke out in this district, leaving about 2,000 people homeless.
Immediately after the fire, a boy appeared in the smoke-filled street, drenched in sweat. He took one step at a time, carrying a small bag, and desperately searched through the rubble for anything that was left by the fire.
There was no sign of despair in the boy's eyes. Rather, there was a strong will to desperately face the harsh reality unfolding before his eyes. Even surrounded by rubble and smoke, there was no sign of resignation in his gaze, and a quiet, yet powerful determination could be felt.
Watching him standing among the rubble, I felt the vitality of a human being who looks forward and tries to survive in the face of adversity.
