Many Caviteños come along the Medicion-CAVITEx Road or better known as the ‘Tokwahan Road’ for leisure and exercise. But several photographers come to that place not only to show off their talents but also to give happiness to the people they meet on the road.
With exclusive interviews with The Cavite Rising, here are some of the snaps of their lives.
Torgraphy
Nestor Calitis Alves Jr. a.k.a. Torgraphy is a 25-year-old photographer and cyclist from Imus City.
Torgraphy shared that his interest in photography began when he was in high school. He started street photography after he was inspired by pioneer photographers like Spin and Shoot, Neelie360 and Ppott.
At first, it was only a hobby for him to take pictures until the engagement of his page began to grow. He now has over 22,000 Facebook followers, only almost two months since he launched it.
“Sinubukan ko na pong magkaroon ng kaunting income sa pamamagitan ng pagbebenta ng shirt na may tatak po ng aking pangalan na ‘Torgraphy,’” he said.
NOW AVAILABLE for pre-order ! Totoo na talaga to HAHA Yow Torgaphy’s kuno Shirt Dri-Fit T-SHirt ☑️ Vinyl Print …
Posted by Torgraphy on Wednesday, May 5, 2021
“Nakakataba po ng puso na marinig, mabasa at makitang naa-apreciate nila ‘yung mga simpleng pitik mo sa kanila. Sa mga simpleng pag-tag, pag-mention at pag-share sa mga larawang ‘yun ay parang mas ginaganahan pa po akong pumitik ng mas marami pa,” he added.
Neelie360
Neelie360 is a female snapper slash cyclist from Imus City.
Her love in photography is distant from her profession as she works in a legal office.
“Nakakataba ng puso kapag napapangiti ko ang mga subjects ko. In return, they make me a happy and fulfilled photographer. Life is short. Ngayon nasa panahon tayo ng pandemya, life is even shorter for some and more uncertain for all. Sana through my photography, may positive impact ‘yung ginagawa ko sa buhay ng iba,” Neelie mentioned while talking about the feedback she receives.
Aside from taking action and portrait photos, she recently started to vlog her rides to show the fun and excitement through cycling.
Neelie360’s Facebook page now has almost 10,000 followers.
Pitikulotchi
Ender Cruz otherwise known as Pitikulotchi is a 15-year-old high school student from Alapan in Imus City.
He started taking pictures when he was 10 years old for he was influence by his own father, who was also fond of photography.
His Facebook page started only last April 16 and now has nearly 10,000 followers.
Netizens admire not only his photography skills but also his fundraising initiative which he calls “Pitik for a Cause.”
“PITIK FOR A CAUSE” Hello po mga sir/maam. Hingi po sana ako ng tulong sa inyo. Siya po si Maurice de Guzman, 52 years…
Posted by Pitikulotchi on Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Through donations from the people he photographed, he was able to earn money to help Maurice de Guzman, a dried fish vendor who had a stroke.
Update lang po, naiabot na po natin kay Kuya Maurice ang mga groceries, bigas, bagong trolley at 2900 pesos pangbili nya ng gamot. Salamat po sa lahat ng mga tumulong at sumuporta sa ating PITIK FOR A CAUSE.
Posted by Pitikulotchi on Wednesday, May 12, 2021
“Masaya po ako sa sarili ko dahil po nagamit ko po yung passion and talent ko para po matulungan si Kuya Maurice,” Pitikulotchi said.
Kuya Mackie
Mackie Doroteo, also called Kuya Mackie, is a 23-year-old Process Executive in a call center company.
He was also once a freelance talent and just like other snappers along the Tokwahan Road, street photography became his hobby.
Salamatss mga lodss 🤘 #pitiknikuyamackie #pitik #Siklista
Posted by Kuya Mackie on Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Since he lives close to the place, he goes there every morning to take pictures.
“Siguro kapag may bike na ako, lalayo na rin ako para kumuha sa ibang lugar,” Kuya Mackie said.
“Nakakatuwa po at ang sarap sa feeling ng mga response nila kasi nagugustuhan nila mga shots ko at gusto ulit nila mapitikan kinabukasan. Kaya naman kahit nakakapagod, kaming mga small time photographers, kumukuha pa rin ng litrato araw-araw at masaya kami sa ginagawa namin,” he uttered.
Moi Adventure TV
Kuya Moi of Moi Adventure TV is a professional photographer and a scuba diver from Malagasang, Imus City.
“Since mahilig naman ako sa mga adventure, I decided to took some photos of runners and bikers here,” Kuya Moi added.
Moreover, Kuya Moi has also initiated giving of free food to people who pass by the famous road.
“Yes, probably ipagpapatuloy ko ito. It is my hobby and nakaka-enjoy kuhaan ‘yung mga runners and bikers. Kakabukas ko lang din ng [Facebook] page. I’ll post it there and they can grab the photos for free. I am happy with what I am doing,” he stated.
Ppott
Jay-jay Cauba also known as Ppott is a 30-year-old street photographer from Bacoor City and often takes photos of the streets in Cavite and even in Manila.
Tokwahan | flex, Solo, Group shots | 5.13.21 afternoon
Posted by Ppott on Thursday, May 13, 2021
“This March lang po ako nag-picture sa Tokwahan [Road]… Nagulat na lang po ako na tumaas po ‘yung reach ng [Facebook] page ko [after that],” Ppott said.
But compared to other photographers, Ppott has a constant reminder to all riders before he takes their pictures.
“Noong tumataas na po ‘yung reach ng page, parang napapansin ko na dumadami na din ‘yung jempoy (walang helmet) sa Tokwahan na nagpapa-picture. Kaya ginawa ko po ‘No Helmet, No Photos’ po,” Ppott shared.
When you don’t see him taking photos, he is probably busy focusing on his work in an Esports industry and on his church ministry.
“Masaya ako na napapasaya ko sila sa simpleng pagkuha ng larawan. Gusto kong itigil ‘yung mundo sa pamamagitan ng larawan na nakikitang masaya na kasama ang mga kaibigan o pamilya nila,” Ppott ended.
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Torgraphy, Neelie360, Pitikulotchi, Kuya Mackie, Kuya Moi and Ppott are just among the photographers along the Tokwahan Road. Every photo they take is more than just fulfilling their passion or profession. To them, it has become their way to spread and manifest good vibes as well.
