She still wears her ring.

One more bite to survival

This image was taken a while back. I have been holding on to it, unsure if I should post it. I didn't want to add to the those guilt-type images that flood us all too often. I still am not sure if I should post this, and guilt is not my intention.

Every time I return to it, the image tells me something different. This time its the ring that she still wears on her left hand. What does it still symbolize in her state? Love? Memory? Guilt? Better days?

That ring adds to her, what is for me, a story quite difficult to ignore. She is someone's beloved. She was a wife. A mother. A daughter.

I drove down that same street three weeks ago. I did not see her.

Life's not fair. I hope whoever gave her the drink and the plate of food still does so. I hope there will always be people like them.

This is in Manila, Philippines.

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Comments

Hungry Fei says:

I havn't read about what you wrote, but i eyes are tearing, cant take this, too sad....
Now i will start reading..............
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Hungry Fei says:

After reading the words, even sadder
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

1773★ says:

This is beautiful & touching, I put it on my blog with a link back here (if you want me to remove it let me know) more people need to see this. So beautifully captured. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

rebeccar118 says:

The situation is very sad but the photo captured the truth of poverty. I also wonder what became of her.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

linlin (not sure...) says:

thank you.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

♥°fibi says:

I admired the level of detail you can pay attention to~ The ring makes a complete different dimension to this photo. Somehow I see more pride than poverty. maybe it's the way the hand is gestured tells me that "I don't need your sympathy"~ great shot btw~
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

filippo rome says:

I think you did the right thing posting this image here.
thanks
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Pearl's Photos says:

beautiful.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Lan Huang says:

looks like shes eating vomit, but hmmmmmmm it looks potentially tasty, i want a piece of it!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Reinar says:

Thank you all for your responses! I am glad to be able to share the few things that I see... although I was not (still amd not sure) about posting this. Yes, despite all your many reassuring comments. Which I appreciate very much.

Thank you to all who have added this to their blogs and thanks for taking the time to tell me. Appreciated.

I was talking to a friend and he said maybe this was a way of helping her—telling her story somehow. Maybe, I said.

Thanks too for the faves and the contact-adding that has gone on since the posting of this image.

Cheers all.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

tini21 says:

This is such an amazing photo that captures the realism of poverty. However sad it is, it is still beautiful. Your description adds much to the photo too. Thank you for sharing.
--
Seen in the interestingness archives (?)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

JuttaMK says:

Yes, sad and beautiful. Life is not fair
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

virginiaz says:

fantastic capture. Very well done!

You are my winner!
Please add this photo to
www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

bellygarden says:

I´m speccless... so sad, so much expressiveness, so great.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Michael Kwokstyle says:

that is a master piece!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

_sim_ says:

Not only is the picture great, but I enjoyed reading your thoughts about this. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

jeanneg. says:

Thanks for posting it; and I like your thoughts and the title as well.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Arthur's Design says:

w o w!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

lindamccraven says:

maybe she is just eating there to get away from a big noisy family and have some quiet time. :)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Krissi Louise says:

the picture is great
your coments are great
even though it's sad, im really glad you posted this
it made me think about how lucky we all are
its more than just a photograph
its deep
its amazing, well done
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Big Gig Photography says:

Am very glad you posted this Rei and glad you shared your thoughts.Its a very powerful image and makes an incredible impact, great job here my friend.

It serves as a visual reminder to not take our lives for granted.And I hope this lady finds something good....I wish I could just scoop her up and bring here home with me. She could be someones Gran.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

chibietotoro13 says:

you give ton of weight to this touching picture with your word!!! makes me think and really moves my heart :)
it really reflect what's in your heart and mind :)
really glad to meet a person like you in flickr :)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Reinar says:

Again to everyone thank you so very much for your comments. Its nice to be able to share images, but even better to get people thinking.

I really am moved by all your comments. As I said the image always has made me stop. So here is to sharing. I hope I will be able to keep doing so and keep the conversations going.

Lovely day to all.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

rahul bhandari says:

nice picture... does she really know shes being captured?????
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

-Manitu- says:

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Rob Scumaci says:

Exceptional. Thanks.

--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

jonathan_pui says:

very moving picture....makes you think twice about what we all take for granted
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

HerbOc says:

Bravo! What a photograph and an amazing story. Thanks for sharing!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

mariojm says:

My thoughts were exactly what you wrote, great photo.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

KurianJose says:

beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Excellent title!
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

JoseOrpheus says:

This one is absolutely impressive!!!

Definitely a winner!!!
You deserve another one.
Found in www.flickr.com/groups/mywinners/
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Paul Presnail says:

This is what photography should be. Showing us what we need to see, not just what we want to see. Well done, indeed.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

T1855 says:

^ I agree.
I am so glad you posted this image. Maybe guilt shouldn't be avoided if it arises from reality. It might mobilise us to do something for the better.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

HafizB says:

Waiting... A slow torture... Most difficult feeling we all fear to face.

And toughest of all, waiting every minute before someone kind can drop a plate of noodle, or a glass of water...

What's her desert? She may never have it.
What's her supper? Probably forgot that part of daily life...
What does her bed feel like? a piece of concerete or hard wooden bench...

I asked myself for minutes while looking at this picture... But i may never ever find out an answer to my questions... will I?
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Glen's Pics says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Family of Man, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

nixArt says:

great!

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

BB (O.ö) says:

Quality Work! :)**

--
Seen in the interestingness archives. (?)
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

rui lebreiro says:

brutal!
fantastic capture, so touching
i feel your thoughts...
when i see stuff like this i feel we (society) must be doing something terribly wrong
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Grin and Barrett says:

I believe this photo is more about spreading awareness than guilt. People on both sides of the economic divide need that. Nice job.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

reena jacinto says:

heartbreaking.

wonderful shot, nonetheless.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Terri Lynn [deleted] says:

I feel this photo was done in an empathetic vein. It inspired me to write a poem.

Manila Philippines

The old woman squatted
in the corner of a temporary embrace
of concrete. Someone had fed old girl
a plate of gingered rice noodles
and a cup of tepid tea.

Her bowed head with it’s fine white sarcenet
begs for dignity from those who stare
and from those who quickly look away.

There is a gold band on her marriage finger
nestled tight between peach pit knuckles
old girl had known better days than this,
when a hand held out, wasn’t a gesture of begging
but an invitation to dance the Cariñosa.

* footnote
This flirtatious dance is known throughout the Philippines. Cariñosa means affectionate, lovable, or amiable. With a fan or handkerchief, the dancers go through hide-and-seek movements and other flirting acts expressing tender feelings for one another. There are many versions of this dance, but the hide-and-seek movements are common in all.

******************************************* ****************************
I've posted it on my blog, with a credit linking back to this wonderfully moving image. Thank you for your compassion and inspiration.
tegraham.wordpress.com/
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Omsel says:

the only way to end poverty is expose it with your camera
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

marboysayno (husayno) says:

fantastic composition and drama
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

Reinar says:

May I once again say that I am astounded by the response this image has received. I am glad that everyone has connected with it or my thoughts in one way or another.

Thank you all again.
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

ako_si_pauline says:

thats a great poem and a great picture of course .... teary eyes... sob..sob..
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

Johann W G says:

its too good
i can actually feel it when i view it
ur great boss
Posted 29 months ago. ( permalink )

[colorblind] - hibernating, cam is busted says:

Powerful. Touching image. I, like ♥°fibi, admire your attention to detail. I also admire your ability to see people beyond what the eyes can see. Thank you for sharing this photo and your thoughts.
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

renatolacang says:

This touched me profoundly! And not without a little bit of guilt from an over-indulged, overly-pampered Filipino-American!
Posted 27 months ago. ( permalink )

digitalbradford [deleted] says:

thank you.
Posted 26 months ago. ( permalink )

sajpro says:

What a masterpiece …. And ur a some writer too …
. Cant stop thinking a book I read couple of weeks ago ….. “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” ..is 3rd world poverty controlled one ? …….
Some vdo footage of the author ….

www.youtube.com/results?search_query=economic +hit+man&...
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

_barb_ says:

I know why you were having second thoughts about posting this photo, but I think you took it in a spirit of compassion and she looks quite dignified despite the poverty she lives in. It's a very thoughtful image and commentary.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

One Seventeen says:

I'm 18. My parents always told me that there are things in this world that are both hard to understand and hard to accept. And now that I think about it, I think that this picture shows what those things are. It's hard for me to understand why these things happen and its hard to accept that things like these actually occur.

I hope more young adults see this picture so that they can come to their realization that a lot of people out there needs their help.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

Reinar says:

Thanks again to all who commented. This picture has been a point of discussion, not just here on flickr, but also with friends and relations...

Again I am glad to share my thoughts.

And even more I am happy that you all are sharing your thoughts.

barb, thanks for the encouragement.

sajpro, thanks for the link, very interesting.

one seventeen, thanks for your thoughts. very encouraging. share it more.
Posted 24 months ago. ( permalink )

madsolitaire says:

Reinar, thank you for this picture - always a poignant reminder to all of us, our humanity..
Posted 20 months ago. ( permalink )

JarakaL says:

amazing
Posted 19 months ago. ( permalink )

[ Ed ] says:

This is a very moving picture.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

bernie369 says:

moving!!!!
Posted 16 months ago. ( permalink )

Bill Jones Jr [deleted] says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The Woman ♀ Adored - Moderated!, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

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Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

andytoako says:

Very dramatic. Parang gusto kong saluhan si lola.
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

❤technicolor☮ says:

this does not bring any guilt to me whatsoever...on the contrary i find it beautiful.

it makes me humble and thankful

its images like these that make me count my blessings.

your picture is beautiful...it inspires many emotions...and in those i find happiness and gratefulness
Posted 14 months ago. ( permalink )

vishy-washy says:

sad but she has food atleast !
Posted 13 months ago. ( permalink )

Christine Anselmo says:

so sad
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

weiss08 [no more pro account huhu] says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called PHOTO KALYE, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

nalungkot naman ako...
Posted 11 months ago. ( permalink )

danmacarandang says:

napaiyak mo ko!!!!! Sa tuwing makakakita ako ng ganitong imahe, napagtatanto ko na SWERTE pa rin ako sa katatayuan ko.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

tropicalrips says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called reflections of life, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

amjone says:

Strong, powerful image!
Posted 8 months ago. ( permalink )

Shairani says:

Strong image.
Posted 8 months ago. ( permalink )

jhueilee says:

tough life.
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

Mike Soq says:

must be the ring of sauron :P

anyway nice pic and description, until now i didn't know emotions can be stored on a 113 KB photo.
Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )

Careybear03 says:

Your photograph has been recognized by
HADR International
Please add it to the group pool to enter the
Humanitarian Assistance Image Contest.

Become the Face of Humanitarian Assistance
Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )

p_magisa says:

helo Reinar,

May i ask for your permission to use this as a subject of my painting. thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

p_magisa

[ via 'Philippines' group on flickriver --p_magisa ]
Posted 8 days ago. ( permalink )

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She still wears her ring.

Comments

Hungry Fei says:

Hungry Fei says:

1773★ says:

rebeccar118 says:

linlin (not sure...) says:

♥°fibi says:

filippo rome says:

Pearl's Photos says:

Lan Huang says:

Reinar says:

tini21 says:

JuttaMK says:

virginiaz says:

bellygarden says:

Michael Kwokstyle says:

_sim_ says:

jeanneg. says:

Arthur's Design says:

lindamccraven says:

Krissi Louise says:

Big Gig Photography says:

chibietotoro13 says:

Reinar says:

rahul bhandari says:

-Manitu- says:

Rob Scumaci says:

jonathan_pui says:

HerbOc says:

mariojm says:

KurianJose says:

JoseOrpheus says:

Paul Presnail says:

T1855 says:

HafizB says:

Glen's Pics says:

nixArt says:

BB (O.ö) says:

rui lebreiro says:

Grin and Barrett says:

reena jacinto says:

Terri Lynn [deleted] says:

Omsel says:

marboysayno (husayno) says:

Reinar says:

ako_si_pauline says:

Johann W G says:

[colorblind] - hibernating, cam is busted says:

renatolacang says:

digitalbradford [deleted] says:

sajpro says:

_barb_ says:

One Seventeen says:

Reinar says:

madsolitaire says:

JarakaL says:

[ Ed ] says:

bernie369 says:

Bill Jones Jr [deleted] says:

andytoako says:

❤technicolor☮ says:

vishy-washy says:

Christine Anselmo says:

weiss08 [no more pro account huhu] says:

danmacarandang says:

tropicalrips says:

amjone says:

Shairani says:

jhueilee says:

Mike Soq says:

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