The fire destroyed more than 100 houses in the slums of Bahay Toro, Quezon City on December 15, 2008. Since it was a depressed area, the streets were very narrow, and the evacuations of people and possessions became difficult. Thankfully no one was killed, but there were five injured. The fire started at noon, which, according to the residents was still a blessing. Had the fire happened at night, many would have surely been killed by the disaster.
One of the things I observed while photographing these scenes was the Pinoy's inherent liking for camera exposure. Despite the disaster, many still wore smiles whenever interviewed by the TV networks. The teenagers more so, and they gleefully pose in front of cameras.
Presumably, the material possessions lost are not too great as many of them are poor with only very few possessions. They can certainly recover within a few weeks or months. But to be caught smiling on TV is quite a pride to many of them.
Clothings and beddings
This old lady managed to save only one prized possession: an antique heirloom Crucifix
Saving the most favorite appliance in the house
The TV must be saved at all cost! This young man saved his TV first, forgetting that he didn't even save a shirt.
Saving baby
This couple just lost their house and all their material possessions, but they saved their three little puppies, and they were happy just for that. They don't have kids yet so they treat the puppies as their own children. They now take shelter temporarily at the Barangay Hall.
Happily saving a chair, a box, and a tray
The ill must be evacuated immediately
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