The Nest Gatherers
The rugged clifs of Pabillion Island in northeastern Palawan are home to edible-nest swiftlets (Collocalia Fuciphaga).
A swiftlet returns to its cave.
Gonzalo Ponce De Leon, 74 years, is the oldest nest gatherer on Pabilllion Island.
The island is uninhabited except for the guards, whose houses dot the base of the cliffs.
Arthur Cavalda, 17, is among the youngest and most skilled climbers.
A nest gatherer climbs barefoot and without ropes.
Inside the cave complex of Pabillion Island.
A shaft of light illuminates the cave interior.
Climbers assemble a bamboo pole to cross from one rock face to another.
A climber walks across a bamboo pole to reach the next rock face.
A climber shins up a rope.
A climber descends from the cave complex.
Climbers descend.
