Tondo District, in the heart of Manila, is one of the most densely populated slums in Asia. Life here is shaped by staggering poverty, yet amidst the hardships, I found something extraordinary: unbreakable bonds and the ability to smile despite adversity. It was a rare purity, a form of happiness untouched by material wealth. Drawn to this resilience, I committed myself to capturing their daily lives through my lens.
Then, one day, everything changed. A massive fire engulfed Tondo, leaving 2,000 people homeless. In moments, the vibrant streets I had come to know vanished into smoke and rubble. The warmth of shared laughter, once ever-present, was erased in an instant. Seeing this devastation firsthand was an indescribable shock.
As the sun hung low in the sky, its golden light washed over the ruins, illuminating the silhouettes of those left behind. They stood in silence, their slumped shoulders heavy with loss, helplessness, and fear of an uncertain future. Yet even in the midst of despair, a quiet determination lingered. Amid the ruins, people began looking forward, driven by a will to rebuild. Their resilience, though fragile, was unyielding.
