For This Badjao Coin Diver Mom, To Raise A Child Means To 'Row For Life'

Last May 2023, we asked our readers to submit photos capturing the raw and unfiltered moments of motherhood. Out of thousands of entries, we carefully selected the top 100, and then handpicked the top 10. This article is part of a series that delves into the stories behind the 10 winning photos of the Smart Parenting Motherhood 100 photo contest.

Raising a child from birth to two years old reportedly costs parents at least P1 million. The ability for parents to afford such expenses could only be possible through their sheer hard work and devotion to their children.

This message was captured in a photo taken by Herbert Kikoy, a hobbyist photographer who was traveling from Surigao and happened to be at the ports of Cebu.

"Most Badjaos are skilled divers, and some have ventured into coin diving to earn a few bucks. This Badjao mother was doing what she does best, to provide for her little one," Herbert said of his photo which he aptly titled, "Row For Life."

Herbert, who focuses on food, sports, travel, and festivals photography, shared has always been drawn to the Badjao coin divers. He had been wanting to write about them on his blog. 

"I was heading back to Cebu from Surigao and this Badjao Coin divers usually caught my eyes. Every time I went out of town especially if I head to Mindanao, most of my visits are for business and I rarely brought my camera with me," he shared with Smart Parenting.

Coin divers, commonly found at the docks in Mindanao, showcase their diving skills to entertain passengers and earn money. However, this activity poses risks as they do not wear proper diving equipment and attire.

"Luckily, I was able to spot them when we docked at the ports of Cebu. What's more interesting is that they were a series of families who are entertaining the passengers with their diving skills," Herbert said.

He added, "So I grabbed my camera and took several snaps. I never imagined that I would be joining my photos of them for a particular contest, especially this one." 

In the photo, a Badjao mother is seen looking up at the docks, eagerly awaiting travelers to throw their coins, while her child peacefully nourishes themselves with a bottle of milk, unbothered and unfazed by the present and the future.

Herbert expressed his intention to write or blog about the life of sea gypsies, as the Badjaos are often referred to, on his personal blog.

Upon learning that his entry made it to the top 10, Herbert also told Smart Parenting, "Thank you so much for choosing my entry. As of the moment, I am trying to know the whereabouts of the Badjao Mom. I am hoping that I would be able to locate her."

As for how many times the mom needs to dive for her child, we'll never know. All we can see in her eyes is the willingness and devotion to her children, as she continues to row for life.