experience of fun yet I couldn't escape the stigma of the reality of life I witnessed as we traversed the streets of Escolta, Intramuros, Baseco and Baywalk seeing our fellowmen trying to survive by any means they know of.

First, I saw the pitiful condition of Mang Agapito. Dubbed as "The Most Photographed Man in the Streets", Mang Agapito

Mang Agapito

has been in the streets for 37 long years since he accidentally lost his eyesight together with his hands in a dynamite fishing at the age of 30.

Each day of the week, just barely after eating breakfast, his wife brings him to Escolta or Quiapo area to find a suitable corner in the streets. With the remaining stump of his forearms holding his harmonica, he plays music to appeal for mercy from good hearted passersby. The music blends with the tinkling of the coin as it hits the tin can beside him. Each tinkling sound is music to the ears of Mang Agapito though at times only few is heard.

At dusk, after a fateful day he again waits for his loving wife to fetch him and join his five grown up children.

Despair

Life is colorful, but to this little boy sitting on a log beside the river bank where they live, this truth is now a lie.

Sad Face, Baseco

Questions after questions can be asked as to why some of our fellowmen choose to stay in the slum area. Is it because of their own volition or that they were pressed by the situation and life's condition?

Questions after questions can be asked as to why some of our fellowmen choose to stay in the slum area. Is it because of their own volition or that they were pressed by the situation and life's condition?

How will this be addressed the soonest possible time by Philippine Administration?

The United Nations agency UN-HABITAT defines a slum as a heavily populated urban area

Looking Back, Baseco

ity, but has come to include the vast informal settlements found in cities in the developing world. The word may come from the slang term 'Slams' (pronounced slums and short for Islams) referring to the poor and crowded Muslim suburbs of early 19th century Cape Town. (see Arabic Afrikaans). Although their characteristics vary between geographic regions, they are usually inhabited by the very poor or socially disadvantaged. Slum buildings vary from simple shacks to permanent and well-maintained structures. Most slums lack clean water, electricity, sanitation and other basic services. Re

Garbage at the background

ference: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slum

At Baywalk, Roxan Blvd.

Towards the end of the day, another page in the chapter of life of these people in the street has turned. They would then retire and just sleep away the truth that life is unfair to them hoping that they would still wake up the next day.

Here's a man trying to relax by the shore of Roxas Boulevard in Baywalk area. He portrays an inevitable truth and reality you would usually see as you walk down the streets of the city of Manila. As we grow old we are nearing the sunset of our life. Soon, light would be gone and darkness takes over.

This adventure brought me into deep thought. Read on because these could be the same questions you might want to ask yourself:

"Have I found the meaning of my existence? Have I thought of these people and am I willing to somehow help them alleviate their plight? Can they see hope in me as I meet them along the streets?"