Dirty shoes, sweat rags, and jeepney rides: ‘Behind the Scenes’

Though I’m still mostly flying by the seat of my muddy pants, I’ve established quite a routine while filming this documentary.
As a change of pace, …

Reflection

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Not in a bad way. Just in a new way.
I found out why Mary-Grace and Elvie weren’t at the house …

Dilemma

Yesterday was a reality check. I’m asking a lot from the families of Umapad.
I had arranged with Mary-Grace’s mother, Elvie, to arrive at the house …

Back to school

Steam rises from pots of rice. Women wash clothes in basins of soapy water. Children button up their green-checkered uniforms for school.  This is what …

A Glimpse

No matter how many times it happens, I am still astonished just how much people are willing to open up their lives to me.
I certainly …

Ready to Roll

I’ve started my documentary career with a sponge and some electrical tape.
I sure hope this is one of those stories I will laugh at ten …

The First Step

Elya. Jacqueline. Christine. Rennie-Beth. Mary-Grace. It took me a while to learn their names, but now I can’t forget them.
They are all around 12 or …

Reunion

I thought I would cry, but I didn’t. Instead, seeing Nana just made me smile.
I thought her face would send me into a flashback of …