Biography:
Chris Rusanowsky is a talented photojournalist known for his captivating images of American culture and politics. Born in the United States, Chris has lived in several states and has traveled to numerous countries, giving him a unique perspective...
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Topics
Health/Healing, Homelessness, Human Rights, Lifestyle, Photojournalism, Poverty
A child no more than four years old walks on Manila's crowded pavement, naked without clothing and to the looks of him, no family; this is a scene, reality for many Filipino families. Manila is one of the most populated cities in the world but not the biggest. With the accelerating growth rate of Filipinos moving from their small towns to the 'big city,' they look for work and opportunity. According to a Global Report, about 34.2 percent of families live below the poverty line. When you look at the city's landscape, you see high rises that reach the sky, and more are in development. But on the ground level, you see children, women, and men on the streets in extreme conditions. I have visited places in Manila where children are rumbling for plastics in the cities landfill and working in hazardous conditions burning wood to create charcoal. Children are always a sign of hope; they make do with what they have and find time to play with makeshift or donated toys. Filipinos are resilient and full of hope, even meeting a family with little offers you a place at their table and food to eat.