Thank You to Steve Griffith & Kevin Weir

Besides my friend Michael Ferrenci, I have to thank Steve Griffith and Kevin Weir for their personal support, guidance and encouragement, and between Michael, Steven & Kev my trips wouldn't have been possible or productive, and this website simply would not exist.



Steve Griffith found me online 2 years ago and took an interest in my photography and personal experiences with the poor I know in Philippines, and being generous by nature, he asked me what I needed to take what I was doing to the next level.

I thought for a moment and answered "I think I need a website..."

I'm not a web designer nor am I a programmer, and Steve's a programmer so we hit it off on a good note in late 2005/early 2006 when he decided to donate this site, the web host and his design/programming skills to get this website up and running, as well as supplying all technical support.

Although I host the site now, Steve is still my go-to person when I need technical programming for the site while in the USA and/or Philippines, or when I just need to rant (he's a very patient person, and equally compassionate when it comes to the poor in Philippines, even though he's never traveled there)

Steven's the guy who always gives of himself and has never asked for anything in return (if he ever did, I would never be able to afford or repay him!)

I can't thank him enough; it's because of him I have this journal.

I can get Steven anytime on the phone or internet messenger (he's always paid for the long distance calls, as well as blog and site building books he's bought & shipped to me) and although I've never met Steven in person, he's Family to me.

Thank you brother.



Big Kev "Don't Ask Me To Travel Light" Weir (I've never seen another photographer who's not on an official assignment carry more crap/gear/luggage & bags while traveling internationally) became instant friends in 2005 when we met on a a Cebu bus bound for the province of Negros - he turned me onto an inexpensive and secure hotel in Negros, and we've been best friends since.

We share the same sense of humor, adventure, love of photography and an affection for those less fortunate, and when Kev found out what I was doing with my photography and trying to feed the poor I knew in Philippines, he didn't hesitate for a second; he just strode his 6'5" frame right into the picture and immediately began doing the same (he'd already been street shooting with the poor he knew there before we'd met, as well as buying food & incidentals for the poor kids in his neighborhood in Negros, so we were on exactly the same page from the beginning)

Since Kevin knew he had WAY more resources then I did, and when he realized what I was trying to do on very little donated money (which had all but stopped coming in) he didn't hesitate for a second in stepping in and opening his wallet - asking me to take him to the Families in Manila, Cebu & Santa Fe so he could participate, and good things were happening again.

I did just that, and Kevin was the sole reason from February 2008 onward that the children & Families featured here on the website had the Rice for their meals, additional food to eat and even some new clothes to wear.

With the rough year my own Family has had, Kev just recently offered to Sponsor my domestic flight from Manila to Cebu (after arrival) and from Cebu back to Manila when it's time to leave, because he knew it was a hardship for me to afford it.

I write more and post images about Kev only because he's the only one I've actually met and spent time with, amongst my other ProjectRice Family members Steve Griffith and Michael Ferrenci.

Thank you brother, you're Family too.

PJAMES