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Manila: a city pulsing with life, a whirlwind of vibrant chaos, and the backdrop for photographer Hannah Reyes Morales's powerful storytelling. Growing up, Manila's streets felt off-limits, a confusing tangle her mother deemed unsafe. But life, as it often does, had other plans. Hannah's path led her right into the heart of Manila, not as a carefree wanderer, but as a photojournalist bearing witness to the city's underbelly.
From 2016 to 2018, Manila became synonymous with the Philippine government's war on drugs. The air, thick with tension, carried the weight of violence. Crime scenes became commonplace, a grim spectacle drawing curious onlookers and stoic reporters like Hannah. Amidst the heartbreak and fear, a simple observation sparked a profound question in Hannah's mind.
She remembers, "I had seen this family where, of course, the baby was crying. Someone was just shot and the baby was having trouble going to sleep. I just saw, you know, a mom trying to soothe the child and I thought, 'Hmm, super interesting, you know, like lullabies are actively being used as a way to create safety in this very, very violent environment.'"
This realization resonated deeply with Hannah. She had recently become a mother to a four-year-old stepson, and the familiar act of singing lullabies took on a new meaning. As she soothed her son's anxieties in their new home, she realized she was also calming her own fears, finding solace in the familiar melody.
This experience ignited a passion project for Hannah: "Living Lullabies." She traveled the world, documenting the diverse ways people use lullabies and nighttime rituals to find comfort and connection. In Turkey, she met Mona Idris, a Syrian refugee whose lullabies were a desperate plea for peace in a neighborhood that threatened to report her grandson's cries.
Through "Living Lullabies," Hannah unearthed a universal truth: the human need for comfort transcends borders and time. These ancient melodies, passed down through generations, are a testament to our shared humanity, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience endure.
Hannah's journey began in the bustling streets of Manila, a city grappling with complex issues. But it was in those very streets, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, that she discovered the power of human connection and the enduring strength found in simple acts of love and comfort. Through her lens, we see beyond the headlines, beyond the statistics, and into the hearts of individuals navigating extraordinary circumstances with courage, grace, and the soothing melody of a lullaby.
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