Inside The Philippines MOST Deprived Town Built on Garbage! 🇵🇭 (Smokey Mountain)

Exploring Life in Smoky Mountain, Tondo

Overview of Smoky Mountain

• Smoky Mountain is a landfill in Tondo, Philippines, known for extreme poverty where scavengers search for valuable items.

• The area was once a massive rubbish pile, approximately 12 stories high, where communities built shacks to live and scavenge.

• In 1995, the government attempted to cover the rubbish with dirt to promote vegetation growth; many people from provinces moved here seeking better opportunities.

Living Conditions and Community Insights

• The narrator reflects on the dire living conditions and suggests that basic income or necessities are needed for residents.

• Children born into this environment view it as normal; they have no other frame of reference for life outside Smoky Mountain.

Interaction with Locals

• A local vendor pours soft drinks into plastic bottles for return; this highlights resourcefulness among residents.

• An interview reveals that around 500 families (2,000 - 3,000 people including children) live in Smoky Mountain.

Daily Life and Activities

• The narrator engages with local children who share their experiences and daily activities like playing games online.

• Children express interest in gaming while also attending school; however, some do not go regularly.

Unique Aspects of the Community

• The community has various animals such as pigs and dogs; interactions reveal a blend of domestic life amidst challenging conditions.

• Residents creatively use discarded materials (like old mattresses) for fencing around their homes.

Exploring Smoky Mountain: A Local Perspective

Introduction to the Area

• The conversation begins with a friendly interaction between Marco and Nanita, who introduces herself as a resident of Smoky Mountain.

• Marco expresses interest in the local churches, indicating a cultural exploration aspect of his visit.

Observations of Manila Bay

• Marco describes the view of Manila Bay, noting it is an extremely windy day which may affect audio quality.

• He highlights the presence of shipping containers at the port, emphasizing trade connections with China and other countries.

Insights on Local Agriculture

• Discussion shifts to local agriculture where various vegetables like papaya and okra are mentioned, showcasing community farming practices.

• Marco visits Jesus Mountain Church and encounters a guard dog, illustrating local customs around church security.

Community Dynamics

• The caretaker explains that while Tondo slum is densely packed, Smoky Mountain has more spread-out family villages.

• They discuss growing camote (sweet potato), used for cooking soup, reflecting traditional food practices within the community.

Environmental Concerns

• Marco raises concerns about potential toxic waste in the area, questioning what types of waste might be present.

• He observes building waste and hazards for children playing in sandals around debris-laden areas.

Unique Features of Local Life

• An interesting feature is introduced: a coin-operated Wi-Fi service available for residents instead of purchasing mobile data.

• The conversation reveals there is both a swimming pool and a gaming room in the community, highlighting recreational aspects despite environmental challenges.

Conclusion of Visit

• As they explore further into the area’s history, it's noted that this land was once connected to the ocean but became a dumping ground over time.

• The visit concludes with interactions with locals including guards who clarify private property boundaries within Smoky Mountain.

Exploring Smoky Mountain: A Glimpse into Local Life

Initial Impressions of Smoky Mountain

• The speaker expresses gratitude and excitement about exploring Smoky Mountain, indicating a sense of adventure and curiosity about the area.

• They encounter street food vendors selling smoky fish, highlighting local culinary practices and the informal economy present in the region.

Observations on Local Conditions

• The speaker reflects on the stark contrast between Smoky Mountain and BGC (Bonifacio Global City), emphasizing socio-economic disparities within Manila.

• They describe the environment as littered with rubbish, noting scavenging dogs which underscores issues related to waste management and poverty in urban areas.

Interactions with Locals

• The speaker purchases a light from a vendor, showcasing an act of kindness while also engaging in local commerce. This interaction illustrates community dynamics.

• A friendly exchange occurs with locals regarding a dog, demonstrating cultural aspects of pet ownership and social interactions within the community.