Walky Smokey

Message form

- sex male female other

Not a robot

　

Office:

Walky Smokey NPO Inc.
Blk 8 Old Site, Lot 045 Baseco Port Area, Manila, 1018 Philippines
SEC Registration No: 2024060155499-07
Estabilished in 2024

　

Learn more

Interview with Guide Staff_ 2024 Jan 21(YouTube Playlist)

---

I am one of supporters, like you

As a musician, I became part of a documentary film about the Smokey Mountains. Since then, I’ve been wanting to visit the area, and in February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I experienced the conditions in the slums.

That time, a special connection with the guides of the slum tourism in BASECO was formed. Learning about the lack of basic necessities for the children, such as uniforms, school supplies, and food, I provided support upon returning home to Japan.

When the so-called "world's longest lockdown" in the Philippines was lifted, I received reports, about wanting to restart the tour activity. Unfortunately, the owners returned to Europe, and the company closed. I believe that letting people know about their unique lives will be helpful, and that they too, absolutely deserve to exist. I've been motivated to help since my part in the documentary film, and have made several remote attempts to help them restart the activity, since they were professional tour guides.

I wasn't their sole supporter during the pandemic, because others also provided financial assistance including individuals from Manila. Believing that from this group of people who helped, I eagerly suggested that they find other qualified individuals to lead them. They did their best, but it eventually became apparent that the situation was still very challenging.

To genuinely address poverty issues, one must flexibly assess what projects will be effective. While merely assisting in the resumption of the slum tour activity after pandemic, I aspired to jumpstart changing the concept of poverty support, that leads to influentially impactful results.

If the slum tour is solely seen as an "activity for support," only those interested in helping may participate. I believe there is significance in promoting this tour as a casual option for all tourists, similar to island-hopping or whale shark snorkeling tours. By changing the people’s stereotype, we can generate revenue that can be one of many solutions not only for the guide members but especially for various issues within the community.

Through this tour and this website, you can come to know another reality that is often shut out from society. It’s easy, helpful, and meaningful. I believe so.

Hiro