Living in Happyland In 2019, I spent a weekend in Aroma, Tondo, Manila — an informal settlement often known as Happyland. The name comes from Hapilan, meaning dump site, a reminder of the harsh environment the community lives in. I was invited by a friend who runs a shelter for boys in the area. During my time there, I met children and families living in extreme poverty, many relying on scavenging at nearby dump sites to survive. Yet what stayed with me was not just the hardship, but the warmth of the people. I was welcomed openly, with laughter, curiosity, and generosity that felt deeply sincere. As a photographer, I struggled with how to tell this story. Rather than focusing only on deprivation, I chose to document moments of hope — the smiles, friendships, and quiet resilience of everyday life. The children spoke freely about their dreams of becoming nurses, engineers, and software developers, believing strongly in a future beyond their present circumstances. This experience reshaped my understanding of happiness, showing me how dignity, community, and hope endure even in the most difficult places.