Ep 10. Manila: Creating in Spite of Fear

Set in Manila, Philippines, Resilient Cities Season 1 Episode 10 - "Creating in Spite of Fear" dives into the city's efforts to overcome the challenges posed by natural disasters, extreme poverty, and political unrest. Manila is one of the most vulnerable cities in the world, regularly facing the threat of typhoons, landslides, and earthquakes. The series documents the city's resilience and how it fights back by creating innovative solutions in the face of adversity.

The episode begins by introducing the city's inhabitants and the struggles they face daily. From plastic waste that clogs the drains, leading to rising water levels to chronic traffic snarls impairing essential services' delivery, the people of Manila are desperate for change. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of hope and determination to surmount these problems. In this episode, we get to see how Manila creates in the face of fear.

Viewers get a glimpse of how unity and collaboration can make a difference in beating the odds. We follow a community of artists that have come together to showcase their works of art. Called "Art in the Park," the event is a platform used to address pressing issues like poverty, sociopolitical unrest, and sustainability. The organizers aim to inspire the community through art, hoping to spark positive change through the messages conveyed through their works of art. The episode showcases these diverse artists and their struggles in building their careers and leading their art communities.

As we witness the artists' stories unfold, we get to see the potential for art to touch the lives of various communities and convey important messages. For example, we see how artists use art to shed light on environmental challenges, including plastic degradation and climate change. Through such initiatives, the artists have managed to spark dialogue and encourage the community to organize cleanup initiatives.

The episode further delves into the city's transportation sector, where we see how innovative start-ups are facilitating the movement of both people and goods. We get to follow a local delivery start-up named "Chikka," that has grown from operating a single trike to running a ten-vehicle fleet within a few years. The company's mission is to make deliveries accessible, reliable, and affordable for people in the city. One of the significant issues they are tackling is the delivery of essential items like medical supplies and food. Chikka's success is an excellent example of how local startups can leverage their expertise to create practical solutions that impact the city's everyday life.

The episode also looks into the Philippines' political situation, where political unrest is a constant reality. With local militias engaged in skirmishes, many residents of Manila feel unsafe and uncertain of the path their country is headed. Despite the current situation, some locals have come together to address the issue, holding peaceful demonstrations calling for political accountability. The episode highlights how a group of young people came up with the idea of using memes to create awareness and spark dialogue around the issue. The group created an online hashtag campaign that went viral, further amplifying their message about political accountability. The episode showcases how collective action, even through unconventional means, can lead to positive change.

In conclusion, Resilient Cities Season 1 Episode 10 - "Creating in Spite of Fear" takes us through the city of Manila's story and highlights its residents' efforts in creating practical solutions in the face of adversity. From community-led art initiatives to innovative start-ups and online campaigns, the citizens of Manila continue to build resilience by finding creative solutions in the midst of fear. The episode is a compelling narrative that highlights the essence of resilience, community, and a never-give-up attitude that are the hallmarks of the Filipino people.