A Cup Half Full: The incredible optimism of a poor Filipino boy

Jan 2, 2011:  PUERTO GALERA, Philippines - Although the Philippines remained relatively stable during the recent global recession, poverty has increased over the past two decades with over 32 percent of the population currently living below the poverty line.

“It’s good to start life being poor,” said young Gary Clemenso to one of his friends. “Imagine being born rich and then becoming poor. … Wouldn’t that be worse?” he asks.

Gary’s simple logic is quite puzzling for me, and I was surprised me to hear such a statement coming from a 16-year-old whose family numbers among the Philippine’s poor.

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