Contrasting Life in Mactan Island Cebu - Philippines

Like towns and cities in most developing, or so called 3rd world, economies both Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island show a dramatic and stark contrast between rich and poor.

But here it is some how different from what I've experienced before. Here it is so close you can touch it and  it smacks you in the face ... and at times also in the nose!

Look left from the wooden shack

First world malls within a few meters of filthy, shanty dwellings. Shacks and businesses side by side. Roadside restaurants and meat stalls (small fans whirring away to keep away flies) next to the vulcanizer (tyre shop) side by side with hairdressers, bakeries and small general merchandise shops behind metal grilles.

Pristine gardens within metres of filthy heaps of stinking rubbish.

The latest, often obscene, SUV's carrying one or two people bullying their way through tricycles, motorcycles (carrying whole families) and jeepneys crowded (with up to 25 people) ... all so overloaded. Belching smoke and weaving randomly ... seemingly so disorganized but somehow it works.

The view from the shack

The Philippines, together with Brazil, has one marked difference from all other third world countries.  A massive proportion of the population is Roman Catholic. There is no doubt that the church's stance on birth control has exacerbated the population growth problem and as you look around there is no doubt that the children are becoming casualties.

Casualties of a system which is doomed to failure.

Like all life here the church and its doctrine and dogma creates another stark contrast. The discipline and structure of the church with the total lack of consideration and virtual anarchy on the streets. The opulence of the church compared to the poverty of the people.

Overloaded with children

The church with its rigid and uncompromising stance on birth control efectively spawning millions of children who have to be fed and educated. However whatever their hardships and uncertainty a vast majority of the population maintains their steadfast faith.

Everywhere you go there are young women (children) with babies, others pregnant ...  more and more children.

At what point do you become skeptical and question the concept of your faith? Or is it so strong that you can ignore the reality around you.