Full Breakdown
Life Under Manila's San Andreas Bukid: A Hidden Community
3/11/2026, 12:25:06 AM
Discovery of a Hidden Community
Travel blogger Drew ‘Binsky’ Goldberg recently unveiled a hidden community living beneath San Andreas Bukid, one of Manila's busiest highways. In his 30-minute mini-documentary, Goldberg explores the lives of approximately 100 families, totaling around 300 individuals, who reside in makeshift homes under the freeway. Despite the cramped and unsanitary conditions, many residents express a surprising sense of happiness and resilience.
Living Conditions and Daily Struggles
The living conditions under the highway are dire. Families inhabit narrow tunnels filled with trash and sewage, where the humidity is oppressive. Edwin, a former resident who guided Goldberg, described the environment as having “unbearable smells” and noted the presence of pests. Families often share small spaces, with some rooms accommodating up to eight people. Despite these challenges, residents have managed to establish a semblance of normalcy; for instance, one family was found to have a washing machine powered by a makeshift electrical setup.
Precious, an 18-year-old resident, shared her experience of living in the tunnel for five years. She highlighted the difficulties during heavy rains, which often necessitate evacuations due to flooding. Her family survives on her husband's income of approximately 500 Pesos (around $28.56 USD) per day from a car wash, with their monthly expenses for rent and electricity being relatively low.
Community Resilience and Perspectives
Residents like Precious and her family maintain a positive outlook despite their circumstances. Precious stated, “We’re very happy. It’s one big happy family,” reflecting a sentiment echoed by others in the community. An 83-year-old grandmother, the eldest resident, simply expressed, “I am happy,” when asked about her life in the tunnel. Edwin noted the emotional toll of witnessing children grow up in the same challenging conditions, yet he also acknowledged the community's resilience.
Goldberg remarked on the stark contrast between the external perception of poverty and the internal reality of the residents. He stated, “It’s so sad in there from the outside, but when you actually talk to people [they’re so resilient].” His documentary has garnered significant attention, amassing over 5 million views and thousands of comments from viewers expressing shock and admiration for the residents' spirit.
Broader Implications and Reflections
The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the stark realities faced by many in urban environments like Manila, where rapid population growth exacerbates poverty. Goldberg emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, “I think every human needs to watch these videos to stay in touch with the reality of the world we live in.” The community's story challenges viewers to reconsider their definitions of normalcy and happiness, highlighting the resilience of those living in extreme conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You know what’s crazy. I’ve been coming to Manila for the last 12 years and I’ve been on this highway so many times. You never realise that there’s a community living below it,” — Drew ‘Binsky’ Goldberg
- “Once you live here there’s no restrictions, there’s no boundary. Even cockroaches and rats go inside your house,” — Edwin
- “We’re very happy. It’s one big happy family,” — Precious
- “Watching how they [parents] protect their kids, build routines and hold onto their dignity inside these tunnels has completely reshaped the way I see the country that I’m lucky enough to call one of my homes.” — Drew ‘Binsky’ Goldberg
This exploration of life under San Andreas Bukid not only sheds light on the struggles of impoverished families but also celebrates their resilience and capacity for joy amidst adversity.
