While in Manila, I get invited by Filipino rapper and gang member Nookie to the 100th anniversary of the infamous Temple Street Gang (also known as TST). This event, which was closed to outsiders, hosted more than a thousand Filipino TST members.
TST is a street gang in the downtown Los Angeles area. It was founded by Filipino and Mexican youths in the 1920s and 1930s. Since then, TST has spread internationally. The gang now has thousands of members throughout the Philippines.
Filipino gangs often form due to a combination of socioeconomic factors such as poverty, limited opportunities and social challenges. Some gangs emerge as a form of protection or a sense of belonging for members who may feel marginalized. TST is known for being involved in murders, assaults, burglaries and drug trafficking. However, it's essential to note that the purpose of Filipino gangs varies widely, and that the current activities of TST mostly focus on educating the youth on how to be valuable members in Filipino society.
Special thanks to Nookie for inviting me into his world!
#philippines #manila #gang #templestreet #tst