Poverty

I have been asked a few times if there is a middle class? are there alot of poor people? etc. I read in the newspaper today that 52% of all Filipinos fall below the poverty line here and another 24% are right at it. So, 76% make at or less than $150 per month for the entire family. I was even a little shocked by this. The prices for food really aren't that different than in the US. So you can imagine how hard you would have to work to feed and shelter a family for $150 each month. The numbers aren't that different between those that live in Manila and those in the provinces. Makes for a very hard life, yet so many people here are positive and happy.