Rice Meal by Ryszard Wierzbicki
As you know, the basis for food in Asia is rice. Also in the Philippines, rice is the main ingredient in almost all meals. In places such as Smokey Mountain, the rice consumed directly on the street, under the wheels of the car, as often the only available meal is a sufficient luxury. As you can see, this is a enough reason to smile.
Young Adult by Ryszard Wierzbicki
In the Smokey Mountain community, the eldest daughter usually plays the role of a substitute mother at home for younger siblings. Surprisingly, children living in slums do not download any education. Often, the only teaching that children experience here is the street life school. This girl has negligible chances to break free from slums.
Portrait by Ryszard Wierzbicki
I took this portrait of this gentleman before entering the Smokey Mountain slums. He was standing on the street, watching the traffic around the Manila port, where many shipping and freight companies have their branches. He probably had some experience working on the waterfront. The penetrating gaze and the expressiveness of his face made me want to press the shutter trigger.