Laro

Laro (lah-ROH) - Davao, Philippines 2020
Premium 260gsm Photo Paper Luster Finish - 20"x28"

The tagalog word for "Play". 'Laro' is one of my favourite photos, taken at the seawall of Ramon Magsaysay Park. This exact spot looks very different now: they built a coastal road—I don't know if these houses are still there.

At the time, I had been in the Philippines for less than 2 weeks, experiencing it as an adult for the first time. We were in Davao to visit my dad's side of the family, a lot of whom I've never met. My parents and I had just finished eating lunch and decided to walk to the park. When we got to the coastline, this was the view.

It was something I'd never seen before: hundreds (maybe thousands) of illegally built houses on top of the water—primarily made of salvaged wooden or plastic boards, and metal roofing; balanced on wood and bamboo, you wonder how they even stay up. It was sad, but it was also amazing—the ingenuity and resourcefulness for survival, on top of water, no less.

The sand on the beach was dark and full of trash, but there were kids playing and having a great time—kids really know how to remind you to be grateful. Despite their circumstance, they know how to have fun. Simultaneously, as I was taking this photograph, some kids were trying to sell me something and asking for money. Life is really different at this end of the world.

There's something incredibly sad, simultaneously hopeful and happy about this shot, and I think that's why it's one of my favourites.