Kalle, who's Mama LittleFish sometimes called "Gigante" the little Giant, photographed at Mama Helen's house on January 5, 2009
LittleFish is expecting her 2nd. child next month with her Filipino husband, and she's in good spirits - always laughing & joking with me when I stop by.
LittleFish told me yesterday she has not heard from Kalle's Father in well over a year, nor has Kalle's Father sent any child support in that time (he's a Foriegner living & working in Europe) so Kalle must do without many things most fortunate children have.
I love you, little Kalle.
Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES
ps: LittleFish has asked for my help in locating Kalle's Father in Europe - If any readers have a contact in the private investigative area, or an information broker with experience in dealing with international embassies/consulates that would be willing to donate their services, please contact me.
LittleFish holds Kalle for my Camera: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/500s f/3.5 at 54.0mm iso200
LittleFish is expecting her 2nd. child next month with her Filipino husband, and she's in good spirits - always laughing & joking with me when I stop by.
LittleFish told me yesterday she has not heard from Kalle's Father in well over a year, nor has Kalle's Father sent any child support in that time (he's a Foriegner living & working in Europe) so Kalle must do without many things most fortunate children have.
I love you, little Kalle.
Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES
ps: LittleFish has asked for my help in locating Kalle's Father in Europe - If any readers have a contact in the private investigative area, or an information broker with experience in dealing with international embassies/consulates that would be willing to donate their services, please contact me.
LittleFish holds Kalle for my Camera: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/500s f/3.5 at 54.0mm iso200
While over at Mama Helen's house with Kevin 2 days ago, I noticed the SandMan standing off to the side and not saying much (he can usually talk your ears off), so I moved over to talk to him and only then noticed a huge horrible 2nd. & 3rd. degree burn on the lower right side of his torso, with a darker lesser burn that appeared to cover nearly 1/2 his upper body.
I was stunned, and asked how it happened, and was told SandMan was trying to carry a pot of boiling water when his cousin bumped into him, scalding him badly.
Jan.3, 2009: The SandMan & his burns. Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/160s f/5.6 at 14.0mm iso100
In the picture he was kind of blowing it all off, but I knew that he had to be in real pain, so I asked his parents for permission to bring him to my doctors office the next day, and they were happy I had offered.
Dr. Batayola saw us immediately when we arrived (I took SandMan and his sister Angie on my motorcycle) and learned that this was SandMan's 2nd. visit to a real doctor; he's 11 years old.
The doctor put him on oral antibiotics and prescribed an anti bacterial burn cream for the wounds, and only charged me for the medicines.
Seems the other scar SandMan has just below the center of his collar bone was from last New Years, when a firework he was trying to light off blew up in his hands.
SandMan's a firebug, just like my brother was at his age...and SandMan always reminds me of my brother who died a long time ago.
SandMan's a very lucky kid - serious burns of that degree usually land one in the hospital, and I just checked him earlier this morning and the burns look much better after 2 days of meds & ointment.
Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES
I was stunned, and asked how it happened, and was told SandMan was trying to carry a pot of boiling water when his cousin bumped into him, scalding him badly.
Jan.3, 2009: The SandMan & his burns. Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/160s f/5.6 at 14.0mm iso100
In the picture he was kind of blowing it all off, but I knew that he had to be in real pain, so I asked his parents for permission to bring him to my doctors office the next day, and they were happy I had offered.
Dr. Batayola saw us immediately when we arrived (I took SandMan and his sister Angie on my motorcycle) and learned that this was SandMan's 2nd. visit to a real doctor; he's 11 years old.
The doctor put him on oral antibiotics and prescribed an anti bacterial burn cream for the wounds, and only charged me for the medicines.
Seems the other scar SandMan has just below the center of his collar bone was from last New Years, when a firework he was trying to light off blew up in his hands.
SandMan's a firebug, just like my brother was at his age...and SandMan always reminds me of my brother who died a long time ago.
SandMan's a very lucky kid - serious burns of that degree usually land one in the hospital, and I just checked him earlier this morning and the burns look much better after 2 days of meds & ointment.
Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES
Big Kev just arrived back here a few days ago, and we both went to see Mama Helen and the Family (a BIG thank you to Kev for donating 25KG. of rice to the Family)
Kev outside Mama Helen's house yesterday, shooting in the storm.
Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/80s f/3.5 at 54.0mm iso400
The Family rebuilt some of their squatters shack from wood, bamboo & plywood scavenged from the rubble of the June 2008 Typhoon, and has hung some tarp just outside the main rooms to stay dry, as we're currently in the middle of Tropical Depression AURING here on the Island.
It was so good to see all the Family; I've missed them much.
Jan.3, 2009: Mama Helen sitting with 2 of her 10 children: JuvieMay & the youngest, John Mark
Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/60s f/5.6 at 48.0mm iso800
I sat down with Cris to translate her conversation with Mama Helen that outlined all they went through during and after the storm; Mama Helen was sad and at times angry at recounting all that happened, as she said the Family received next to no assistance or rice, which was supposed to be given out to residents in need.
The Family is still very much in need of food, rice, and building materials for ongoing repairs; if anyone reading would like to help, please contact me asap.
More on this later,
PJAMES
Kev outside Mama Helen's house yesterday, shooting in the storm.
Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/80s f/3.5 at 54.0mm iso400
The Family rebuilt some of their squatters shack from wood, bamboo & plywood scavenged from the rubble of the June 2008 Typhoon, and has hung some tarp just outside the main rooms to stay dry, as we're currently in the middle of Tropical Depression AURING here on the Island.
It was so good to see all the Family; I've missed them much.
Jan.3, 2009: Mama Helen sitting with 2 of her 10 children: JuvieMay & the youngest, John Mark
Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/60s f/5.6 at 48.0mm iso800
I sat down with Cris to translate her conversation with Mama Helen that outlined all they went through during and after the storm; Mama Helen was sad and at times angry at recounting all that happened, as she said the Family received next to no assistance or rice, which was supposed to be given out to residents in need.
The Family is still very much in need of food, rice, and building materials for ongoing repairs; if anyone reading would like to help, please contact me asap.
PJAMES
Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2009 from our Family to Yours.
I'm hoping 2009's going to be a Geat Year!
PJAMES
December in Manila at Ana's house, with Ana on the right & her 20yr old cousin Necca seated on the left.
Ana's 13 now, and now the issue is of 18+yr old boys coming around wanting to date her, and also older foreign men are approaching her on the street, and none of this is good news, so I've been speaking with her parents about this.
Manila Philippines, Dec.2008: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/10s f/2.8 at 14.0mm iso400
Fortunately her Parents feel the same way I do, and they are not giving Ana permission to date anyone at her age, and I've been talking to her cousins and encouraging them to walk with her when she goes out play or go to the store, etc. so she won't be alone if she's approached again.
I'll be writing much more about this in the coming month.
PJAMES
I'm hoping 2009's going to be a Geat Year!
PJAMES
December in Manila at Ana's house, with Ana on the right & her 20yr old cousin Necca seated on the left.
Ana's 13 now, and now the issue is of 18+yr old boys coming around wanting to date her, and also older foreign men are approaching her on the street, and none of this is good news, so I've been speaking with her parents about this.
Manila Philippines, Dec.2008: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/10s f/2.8 at 14.0mm iso400
Fortunately her Parents feel the same way I do, and they are not giving Ana permission to date anyone at her age, and I've been talking to her cousins and encouraging them to walk with her when she goes out play or go to the store, etc. so she won't be alone if she's approached again.
I'll be writing much more about this in the coming month.
PJAMES
Jordan's still with Ana's Family in the abandoned building they are caretakers to, and protects the Family every day.
He always remembers me and lets me in, but just to be safe I always stop in front of him and let him come over to me to sniff my hands, palms down of course.
Jordan's been in that building now for the past few years, and was staying with Rosa & Edison's Family when they were there, protecting them from anyone who would try to come into the building unannounced.
Manila Philippines, Dec.2008: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/1250s f/3.5 at 54.0mm iso400
I've only seen Jordan rear back & show his teeth one time in the past 4 years to a stranger, and if anyone came into the house uninvited or trying to do the Family harm, Jordan would tear them apart.
Good dog Jordan.
PJAMES
He always remembers me and lets me in, but just to be safe I always stop in front of him and let him come over to me to sniff my hands, palms down of course.
Jordan's been in that building now for the past few years, and was staying with Rosa & Edison's Family when they were there, protecting them from anyone who would try to come into the building unannounced.
Manila Philippines, Dec.2008: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/1250s f/3.5 at 54.0mm iso400
I've only seen Jordan rear back & show his teeth one time in the past 4 years to a stranger, and if anyone came into the house uninvited or trying to do the Family harm, Jordan would tear them apart.
Good dog Jordan.
PJAMES
To the homeless, and to the poor & working poor - you are loved and never forgotten.
God Bless,
PJAMES
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our Friends & Family around the World - and please remember to try to show some small kindness to those who are in need in your area.
Manila Philippines, December 2008: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/250s f/3.5 at 14.0mm iso400
God Bless,
PJAMES
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our Friends & Family around the World - and please remember to try to show some small kindness to those who are in need in your area.
Manila Philippines, December 2008: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/250s f/3.5 at 14.0mm iso400
Edna & Nelson, homeless in Metro Manila.
I made it through Manila ok, but with a blown hotel budget I couldn't do much of anything in Cebu City except look to get out as quickly as possible and get to Santa Fe - it is what it is, as we say....and I'm just trying to make it work.
On my 2nd. day in Manila I noticed my throat was getting sore, and when i got to Cebu City a few days later it was a full blown sore throat with ear ache, and I remember in both cities at the end of the day wiping my forehead with a tissue and looking at all the black soot & dirt, and it's then you remember how toxic & polluted the air is there, and that's what you're breathing into your lungs every day.
In Cebu City my voice was completely gone, and all that was left was a whispery painful rasp, and as soon as I got to Santa Fe I really needed to rest and to not speak, and still I knew I had to get out to Mama Helen's house to see what became of the re-building after last June's Typhoon.
My voice is now back and my energy's coming back, so I've been editing images in Photoshop in Santa Fe and I'm feeling my way back into things here, so all is well.
In Manila I saw Edna and her husband Nelson - still homeless and sleeping/eating on the sidewalk; they have their own spot where no one seems to bother them, and Nelson gave me a huge smile when I saw him, and later that day I brought them both dinner from Ana's Momma's store - pork chops & rice.
I did this image this morning, and asked myself what Nelson could have been thinking about when I shot the image (he wasn't aware I was right there, and I disappeared quickly so as not to bother him)
Manila Philippines: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/800s f/6.3 at 14.0mm iso100
I kept thinking that he doesn't have much to look forward too on the streets.
Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES
On my 2nd. day in Manila I noticed my throat was getting sore, and when i got to Cebu City a few days later it was a full blown sore throat with ear ache, and I remember in both cities at the end of the day wiping my forehead with a tissue and looking at all the black soot & dirt, and it's then you remember how toxic & polluted the air is there, and that's what you're breathing into your lungs every day.
In Cebu City my voice was completely gone, and all that was left was a whispery painful rasp, and as soon as I got to Santa Fe I really needed to rest and to not speak, and still I knew I had to get out to Mama Helen's house to see what became of the re-building after last June's Typhoon.
My voice is now back and my energy's coming back, so I've been editing images in Photoshop in Santa Fe and I'm feeling my way back into things here, so all is well.
In Manila I saw Edna and her husband Nelson - still homeless and sleeping/eating on the sidewalk; they have their own spot where no one seems to bother them, and Nelson gave me a huge smile when I saw him, and later that day I brought them both dinner from Ana's Momma's store - pork chops & rice.
I did this image this morning, and asked myself what Nelson could have been thinking about when I shot the image (he wasn't aware I was right there, and I disappeared quickly so as not to bother him)
Manila Philippines: Olympus E-1, Olympus Zuiko 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital: 1/800s f/6.3 at 14.0mm iso100
I kept thinking that he doesn't have much to look forward too on the streets.
Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES
What a hectic time it was getting here - I'm here & I'm OK and have hit the ground running.
I've been running around like a chicken without its head between Ana's Family, trying to find a safe place for me to stay with my gear, and trying to schedule meetings with the Department of Tourism and Olympus Philippines for some form of website support, etc.
In lieu of all of this, my online time until I get to Santa Fe is extremely limited, but there's lots happening here with Ana's Family (not all of it good) and I'll be posting the stories & content here as soon as I get to Cebu tomorrow ( I have meetings there with Cathay Pacific Airlines for the same)
Here's an email (and my reply) I just received from Germany that I'd like to share, and Thank You to Anninka for your kindness.
Anninka - thank you so much for your kindness.
I'm in Manila right now & we just purchased 100kg of rice for Ana's Family just yesterday morning at Paco market in Metro Manila.....the rice is cheap there but like anywhere else it can be a nefarious place; we had some gunfire happening there yesterday on the street outside the markets (looks like it was just random nonsense) and I had to put the Family on the ground for a few seconds while we were standing in the market waiting for our rice to be packed. (I had Ana, Melvin & Mama with me)
I had just taken a phone call on my mobile from Kevin Weir in Korea when it happened, and we are all OK here; no worries.
Street gunfire happens in certain places here from time to time, and we had to go to Paco Market because the rice is cheaper there, and that's where Ana's Mama has to shop for supplies for her small sari-sari store.
Its worth it though; I do what I can for them and it works because I physically do the legwork & buying, so I know where the $ is spent.....and next trip to the market I'll have the kids stay home.
Regards,
PJAMES
"I was searching online for "Streetchildren Projects" in the Philippines when I suddenly found your "Project Rice". Since I was doing an intership in Manila from March to August 2008 the lives of all the streetchildren but also of the children in disaster affected areas of the islands (I went to Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar several times) mean a lot to me. That's why I donated some money through PayPal although I am usually sceptical towards any unknown "aid group". Being a student I don't have much money so I really hope that you will use my money to feed at least some of the children for some time. As I remember the prices in the Philippines it should be enough at least for some sacks of rice and maybe some clothes..."
Anninka
I've been running around like a chicken without its head between Ana's Family, trying to find a safe place for me to stay with my gear, and trying to schedule meetings with the Department of Tourism and Olympus Philippines for some form of website support, etc.
In lieu of all of this, my online time until I get to Santa Fe is extremely limited, but there's lots happening here with Ana's Family (not all of it good) and I'll be posting the stories & content here as soon as I get to Cebu tomorrow ( I have meetings there with Cathay Pacific Airlines for the same)
Here's an email (and my reply) I just received from Germany that I'd like to share, and Thank You to Anninka for your kindness.
Anninka - thank you so much for your kindness.
I'm in Manila right now & we just purchased 100kg of rice for Ana's Family just yesterday morning at Paco market in Metro Manila.....the rice is cheap there but like anywhere else it can be a nefarious place; we had some gunfire happening there yesterday on the street outside the markets (looks like it was just random nonsense) and I had to put the Family on the ground for a few seconds while we were standing in the market waiting for our rice to be packed. (I had Ana, Melvin & Mama with me)
I had just taken a phone call on my mobile from Kevin Weir in Korea when it happened, and we are all OK here; no worries.
Street gunfire happens in certain places here from time to time, and we had to go to Paco Market because the rice is cheaper there, and that's where Ana's Mama has to shop for supplies for her small sari-sari store.
Its worth it though; I do what I can for them and it works because I physically do the legwork & buying, so I know where the $ is spent.....and next trip to the market I'll have the kids stay home.
Regards,
PJAMES
"I was searching online for "Streetchildren Projects" in the Philippines when I suddenly found your "Project Rice". Since I was doing an intership in Manila from March to August 2008 the lives of all the streetchildren but also of the children in disaster affected areas of the islands (I went to Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar several times) mean a lot to me. That's why I donated some money through PayPal although I am usually sceptical towards any unknown "aid group". Being a student I don't have much money so I really hope that you will use my money to feed at least some of the children for some time. As I remember the prices in the Philippines it should be enough at least for some sacks of rice and maybe some clothes..."
Anninka
Kevin Weir just returned from Manila 2 days ago and caught me online to give me an update of some of the children and people featured here, who we have helped and photographed in the past - here's the text conversation I had with Kev, after he went out on his own time and tried to locate our friends:
KEV: no sign of rosa & edison, or rodelyn either
PJAMES: yes, I know....roddy's gone back to the streets and rosa's mama has put her children out begging 10pm-5am every night.
PJAMES: thats sad news, but I'll do my best to find them and at least feed them.
KEV: and willie is living upstairs with ana's family too... 5 familys up there now... about 30 people
PJAMES: yes, Willies been there many years now.....hes always been good to me
KEV: good news is, marilou's working.. she is working on the newer end of the mall... you will see the paintings displayed as a kiosk deal.
KEV: the first kiosk and there are only two with paintings.
PJAMES: cool, right where I said she'd be...I have $50 cash for her and more when another buyer pays me for the others I've shipped out.
PJAMES: and what did she say?
KEV: she was very nice and i told her to have some paintings ready for you to photograph as people are asking for more from her...
PJAMES: good!
KEV: she only has two finished now, both in the galleries but at other malls
KEV: so i told her to try to have about 4 or 5 ready for you when you leave there in april or whenever that might be
PJAMES: no, I have to find a hotel to stay in Manila...I arrive 11:45pm
KEV: ahh, i see
PJAMES: the travel agent I was working with all last month pulled out her sponsorship she was looking into for me & its the 11th hr. so I'm on my own and will have to wing it on next to no operating budget for this.
KEV: ok im off to bed.. work tomorrow.
KEV: take care
PJAMES: see you bro
KEV: and good luck
My Thanks to Kevin for locating everyone and updating me on what's going on in Manila - he'd also mentioned he saw Edna (photographed here on the website before, from the homeless squatters alley) and that she was let go from her job last year at the street cart vending lunches, and that he did buy her some meals while he was there.
PJAMES
KEV: no sign of rosa & edison, or rodelyn either
PJAMES: yes, I know....roddy's gone back to the streets and rosa's mama has put her children out begging 10pm-5am every night.
PJAMES: thats sad news, but I'll do my best to find them and at least feed them.
KEV: and willie is living upstairs with ana's family too... 5 familys up there now... about 30 people
PJAMES: yes, Willies been there many years now.....hes always been good to me
KEV: good news is, marilou's working.. she is working on the newer end of the mall... you will see the paintings displayed as a kiosk deal.
KEV: the first kiosk and there are only two with paintings.
PJAMES: cool, right where I said she'd be...I have $50 cash for her and more when another buyer pays me for the others I've shipped out.
PJAMES: and what did she say?
KEV: she was very nice and i told her to have some paintings ready for you to photograph as people are asking for more from her...
PJAMES: good!
KEV: she only has two finished now, both in the galleries but at other malls
KEV: so i told her to try to have about 4 or 5 ready for you when you leave there in april or whenever that might be
PJAMES: no, I have to find a hotel to stay in Manila...I arrive 11:45pm
KEV: ahh, i see
PJAMES: the travel agent I was working with all last month pulled out her sponsorship she was looking into for me & its the 11th hr. so I'm on my own and will have to wing it on next to no operating budget for this.
KEV: ok im off to bed.. work tomorrow.
KEV: take care
PJAMES: see you bro
KEV: and good luck
My Thanks to Kevin for locating everyone and updating me on what's going on in Manila - he'd also mentioned he saw Edna (photographed here on the website before, from the homeless squatters alley) and that she was let go from her job last year at the street cart vending lunches, and that he did buy her some meals while he was there.
PJAMES
I've been offline all week long, as I packed a bag & drove south to North Carolina to see my sister, her boys & MSG Bill for the Thanksgiving week.
I haven't seen them all since January last year, and being all alone in Nov/Dec is not healthy for me, so I've come down here and it's been so good for us all to be back together.
I've been getting some work done, but only a little - I've been spending almost all my time with my nephews (talking, hanging out, crusing out to the stores) and I've missed them so much, as I've missed my sister.
I'm trying to finish prepping for the trip to Manila, as I leave on Dec.3rd - just a few days away, and there's so much last minute stuff to get done.
I also just heard from Big Kev who returned yesterday from Manila, and gave me a short update on how everyone's doing there, and I'll post it shortly.
Good Sunday morning to you all,
PJAMES
I haven't seen them all since January last year, and being all alone in Nov/Dec is not healthy for me, so I've come down here and it's been so good for us all to be back together.
I've been getting some work done, but only a little - I've been spending almost all my time with my nephews (talking, hanging out, crusing out to the stores) and I've missed them so much, as I've missed my sister.
I'm trying to finish prepping for the trip to Manila, as I leave on Dec.3rd - just a few days away, and there's so much last minute stuff to get done.
I also just heard from Big Kev who returned yesterday from Manila, and gave me a short update on how everyone's doing there, and I'll post it shortly.
Good Sunday morning to you all,
PJAMES
