Humanity - A Journal of Human Life

A collection of photographs from the people & places I’ve met that have opened my eyes to more life.

The Philippines

Tondo, Manila - December, 2019This is Tondo life - 42,857 people per square kilometre; the world’s most densely populated city. Just a dot in the concrete sea that is Manila. Like a movie, motorbikes flash by, kids play, people shout, wave, smile, c… — Tondo, Manila - December 2019
This is Tondo life - 42,857 people per square kilometre; the world’s most densely populated city. Just a dot in the concrete sea that is Manila. Like a movie, motorbikes flash by, kids play, people shout, wave, smile, colours and smells, street dogs and street food, and of course basketball but no court needed. You will leave with sore hands from the streams of elated children with hands raised “UP HERE” high five!
Around every corner there is someone who will intrigue you and make you smile.

Curbside in Dasmariñas, Philippines - December 2019We sit or we skate. What do they say? Skate or die. Meet me on the side of the highway by the car dealership. It’s not your typical skate park, only pieces that are pushed to the side by day, and pu… — Curbside in Dasmariñas, Philippines - December 2019
We sit or we skate. What do they say? Skate or die. Meet me on the side of the highway by the car dealership. It’s not your typical skate park, only pieces that are pushed to the side by day, and pulled front and centre by night. When school’s out, the rail’s out. When work is off, the ramps are on. Danien & I passed by this spot on a Jeepney ride to our friend’s house one afternoon. We couldn’t believe our eyes - a skater? Two, three, four, ten? On the side of the main road? Late that night we caught a Jeepney back to that spot and approached. Language was no barrier, the skateboard we carried was enough words said. For someone who does not skate to fully understand, all I can say is this - its an unspoken language and a family name, like magnetism drawing two strangers together.
Skate o mamatay. (Watch Here)

'Skate o Mamatay' follows Nico (15) and Omar (36), Manila natives, who front the small but "matibay" skate-scene of The Philippines.

Siargao, Philippines - December, 20193pm island time, a half-kilometre walk or sprint to the sea wall, that is where we will jump. Dapa sits on the south of Siargao, an island that many would call the surfing capital of the Philippines. Amidst a tro… — Siargao, Philippines - December 2019
3pm island time, a half-kilometre walk or sprint to the sea wall, that is where we will jump. Dapa sits on the south of Siargao, an island that many would call the surfing capital of the Philippines. Amidst a tropical paradise where starry-eyed tourist’s relentlessly buzz by on scooters, there persists ordinary life for thousands of Filipino locals.
These boys are performing the afternoon ritual of a swim in the shallows by the port, mixed of course with a few front-flips and bomb-dives. Watching and then eventually jumping in, Danien and I were reminded of the simpler things.
To be a kid again. Or maybe, to remain a kid forever.

Jungle guide in Siargao - December, 2019“Excuse me, do you know where the jungle skate park is?”. “Yes, I’ll show you”. A tandem scooter ride down dirt tracks revealed the holy grail of all skate parks. In the tropical wonderland rests a concrete pa… — Jungle guide in Siargao - December 2019
“Excuse me, do you know where the jungle skate park is?”. “Yes, I’ll show you”. A tandem scooter ride down dirt tracks revealed the holy grail of all skate parks. In the tropical wonderland rests a concrete paradise, rarely used or even heard of. This boy was our guide. And he certainly enjoyed his turn on our skateboard.

Kid’s Kingdom, Tondo - December 2019
There’s a regality to a child reigning over their own domain. Like a castle, like a throne, a kid’s imagination turns a dusty road into a path of gold, a trash-filled trailer into a chariot of dreams. This boy wanders as if overseeing his realm.

11 million children in The Philippines are malnourished. BCF saves them.

Thailand & Myanmar

Mytree & Lacheh in Musekee - November, 2019Over 12 years ago, Lacheh (back left) was a student at the Musekee centre that Mai currently lives at. She is now a teacher and leader of this centre. Mytree (back right) is her husband, and also works … — Mytree & Lacheh in Musekee - November 2019
Over 12 years ago, Lacheh (back left) was a student at the Musekee centre that Mai currently lives at. She is now a teacher and leader of this centre. Mytree (back right) is her husband, and also works at Musekee. Their children are supported through its programs. They are a beacon of hope for the future of many children who pass through Musekee with, at first, limited opportunity. This is also a Karen family, dressed in traditional, hand-weaved clothing. The black of Lacheh’s top signifies that she is married. We continue to fight for the future of the Karen tribe and other Hill Tribes people who, without help, may vanish into the reaches of history.

Swimming across the border with our Karen friends in Myanmar - November, 2019A friend, whose name was lost amidst the overwhelm of foreign language, preparing to dive right in. The sand beneath his feet is Burmese. The sand on the far bank is Thai. The river is a border and each day children swim along this border. I vaguely remembered that crocodiles exist in Myanmar, so I asked “what about the crocs?” Their response was “don’t worry, we think we got them all.” A timeless afternoon of floating and splashing between two countries. These children live in Mu Aye Pu, a Karen village in south east Myanmar. A base for the Karen army and home of a school for Karen children. This village is 95% children. Meaning it is 95% full of people who don’t know if they will be afforded a future of freedom. — Swimming across the border with our Karen friends in Myanmar - November 2019
A friend, whose name was lost amidst the overwhelm of foreign language, preparing to dive right in. The sand beneath his feet is Burmese. The sand on the far bank is Thai. The river is a border and each day children swim along this border. I vaguely remembered that crocodiles exist in Myanmar, so I asked “what about the crocs?” Their response was “don’t worry, we think we got them all.”
A timeless afternoon of floating and splashing between two countries. These children live in Mu Aye Pu, a Karen village in south east Myanmar. A base for the Karen Army and home of a school for Karen children. This village is 95% children. Meaning it is 95% full of people who don’t know if they will be afforded a future of safety and freedom.

Mai in Musekee, Thailand - November, 20198am and 3pm. We’ll see you then. In far northern Thailand, amidst the mountains, lays a significant population of Hill Tribes people. This is Mai, a Karen Tribe boy, on his way home from school. He is 10. He lives in Musekee at the centre for children who otherwise could not be educated and supported. Karen people are one of many who have, in the past 71 years, had to flee their lands due to persecution and genocide in Myanmar. — Mai in Musekee, Thailand - November 2019
8am and 3pm. We’ll see you then. In far northern Thailand, amidst the mountains, lays a significant population of Hill Tribes people. This is Mai, a Karen Tribe boy, on his way home from school. He is 10. He lives in Musekee at the centre for children who otherwise could not be educated and supported. Karen people are one of many who have, in the past 71 years, had to flee their lands due to genocide in Myanmar.

Three Karen men stand with guns and weapons, protecting their people from a Burmese genocide. — Lonely in Arms in Mu Aye Pu, Myanmar - November 2019
Have you ever fought for your life? Neither have I. I can’t relate, all I see is guns, weapons, firepower, toys. I wouldn’t even know their sound if it weren’t for those movies that make it all seem so cool. But there’s no ‘cool’ness here. Coldness? Maybe. Definitely. Lives poured into simply staying alive, no time to live. Sleep with a grenade launcher under the bed. Yes, these men do. Far from home, far from comfortable, far from the dreams they had as children. But in Mu Aye Pu, that’s who they protect. Hundreds of children, hundred’s of kids far too many of which will have to hold these dreaded tools one day because the battle goes on.

Vietnam

Brother’s keeper in Sa Pa, Vietnam - February, 2020.… a child caring for a child. The bond of family on display in non-western cultures is a topic I am constantly fascinated by. By 9 or 10 years old we are signalling desperately that we must have “m… — Brother’s keeper in Sa Pa, Vietnam - February 2020.
… a child caring for a child. The bond of family on display in non-western cultures is a topic I am constantly fascinated by. By 9 or 10 years old we are signalling desperately that we must have “my own bedroom”, whilst families of 6 or 7 in South-east Asia and beyond sleep on the same concrete floor by the fire each night. There is an unmatched closeness, whether by choice or circumstance I do not know. It is a care and connectivity that ties neighbour to neighbour, father to son, mother to daughter. Here is a moment of the ordinary heroics that this connection inspires. Today, big brother is looking after little brother whilst mẹ and cha take care of adult concerns.
These film photographs were taken in Northern Vietnam, between Hanoi and Sa Pa. COVID-19 was not a topic then, not at least until the last few days of our trip where flights were cancelled and some mayhem ensued. Danien, Siraja, Emma and I all vouch for Vietnam as a beautiful adventure and a culture filled with goodness.

China

The Great Wall of China near Beijing, photographed on film. — The Great Wall of China, Simatai - November 2023
Up, and up, and up. Step by step, I wonder why, how, who. It’s almost as if there was pride at stake, so as to cause the building of this magnificent wall in the harshest, most unlikely terrain. Like there was no glory in the easy road. And today a cable car is the express way connecting thousands, maybe millions, with this 800+ year old marvel perched on mountain top. It’s so easy, almost distractingly easy. To our initial annoyance, but final appreciation, the cable car was closed in high wind. So we walked, a modest way only, but enough to absorb some of the grandeur of the 8800 kilometre fortress. In the next life, I’ll watch it built brick by brick.

A Chinese man standing in Tianmen Square in Beijing in front of a portrait of Mao. — Tiananmen Square, Beijing - November 2023
A pilgrimage, blazing red, golden yellow - Prosperity, Power. Every nation’s measuring stick, we’re all different, but only just.
I noticed this man move around the Square, testing each position for photo-worthiness. I wondered what the photo meant to him. What’s the story he tells about China, about his home, his people, his culture. I bet he has a favourite Peking dish that he couldn’t live without out, just like me & sausage rolls. The News told me about China, the headlines reinforced buzz words and things that make you feel better about home. But maybe home is nice, for this guy too.
I don’t know, it’s all speculation. Until I’m born in China in another life I probably can’t say. But I like to assume that we are a lot more alike than some tell me.

Chinese lady dragon dances in Beijing, China — Dragon Lady in Beijing, China - November 2023
A ritual of youth - dance with a dragon, it will keep you a child. A lady honing her skill at the Drum Tower Square. There’s a precision and determination in the older generation of Beijing - principled, wise. Like clockwork the Square fills with lively Grandmas & Grandpas, Mums & Dads, feeding into a collective sense of kinetic energy that lights up the pavement each morning.

People walk in the square outside of the massive Forbidden City walls. — The Forbidden City Walls in Beijing, China - November 2023
A mecca, a fortress. A shade of red so deeply synonymous with China, the walls almost characters of their own, saying “I am strong”, “I am noble”. It reflects on to you. A piece of Chinese identity found in the paint of it’s palaces.
It almost feels like an honour stepping through each gaping gate into the royal courts that await. Worn, wobbly stones reminding me that I’m just one of many many many. But, nonetheless, I think thanks for stepping inside a place that ordinary Ming Dynasty me’s would dream of 600 years ago.

A man stands guard in the afternoon sun outside the Forbidden City, Beijing. — Standing firm in Beijing, China - November 2023
There is no explanation, just a man. Solid, fixed. For some reason, he is a statue of China in my mind.

South Korea

A man and his wife take photos in traditional garb at the Palace in Seoul, Korea. — Tradition in Seoul, Korea - December 2023
Modern meets custom in a highly Instagram-able trip to the Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul. The garb is for hire nearby, and young and old from across the globe dress to fulfil their Korean dream. Husbands and boyfriends must stay alert for the looming possibility of another photo.
It’s a tribute to a Seoul that once stood, now covered in concrete and modernity.

A woman serves food in her stall at a Korean food market in Seoul. — Soul food in Seoul, Korea - December 2023
A culinary paradise in a bustling downtown market. One of many. Seoul, and Korea in general, have held tight to some of the world’s best recipes. Championed by unsuspecting, ordinarily extraordinary women and men like this. There’s a new taste at each corner, so walk slowly to make some space.

An 800 year old tree in the mountains of Sokcho, Korea. — Nature’s wisdom in Sokcho, Korea - December 2023
If trees could talk, this one would have stories to tell. 800 years at the edge of that cliff, a view to behold. A testament to the fortitude found in nature.

To be continued…