Spent a day with the Badjaos

[cmontoya]

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I accompanied a Christian mission to the Badjao community in Mambaling today. I didn't go there because I felt charitable but rather I was curious about them. The first thing that I noticed was the smell. I couldn't really describe it. It wasn't awful per se. It's not as bad as let's say a dumptruck full of garbage. I eventually got used to it but it's not something I would like to smell everyday.

I'll build this thread as I complete post-processing each photo.

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1. footbridge



I was a bit apprehensive walking on it. I wasn't particularly afraid to fall but I had my camera with me and I knew that if I fell, my camera will be beyond repair. I survived by just walking without hesitation. I assume that if you let your fear control you, then you'd freeze up and really lost control.

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[Ian]

Kudos for you! I personally admire what you did here. And the photo above sends a lot of message not just a fantastic photo. Hope to see more of your works. Thank you for sharing.

[rubz_bix08]

wow! nice shot....this is also one way of knowing the kind of life the badjaos have here.....

[cmontoya]

@Rubz: I didn't exactly enter a particular house to learn how they live. I just stayed in their 'church.' Thank you and to Ian for dropping by.

[cmontoya]

2. boats floating on quagmire



While inside the Badjao community's classroom, I peeked outside one of the windows to see how dirty the quagmire under their houses were. It is. It is full of plastic bags, baby diapers, algae, chemicals. I didn't see any human waste but I'm sure there is. I just didn't have stomach to look for it.

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[cmontoya]

3. curiousity



I can't exactly describe this boy's expression. Is he about to smile or this is his smile? I believe he was focusing on the lens. I had to hold both of his shoulders and angle him this way.

[dbgg1979]

nice thread Carl. looking forward to the rest of the series. thanks for sharing!

[tikboyoyoy]

nice sir carlo !
more pics !

[cmontoya]

@dbgg, tik:

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4. having fun at somebody else's expense



I have no idea what's going on here but the irony is certainly apparent.

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[jascey]

sa alaska mambaling man goro ni bro..