'Humans of New York' creator arrives in Manila to hold talks for free
In a Facebook post, Stanton announced that he will hold two consecutive “multimedia presentations” about the history of his popular photography blog, which focuses on street life in the city. Twitter/Brandon Stanton
MANILA, Philippines — Brandon Stanton, the photographer behind the enormously popular website Humans of New York, is in Manila to do back-to-back events for free.
In a Facebook post, Stanton announced that he will hold two consecutive “multimedia presentations” about the history of his popular photography blog, which focuses on street life in the city.
The events will happen on Saturday, February 3, at the Cine Adarna Theater of the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
The Humans of New York Facebook page has gathered more than 18 million followers so far.
Stanton has also collected thousands of portraits, with the captions becoming as popular as the photos themselves.
‘Why pee on our party?’
Amid the hype and anticipation for Stanton’s upcoming event, his visit to the Philippines, a country dogged by deafening political noise, is not spared from controversies.
Facebook user Cher Chez cautioned the Humans of New York creator about holding an event in UP.
“Oh no you’re in the university that is staunchly anti-Duterte Gov’t. I hope the students don’t pollute your mind,” Chez said in a comment on Stanton’s Facebook post.
“Heaven knows we do not need yet another foreigner to paint the Phils in a bad light,” Chez added.
In response, Stanton said: “I’m in the university that happened to have an 800 seat theater in 36 hours notice. Why are you peeing on our party?”
President Rodrigo Duterte’s has caused international alarm for unleashing his war on drugs — which has killed thousands of mostly urban, poor Filipinos.
Last year, the firebrand leader said he had been “demonized” as he denied allegations of state-sponsored killings of suspected drug dealers and users.
Stanton first revealed his planned visit to Manila last month. He also also called for an interpreter to accompany him in his trip here.
With subjects baring personal confessions — from family problems, love affairs, drug addiction, the Humans of New York, which started in 2010, has inspired almost hundreds of spin-off blogs, two of which are based in Philippine universities — Humans of Katipunan and Humans of Diliman.
