2010: Coin Divers of Lake Sebu
Along, came the navy. Three local boys arrive at our scene in their dilapidated dugout canoe
One of the boys dives into the water to retrieve a coin we threw
When there’s no coin to retrieve, the kids just play and have a good time in the water while making sure that their leaking boat does not sink
A funny, unexpected opportunity happened while I was surveying Lake Sebu for good photos way back in 2010. We have just ordered our lunch — several dishes of tilapia (grilled whole pieces, crunchy-fried flour-coated fillets, and kinilaw or spicy slices in lime and vinaigrette) — and we have descended to the lake’s edge getting ready to settle into one of the scenic huts when a group of T’boli boys, apparently siblings, came towards our hut by boat from the other side of the lake in an old dug-out canoe. Seizing the photo op, I took a few snaps as they approached but was pleasantly amused when they, once close to our hut, asked us to throw coins into the water. My companions obliged and the “boat kids” quickly dove into the water, retrieved the coins, and then collected them in the canoe. Apparently, this form of tourist attraction, if you can call it such, has caught up with local folks. In Zamboanga City, travellers of docked passenger ships get entertained by whole families of Badjao (a seafaring ethnic group) who retrieved coins thrown by the passengers into the sea. In Davao City, diners in some seaside restaurants can spend their waiting time watching Badjao kids dive for coins thrown into the water. Now, in Lake Sebu, T’boli kids have taken to the trade.
After several minutes and a good amount of coins, I noticed that the siblings were doing it not so much for the money but more for the show and the fun of frolicking in the water and it did not take much to motivate them to do their best moves so I can take shots from various angles. It was difficult to get a cue for their intended moves but it was fun trying to capture the action and freeze the moment in a snapshot. The result: acrobatic, almost contorted, figures on a seemingly solid water surface, the fun clearly registered on the kids’ faces. Not too bad a result for an experiment.
The eldest of the three poses for the camera…
… and then minds his brothers as they try to retrieve a coin.
And then they started showing off their acrobatic skills on the water
A backflip
A tumble…
and another backflip…
And then it’s time to paddle their faithful canoe back to wherever they came from, having played their favorite game on the water while earning some coins as a bonus for the day.
Related articles
- 2010: First Look into Lake Sebu (travellingartist.wordpress.com)
- Seven Falls of Lake Sebu at South Cotabato, Philippines (feelgoodavenue.wordpress.com)
The drag of endless mental work in a strange land takes its toll. Fatigue can kill so petty escapades provide hopeful deviations from the brewing madness. An aging DSLR keeps good company to a walk around the neighbourhood, a short drive to a scenic place, or a silent recollection in a quiet nook granting that the host community and the elements of nature would allow one a safe passage to solitude and contemplation. Loneliness quickly turns to joy when something exciting gets captured by the cam’s shutter then set free into the laptop’s screen followed by electric words that rush from the fingers to the keyboard in an effort to describe the moment. Alas, the brain is alive once again!
Very good pics. However, I am in confusion as to whether we speak/see child labour or exploitation of children. BUT then two factors come into play – 1. children having to work and 2. children enjoying themselves doing what they do. Bugger the liberals they do not know what libetarian is, I say let the kids enjoy themselves and if they make a buck so what they are happy and I will not deny any child happiness.
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I know what you mean. I’ve been doing a lot of work in social protection (much of which is about children’s rights) and I think everyone should resist all adverse forms of child exploitation (children in combat, sex trade, drugs, etc). But, as you said, if it’s play, let the kids enjoy and it’s great if they earn some bucks out of it. To me, if one denies them of these simple joys, he/she is actually committing a form of child abuse!
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Btw, thanks for leaving a thoughtful comment 🙂
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WOW!
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Thanks for the WOW!
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So, a lot like working in an office.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Fantastic post …. and the photos are fantastic – lots of play and fun … what a great show they put on for you.
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I actually found and photographed them again recently. Will be posting the 2013 update in the coming days 🙂 Thanks so much, viveka.
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