Safe haven
by filipinastoryteller
By Filipina Storyteller Kimmy Baraoidan (photos and text)
Nanay Tess and Tata Sandro live along the coastline of Laguna de Bay. The house that they live in is one of the many that serve as breakwater when a typhoon slams into the area.
The couple looks after the house, which is owned by a sick relative. Tata Sandro’s odd jobs, Nanay Tess’s sari-sari store, and the occasional sale of their animals are not enough to cover maintenance and repairs.
During typhoons, animals are usually secured in outdoor enclosures. Nanay Tess and Tata Sandro’s animals, on the other hand, find safe haven inside the couple’s home.
Kimmy Baraoidan is fairly new to street and documentary photography and is still on a journey to finding her own distinct voice. She is fascinated by the youth culture, subcultures, and the rock and roll lifestyle. She is also a rock drummer and an aspiring writer. She took these photos for the 8th Photojournalists’ Center of the Philippines (PCP) Professional Photography and Photojournalism Workshop held recently. Her website is www.kimmybaraoidan.com.