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I was riding a jeepney (which is a
public utility vehicle in the Philippines) one night when I saw this boy wearing
a white shirt in one corner of the street. He was alone, sitting on a monobloc
chair, and he was waiting for some customer to buy his colorful lanterns. He
was somewhat preoccupied and destructed with flying mosquitoes around that
would want to bite him. I asked the young driver to stop his jeep and drop me in
front area to where this boy is selling his lanterns.
The boy
saw me with smiling face with innocent eyes as I approached him and asked the
price of his lanterns. I asked some questions about him, where did he live, why
he is alone, etc. Later, he tried to convince me to buy his lanterns but with
his efforts and his friendliness I bought one blue lantern. I saw happiness and
enjoyment in the face of this little boy when I gave my payment for the item I bought
but there was still innocence in his eyes that really touched my heart. I left
him afterwards and as I was farther away from him, I took my camera and
captured this picture.
With
this photo, it simply showed that even young ones can earn and provide his own living.
Christmas is fast approaching; it’s a long celebration here in the Philippines.
So many Christmas decors and lights were already displayed in every corner
where everyone can sell. But it is striking to see that even this young boy can
already sell lanterns on his own in the street. He should be at home; studying
his lessons or helping his parents and you might not know some unfortunate
events may happen to this boy. This is a glimpse of situation, undeniably
common in the Philippines.
I
submit this photo to the competition, to disseminate the importance of life
during childhood and what life can offer during childhood. But due to poverty there
are hundreds of thousands of children born each year in the world that they
have no means to support. Don’t bring a child’s life into poverty.
I’m
the man behind this picture. This was a reflection of life. It is a journey and
a battle of everyday’s struggle. I believe we can make a difference. Somehow I
showed my humble composition and share the reality and truth around the
community with this young boy.
I
believe that my initiative, resourcefulness, uniqueness, and style would bring
me to a new height of my journey. Not only being lust for adventures, I really
want to be learned and gained knowledge and skills more what this photography scholarship
requires. I’m looking forward to meet and interact with new cultures, new places,
and new horizons. It is a really big opportunity to travel to South
Africa with natural history photographer Jason Edwards.
As Aristotle once said, “It
concerns us to know the purposes we seek in life, for then, like archers aiming
at a definite mark, we shall be more likely to attain what we want.”
To God Be The Glory!!
