Shanty Demolition (Outtakes)

This morning for work, I put on my combat boots, a kevlar helmet, and a (really, really heavy) double plated bullet-proof vest.  I honestly don't know what's with me--but I just know that if I want to follow my dream, I have to take risks to fight for that dream, and today, that's exactly what I did.





Above are a few photos of some members of the press, and I guess that sort of includes me now. It's really stressful, and I've been learning a lot. Below are the photos I took, and the little stories that go with them.. I hope that in these photos you find empathy for our fellow human beings, and that you say a little prayer for these people--a thousand families, now homeless.




They tried to defend their homes and they put up a resistance against the police. They begged for a few more days so they could move their things and look for a place to stay.



This man was arrested, and he was demanding for a reason for his arrest.



A resident of the shanties and his belongings..






This woman was weeping and wailing while she watched her house being demolished. Behind her is the demolition team. She was asking and begging for help. She doesn't know where she will sleep tonight, and was scared of the strong rains.

Below, a woman who did not put up a fight. I'm guessing she was at peace knowing her God would not abandon her..



My heart is just filled with so many emotions right now, not to mention my back hurting like crazy from wearing the vest for 3 hours.

I really feel for the residents of the shanty community--they've been living there since the 80's. And though they really do not own the land, I don't know. I just feel so horrible for them. I really was trying hard not to cry while shooting this, but the other photojournalists told me that I really have to keep my composure while at work. I feel so powerless--but I like to think that being part of the media, and showing the horrors that happen to people somehow helps raise awareness. We cannot pretend that these horrors do not exist.

Please, pray for them.

I'm hoping to still get better at this... I've been so lucky this year, really. And I'm thankful for the things I'm learning in the field, and for the lessons I've been picking up from my new 'classroom.' I'm nowhere near the brilliance of my colleagues, but in due time, I'm hoping to get there.

I think the risk is worth all this learning.

**again, reject photos only :(

Dragulous

Manila Drag Queens.

I literally had just a minute to take their photos, but here they are, being totally fabulous.

Nicole Asensio for Caravan

The Night Safari Lookbook for Caravan :) Featuring the bombshell Nicole Asensio of General Luna. These photos have been sitting in my laptop for the longest time, and I know it's way past summer, but I've been dreaming of the beach again! I've been keeping myself a little bit too busy these days, and I just thought that a post was in order! Third time to use lights! I'm sort of getting the knack of it, but I still want to learn how to do it the proper way!

Also, I'd like to thank the readers of Yellow Adventures who greeted me on my birthday! Thank you for the tweets and the messages on my facebook and tumblr ask. I'm still surprised that people actually check my blog. When it was created, this blog's chief purpose was just to have a place for dumping photos and linking possible clients to a site where they could view my photography. So I really appreciate the strangers who read this blog and take time to send me such kind words about my photography, and even about me. I'm really flattered but also, I'm still learning! I've been so lucky, cause lately I've been meeting some of my photography idols and really, I'm constantly reminded about how much I still have to improve, and how hard I still have to work before I can really be considered 'good' in the field in which I want to belong. Don't get me wrong though--I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that have been coming my way, and for the people I've been meeting... Just praying for the inspiration and the guidance to make good decisions, cause as of now, my life is just literally one huge experiment.

But I guess that's kind of fun, too.

Anyway, have an awesome week, everyone! x

With Light,
Hannah