Smokey Mountain slum

I visited Smokey Mountain slum in Manila on a walking tour. The poor neglected community scavenge on waste to make a living. I knew what to expect but was still so taken aback by what I saw. As we were asked not to photograph the people I still felt compelled to tell their story. I begged the organisers to allow me the following day to return so that I could take a few pictures. I need to have a record of happy smiling faces despite the difficult conditions they live in -- a life lesson for ALL