Photographer Maria Kabs noticed a little boy named Rommel Quemenales living on the streets of Quezon City in the Philippines and decided to take some photos of him to share on her page. Rommel might have been homeless, but he had found a way to bring joy to his life. He had adopted a puppy that was also living on the streets.
Eleven-year-old Rommel was abanᴅᴏɴᴇᴅ by his mom and dad after they separated and has been begging on the streets of Quezon City in the Philippines since he was 10 years old. Estranged from his siblings, Rommel gets by begging for change with his puppy Badgi.
Kabs published her photos on Facebook, and they got a lot of comments. Many people were touched by them. Although everyone wishes that Rommel wasn’t living on the streets and was able to have a normal childhood, they are also glad he has a friend to play with and to make him happy.
Rommel’s story is far more heartbreaking than most people realize.
According to Rommel, his father left them in 2009. His dad fell in love with their nanny and never returned to his family. His mother is still around but doesn’t care that Rommel spends most of his time on the streets. Sometimes, Rommel stays with his older sister, who is at work more often than not.
Rommel wants to go to school and is trying to save up to go, but in the Philippines, education isn’t free. Rommel also saved up money to get school supplies so he could further his education. He explained that he found the puppy and named him Badgi. Most of the time, Badji is Rommel’s only real companion.
Little Rommel spends most of his days begging for money. He goes around town, politely asking strangers for change. The boy collects and saves up as much money as he can, and he uses it to feed Badji, and then himself. He carries Badji with him most of the time, but when he sets the pup down, Badji always follows closely behind.
Kabs was touched by their friendship and photographed them together. Rommel didn’t have much to offer the puppy other than love. It turns out, that is all the puppy wanted. Rommel and his canine friend are happy despite their living situation. Now, neither of them has to be lonely because they have each other.
