Whether we are weary or tranquil, a joyful and comfortable place is what our eyes look for and what our bodies long for.
For the average Filipino person, the sort of haven depicted above has always been within our reach, granting us bliss that most of us barely appreciate. There is always more to the story, though, especially for those whose lives are not average.
Through photographs of our recent encounter with the awesome and inspiring kids from the BASECO compound in Manila, we aim to enlighten minds of all ages. We also seek to prove that joy doesn’t necessarily come from the grandest things.
The Batangas Shipping and Engineering Company (BASECO) Compound is the largest among five communities composing Manila’s port, situated in the vicinity of Tondo. It is a wide reclaimed area that is now occupied by informal settlers. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
Photo by Quennie Maria Guibao/MP-KNN
Photo by Quennie Maria Guibao/MP-KNN
Our feet on the reclaimed area filled with dumped refuse. | Photo by Quennie Maria Guibao/MP-KNN
The more challenging aspects of Manila highlight things like crime, reclaimed areas filled with garbage, lack of education, and vulnerable children. There can still be simplicity and satisfaction in life, however, as demonstrated by how the BASECO kids choose to find contentment and happiness however and wherever they can.
Who would have thought that one of Manila’s biggest slums also has within it innocent and inspiring individuals with big dreams? Within them lies a feeling of freedom, and the great joy they earn from being content with their lives.
Little girl strikes a pose. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
Her painted nails make her happy and feel pretty. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
A boy digging through ashes with his bare hands in the hopes of finding a “treasure” worth discovering. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
Best friends who poked me to take a photo of them together, saying their friendship makes them both happy. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
BASECO kids pose as they play under the intense and exhausting heat of the sun. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
Boys busy playing with their DIY boat toys. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
A group of children bathe in the sea of trash to beat the heat. | Photo by Joshua Principio/MP-KNN
It is no wonder that the compound, aside from the community that rose up from what was formerly known as Smokey Mountain in Balut, Tondo, is now being recognized as Happy Land. It is a land where smiles are genuine, joys are simple, dreams are big, and problems are not dilemmas.
We should always take time to think of what we have, and be grateful for them. Stressing over things that don’t really matter at all only leads to depression.
Fuel your aspirant’s soul instead, and do great things in life. Go ahead! Be happy! Love the life you live!