"The Paupers And The Dogs"

young girl was rubbing her pet dog.

"Your daughter? I asked in Pilipino. She nodded.

"How old are you, little girl?" "Five po."

It's a sizzling hot summer In the City of Manila especially in the open spaces in Plaza Lawton and the famous Jones Bridge connecting the Moraga Plaza, the arch which is the landmark of the centuries-old China Town and former famous Escolta Street, now a ghost street where cars and other vehicles are parked on both sides, exposing some derelict buildings, including the corner where the famous "Savory Chicken" restaurant, now a picture of total neglect and a true picture of a dying landmark.

Walking leisurely under the searing heat of the sun, I went down to the pedestrian tunnels and I found a man sleeping, together with his dog while a strong scent of urine filtered the air. Looked around to see writings on the walls by vandals, and some tiles on the floor started to loosen up.

Up the Jones Bridge, a woman panhandler asked for money while a

"Your pet?" "Opo,love ko po siya at tinutulungan ko po ang Nanay at nang maraming magbigay ng pera."

"Nay,bakit po kasama mo ang anak ninyo at ang aso?" "Kasi, sinasamahan ko at nawawala ang aking stress dahil sa kanyang asong alaga." "so, kasama po sa kita ninyo ang pagkain ng aso." "Opo, happy naman po kami sa aming alagang aso, man's best friend."

Moved by the presence of the mother and the daughter with a dog, I handed some 20 pesos loose coins. "Okay, here is the money for you and for your dog." "Salamat po," the young girl with a spark in her eyes, said.

Walking along the Jones Bridge decorated by "candelabra," some have broken pieces, some paint