Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is among the most densely populated cities in the world, with over 43,000 inhabitants per square kilometer. It is divided into 897 barangays, the smallest administrative units in the country, spaces where community life manifests itself in an intense and complex way, telling stories of resilience and extraordinary vitality.

During my journey through this metropolis, I had the opportunity to explore ten of these neighborhoods, places where the real and the absurd coexist in perfect balance, and where everyday life intertwines with extraordinary challenges. In these communities, extreme poverty is a shared reality, but so are resilience, solidarity, and hope.

Each barangay has its own identity: some have developed along railway tracks, others on stilts built from salvaged materials, and still others near dumpsites such as Tondo, known for its high population density. Initially conceived as temporary settlements, they have over time become permanent homes.

In these places, families spend their days searching through waste for recyclable materials, a gesture that tells of their ability to adapt and to reinvent life every day.