So during the ground-breaking ceremonies for the Lopez-MNTC-GK Village at Marilao Bulacan, I took pictures of the most beautiful of God's creation. As I walked through the narrow streets of the humble neighborhood, I saw young children play Pinoy streetgames such as piko, patintero or jolen. There is a noticeable joy in their eyes. Soon I arrived at the area where new houses were being built, not by bulldozers or construction equipment - but by human hands. These will be the future homes of families who have become beneficiaries of the houses donated by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) through its partnership with Gawad Kalinga.
Inspired by LT's words, as well as Deo's Gawad Kalinga photos and Luis' pictures of less fortunate children, I wandered around the neighborhood and took my own pictures of kids. Here is a cheerful bunch who lent me their smiles.
The neighborhood's children gave a special number during the groundbreaking ceremony. For me, this was the highlight of the day's event, for it made me realize that it wasn't just homes that GK was building, it was also for their future.
I caught a group of boys sharing a simple but enjoyable moment in one of the houses built by GK. In six month's time, these gray hollow blocks will turn into typical Gawad Kalinga houses painted with rainbow colors. So will the lives of those who dwell in them turn from gray-drab to rainbow-colorful.
Besides, rainbows do appear as God's reminders of hope and promises fulfilled. One has appeared in the faces of these children.
