BEAUTY IN THE DUST
Kids were trying to find crabs to sell.
I used to dream of living near the sea. Because the sound of sea waves seems like music to my ears. The sand that plays with the air looks like children's laughter. But that dream burst out when we went to Rosario, Cavite. People there live normally in that kind of environment, preparing the smoked fish to sell with so much garbage around them.
As we walked through, we heard someone say, “Iba talaga ang kulay ng mga taga syudad.” (“People who live in the city are different from us who are living here in the province.”)
The way it sounded was sad and sparked curiosity about what it feels like to live where we live.
Before, I would say, “Bakit hindi na lang sila umalis sa ganyang lugar. E, kita naman na nila na ang daming basura. Bakit hindi sila magtrabaho para maka-ahon.” (“Why don’t they just leave that place? It’s full of mess. Why don’t they just apply for a job to be successful in life?”)
However, my perspective changed when I encountered this experience in Rosario. As I observed, kids were trying to find hope in the mess. People strive not to feel starved. I now understand that we can’t somehow blame them for having that kind of life.
It is not only their fault. But also some who are now sailing in wealth because of the people who helped them fix the boat to sail. I captured all the angles in that place because I believe that photo can change the perspective of a blind-minded person.
Even if people still find beauty in the dust, it means they are going to live that way forever.
We just learned how to swim; now let’s learn how to sail so we don’t drown in poverty.
Written by Seenicaeatoh
