Rica lives on the other end of my street in Pasay, Manila. Our fathers originated from India and both chose to make a life in the Philippines. However the cards dealt to us made all the difference- our kismat or fate. Rica was born a man and has known to be gay since he was a child. She now sleeps in a dingy shack and works as a community sweeper to earn her keep. A handful of Rica’s friends are homeless and not as fortunate. There is enough stigma and isolation with being elderly, impoverished and gay.Rikka (right) poses with an old time friend at an outreach program hosted by the LGBT community of a top call center in Manila. “Don’t take my picture without my teeth.” We all laughed as Rikka put on the heavily beaded crown. A handful of her friends are homeless and not as fortunate. There is enough stigma and isolation with being elderly, poor and gay. 2016Avelino Enriquez just turned 80. He is fondly known by his stage name Carmen de la Rue. To earn a living, Carmen sits outside a church every day- selling food and bottled water. I took this photograph during a variety show. “I can go on last- I’m the oldest. They can wait…”Carmen laughed as she lit up a cigarette. Pasay, Manila November 2016“Untitled” Pasay, Manila September 2016Avelino Enriquez is fondly known by his stage name Carmen de la Rue. To earn a living Carmen sits outside a church every day- selling cigarettes and bottled water. Pasay, Manila 2016A Sikh Devotee at the Golden Temple, Amritsar 2015A Sikh man at a railway station in Punjab. 2015The actors volunteer their time, asking nothing in return. Their families have participated in the play for generations. 2016“It is always a challenge,” says the president of the Cenaculo of Malibay, Mr. Amado Araneta. The small town in Pasay receives minimal help. The local foundation relies on donations to stay afloat and to cover production and food costs. 2016The volunteer make-up artist has been working with the Cenaculo of Malibay for three decades. He assists Mr. Jun Taytay, who plays Jesus. 2016
Shirin Bhandari 