Although my entire family came from there, for most of my life Maydolong was never more than just the place we go to every time summer comes around. Even now I think it still is. But ever since falling deeply in love with photography, I came around and saw the world through completely new perspectives that I never thought I'd care to see.
The following photographs were taken in the hope of documenting a slice of life in the rural town of Maydolong. Though I tried to be as comprehensive and thorough as I could be, I admit this work is not complete, and it will never be. I guess its just one of the many woes of the documentarian, that they may endeavor all their lives to capture the truth only to put in print nothing more than some mere semblance of it, a sort of verisimilitude.
The following photographs were taken in the hope of documenting a slice of life in the rural town of Maydolong. Though I tried to be as comprehensive and thorough as I could be, I admit this work is not complete, and it will never be. I guess its just one of the many woes of the documentarian, that they may endeavor all their lives to capture the truth only to put in print nothing more than some mere semblance of it, a sort of verisimilitude.
Flower prices are on the rise an anticipation of Undas, or Holy week.
My grandfather. Former Postmaster at the local post office.
Most of the traditional houses are decrepit. Almost all abandoned as the younger generation of Maydolongnons flock to urban centers in the province.
A sari-sari store patron. One of the limited ways of earning an income, stores like these dot the streets of Maydolong.
Maydolong is an agricultural community where most of the people live by the bounty of the land and seas.
Old women returning home after an afternoon of picking sea shells for dinner.
Off to sell picked coconuts. After harvest season or in times of drought, farmers take to selling other crops.
Children born into poverty have very limited options in this town. A few make it past college, while most will only make it through high school. Still there are others who will forego an education altogether to help their families till the fields and catch fish.
Although a major fishing community in the region, the local markets are often at a standstill. Most of the fish meant for selling are delivered to the markets of urban capitals such as Borongan, Tacloban, and Ormoc City where they fetch for a higher price.
Very few own some means of personal transportation, thus the only way of getting around without walking is through pedicabs found almost in every street of Maydolong. Transportation is even harder for those on the outlying communities living farther away from the highway. The few who own tricycles often make a living ferrying people to and from the town center.
The local cemetery is usually bustling during Undas. People, both young and old, come in droves to pay their respects to their departed loved ones.
