in Pampanga, Philippines

November 20, 2006: Pampanga Philippines

Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/400s f/4 at 14.0mm iso100

I've known Janet's Family for the past few years, and although they're not homeless, they're not too far from it - their one room 15'x15' concrete small house (which sits next to a few very nice houses in their neighborhood) does have electricity, simple home made furniture & plastic chairs, but has no running water...and they make the best of it everday, always thinking positive and taking good care of each other.

A working poor Family, Papa JoJo drives a tricycle for work, while Janet's Mama makes Sampaquita (the local flowers that sell in the streets) and cares for her 4 children - on good days JoJo would earn maybe $3 or $4, but I've seen days where he's been out driving 15 hours to make $2 (I stay with the Family when I'm there, sleeping on the floor at night as the rest of the Family does)

I've seen JoJo up and out of the house at 4am and returning at midnight after driving all day - he always picks me up at the bus stop on the highway and brings me to his place, and never wants to take the P30 fare money from me, although I politely insist (if he won't take it I just give it to his wife and say to use it for the kids, etc)

I do as the Family does when I'm there, taking bird-baths in the CR/bathroom as there's no shower, and even sleeping on the concrete floor won't kill you; it'll only kill your back (a little)..I make light of it while I'm there with the kids, as they all have this energetic sense of humor where we all love to laugh, and I'm always humbled and constantly learning from being around them.

This week it's images from Pampanga with the Family...more later.

Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES