Sniping in Manila ain’t easy – at least with regards to most of Makati and some of the surrounding cities that make up Metro Manila. Despite frequenting this dense metropolis with over 10 visits in the last 4 years, I’ve found it difficult to produce a collection of works accounting for all demographics – where the missing pieces are the upper social classes that largely shape and speak for the City’s overall character.
As far as I know there’s no law that makes it clear whether it’s legal to photograph people in public without their consent – but in the Philippines, through social and political influence the Law tends to bend in any which way direction depending on stature – so it might not matter if the wrong buttons are pressed. In respect of that fact while adding the presence of heavily-armed security and personal guards, if there’s any indication taking a photo may be considered inappropriate, the Sniper holds down his weapon, of course.
Fiercely defeated by the fortified streets of Makati I’d typically limit my Sniping to the less lavish sections of Metro Manila — the areas which commonly serve as only a thru-way for vehicles in transit between gated communities and Makati. The stark reality though is that the lifestyle found within these communities would cover a significant portion of the canvas in a painting of Metro Manila’s people. And although the upper classes have managed to escape me in the streets, stay tuned my Filipino friends – you and the spirit of Makati will be showcased under my Social Studies column in due course.
