My Afghan Girl

This is not the crispiest, technically-perfect photo i took that Dinagyang night. But I consider this shot my own 'Afghan girl' photo. This little girl reminded me of my very own daughter and her eyes told me everything. She was sad, confused, tired and hungry.

Amidst that bachanalian festivity, this little girl, around 7 years old, roamed the streets of Iloilo city together with her older brother selling peanuts and chicharon to Dinagyang Revelers surely just to help feed her impoverished family.

I don't know where her parents were and no, I am not going to blame them for sending her into that crowded street. Perhaps, they were busy, too, peddling wares for this opportunity rarely happened -- a time when they can earn more than they usually had and sleep tired but with their bellies a little bit full.