Zoe Althea S.
Santelices
11- STEM-2
Reflection/Reaction Paper: Home to Manila’s Poorest People
Stories from the Hidden Worlds: Philippines
As the gleaming skyscrapers and the echoes of Spanish colonial architecture merge in
the bustling city of Manila, there exists a place where life and death, rich and poor, hope and
despair coexist in an extraordinary tapestry of existence. This reflection will give my insights
into the Manila North Cemetery, a place where both the living and the departed share a delicate
equilibrium, forging a unique way of life amidst adversity.
This documentary, directed by Orcun Behram, is about the Manila North Cemetery, and
it’s fascinating story of transformation and coexistence. Originally part of La Loma Cemetery,
it was designated as an exclusively Catholic burial ground in 1904, taking on the name
Cemeterio del Norte. What sets this cemetery apart is the extraordinary cohabitation of the
living and the deceased. Approximately ten thousand residents have built their homes, often
modest shanties, atop the elaborate mausoleums that dot the landscape. The presence of a
resilient but marginalized population within Manila North Cemetery shines light on the
difficulties of inequality and survival in the center of the Philippine capital, emphasizing the
urgent need for increased government help to improve their living conditions.
The documentary's exploration of the Manila North Cemetery sheds light on the different
kinds of socioeconomic inequality. The documentary on the Manila North Cemetery explores
topics that are deeply connected to the challenges of our modern world. It acts as a reminder
of the growing disparity between the wealthy and poor. Within the cemetery's boundaries, we
see an example of the larger socioeconomic differences that still exist today. The clear
comparison between the towering skyscrapers and the makeshift homes on top of tombs within
Zoe Althea S. Santelices
11- STEM-2
the cemetery and resourcefulness displayed by the residents living on with their lives amidst
tombstones. The documentary's focused on this unusual community reflects the bigger issue of
unauthorized settlements and poverty in urban areas. The people's requests for government
assistance resonate with the cry of oppressed populations around the world seeking recognition
and assistance.
The documentary distinctly portrays the daily struggle for survival faced by the
marginalized residents of the Manila North Cemetery. The lack of basic necessities like
electricity and clean water, leading to challenging living conditions. As I watched the
documentary, a whirlwind of emotions stirred within me. Scenes showing the improvised
homes built on top tombs and the people's daily life evoked a great deal of sympathy for what
they were going through. Their creativity and perseverance were astounding, yet their struggles
made us feel sorry for them. The documentary showed a scenario where the locals were
building poor neighborhoods on top of built tombs. The contrast between life and death in this
scene was a powerful visual representation of the struggle for survival among the tombstones.
It demonstrated how remarkably adaptable humans can be.
This documentary completely changed my perspective on urban poverty and inequality.
It shed light on the complicated issues of these topics and reminded that every individual,
regardless of circumstance, has a unique and valuable story to tell. A lesson that I learned in
connection to the UCSP subject is the importance for recognizing and addressing
socioeconomic injustice as well as the responsibility of the government in assisting
underprivileged groups are both emphasized in the documentary. It reaffirms the values of
empathy, social justice, and the necessity of providing fair living circumstances for all. It
inspired an entirely new dedication to advocating for change and addressing the issues that
Zoe Althea S. Santelices
11- STEM-2
underrepresented people face. This documentary taught me important lessons about resilience
and adaptability. It pointed out how these residents transformed a cemetery into an active
community, demonstrating the human spirit's incredible resilience. It also emphasized the
significance of government engagement in comprehensively dealing with urban poverty.
In conclusion, the presence of a resilient but marginalized community within the Manila
North Cemetery serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of inequality and the relentless
struggle for survival in the center of the Philippine capital . This documentary explores a society
where life continues in the midst of death, where Manila's great architectural past collides with
the small residences of cemetery residents, emphasizing the urgent need for additional
government assistance to improve their living conditions. Its issues are relevant to today's
problems, it has a strong emotional impact, and the lessons it delivers are important. It has the
ability to change perceptions and instill a sense of urgency for social progress and support. As
I reflect on this documentary, I am reminded of storytelling's unique capacity to humanize
marginalized groups and underscore the need for a more compassionate and equal society.
