I had been blogging for about five years already and I could not see that much change on the photos of people, places, and events that I am capturing and using on my articles. From my hometown in the province of Batangas going to the city of Manila, aside from the slightly improved expressways, everything seems to be the same as what they are five years ago. When I wrote “ The Truth that Liars Know: the Highways to Poverty ” back in 2011, there has always been a time for me to think again on the reasons why I wrote such an article whenever I traverse these SLEX and EDSA highways. These highways have been my path in the past fifteen years whenever I go back and forth to this city of Manila from my hometown, country side destinations, and current residence in Cavite. I can still remember the days when I was working as a part-time waiter in a food catering company in Batangas City.  Each week, we are heading towards Manila via SLEX where our next function or project is about to hap

Ask the true "probinsyano" (local term for people living in the provinces) about Manila and you’ll be surprised of what they would tell you: “Gustong-gusto ko talagang makarating diyan kaso wala akong pamasahe” (I really want to go there but I have no money for the transportation.) “Nakikita ko sa TV, madaming pasyalan at lugar na pwedeng mapaglibangan diyan. Sana makarating ako diyan” (I can see on TV and there are lots of parks and places to relax and enjoy there. I want to reach that place.) “Gustong-gusto kong marating at makapag-trabaho sa Maynila” (I really want to go and work at Manila.) These words are just some of the very common answers that will come out from their mouth. Many want to go to Manila despite of the uncertain fate waiting for them there. The sad truth is that it is still going to be a very sacrificial and long time endeavor once that they step on this capital city of the Philippines. Majority of the people going to Manila are not