Six Part Documentary Takes Viewers To The Poorest Parts Of Metro Manila In Al Jazeera’s “The Slum”
50 years from now, one in three people worldwide will live in slums. That is the opening line of a six part documentary by Al Jazeera simply called “The Slum”. All six episodes were filmed in Metro Manila, with most focusing firmly on Tondo and its various informal settlements.
Each episode follows different individuals and tells different stories about life in the harshest parts of the nation’s capital, and one would be hard pressed not to be emotionally affected in some way when watching this documentary series. The important questions as to why these informal settlements exist and why the government is failing to provide its citizens with a better quality of life are huge subjects for another day entirely, but all six parts of Al Jazeera’s “The Slum” are now available on YouTube and I have listed them below for your convenience. Each episode is around 45 minutes long:
Episode 1: Deliverance
The first episode follows self-taught midwife Remy Permites as she delivers new life in Paradise Heights, as well as fisherman Gener Pagtabunan and his wife Lorna as they struggle to provide for their growing family:
Episode 2: Risky Business
Episode 2 features Ricky Fuertes, who has to cope with his home burning down in a fire, as well as diver Chito Barquin and tyre repair man Freddie Awayang as they try to overcome the struggles of their daily lives.
Episode 3: Storm Rising
The third episode accompanies charcoal makers Judy and Babes Barines, as well as Pilipinas Got Talent superstar Frankendal as they tackle separate challenges brought onto them by the typhoon.
Episode 4: Vote For Me
Episode 4 takes the viewer into the heart of local elections and shines a light on the serious business of politics in Happyland and surrounding areas.
Episode 5: For Love Or Money
The fifth episode follows Nieves Granada, who lives on Smokey Mountain, Jeepney driver Dante Clarin, and eight months pregnant Sally Macaraeg as they struggle with the challenges of every day life.
Episode 6: Breaking Out
The final episode follows aspiring ballerina Jessa Balote, mixed martial arts fighter Jessie Rafols and would-be model Justine on their quests to achieve success and a better standard of living.
Six Part Documentary Takes Viewers To The Poorest Parts Of Metro Manila In Al Jazeera’s “The Slum”
