Manila: 12 Million People Between Skyscrapers and Poverty

After 400 years of Spanish rule and 50 of American rule, Manila today has characteristics you won't find in any other Asian capital. The strong presence of Catholicism, Christmas that lasts three months and Spanish surnames; the construction business in Chinese hands; and the consumer culture of shopping malls and fast food (for those who can afford it) typical of the United States. The most striking contrast, however, remains the architectural and social one between the rich in ultra-modern skyscrapers and the squatters in the shacks of downtown. These are the most representative photos of my trip to the Philippines... Bye bye! Flaminio Bizzotti