Being grateful, everyday, is a blessing

May 14 - I took this photo just a few minutes ago. As I edited it, I was struck by a wave of emotions—sorrow, hope, and deep gratitude. Despite their struggles, this family found a reason to smile and share what little they had.

It reminded me how fortunate we are to have steady work that helps keep our families safe and provided for. Let’s honor that by showing up each day with our best—for our clients, for our workplace, for our neighborhood, and for each other.

If you’re going through tough times, I hope you find strength and small reasons to smile too. May this photo serve as a quiet reminder to stay thankful, stay grounded, and never forget what truly matters.

This snapshot follows an entire day’s experience walking through the side streets of Poblacion, Mandaluyong and Guadalupe. Almost all of the people I encountered were genuinely happy to see me and my photowalk buddy, Roland. Children, working adults, people just hanging out, the ones shooting the breeze, selling, running around, and the elderly were all too happy to pose for us and help us get the perfect shot.

We truly have this amazing culture that, unfortunately, includes allowing our elected officials to take their voters for granted. I really hope they would go on a photowalk like we did—or simply peer out of those dark, bulletproof, tinted windows as they drive down Manila streets and side streets, and realize that they are their to help improve the lives of every single Filipino.

This is my prayer, as a visual journalist of life in our country.