Photography takes Filipino maid from Hong Kong to New York

“My family was overjoyed when the news came in,” Bacani wrote in an email while taking a quick break from babysitting. “My parents cried. Having their eldest to reach a dream is a big deal for people like us who have nothing.”

‘Honest’ portraits of migrant workers

Bacani grew up in poverty in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. She left school at 19 to become a domestic worker in Hong Kong. Bacani has no formal training in photography but her black and white street scenes have captured the imagination of thousands through social media.

“She definitely has a very strong eye,” says Sim. “Even those working as photographers don’t have the discipline to take photos daily. She puts some of us to shame, honestly. Even the snaps she takes on a daily basis are pretty magical.”

READ: Court finds Hong Kong housewife guilty of maid abuse

CNN