I was cruising along the back roads of central Samar and came across this settlement called the Mamanwa tribe. After a quick introduction, the group leader, Jennifer agreed to let us take a few pictures and talk with us.
She is only 19 years old but has been designated the chief of this rag-tag group re-settled in this remote area of Samar by the Philippine government.
She is now in her first year of high school in Calapi, Samar, but she has wisdom beyond her years and walks with confident authority. These people speak both Waray and Cebuano and have been transplanted to this area from Leyte.
They seem ethnically mixed but I believe that the genuine Mamanwa are genetically Negrito. They are now in the process of growing rice on the hillsides. Life here is hard enough for the locals and this little band of survivors is just getting by.
This is the official sign with it's own light. Very impressive.
Life is really, really hard in central Samar. Heading into the back country!
I really enjoy riding back there but it is not without risk.
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