In a previous life, Jilson Tiu took photos of socialites and summer houses, food and fashion shows. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in fine arts major in advertising, Tiu joined the Inquirer as one of its contributing photographers.

He was one of the most requested by Lifestyle because he learned quickly and took direction well. Even then, he already had an eye for composition—one that he honed and continues to hone now as a freelance photojournalist.

During the pandemic when getting around was a problem, he invested in a bicycle that allowed him to quickly get from point A to point B. It also helped him see situations more clearly and capture them with a few clicks on his phone or camera. Tiu regularly uploads his photos on Instagram (@jilson.tiu) where he now has over 60,000 followers.

On June 6, blown-up versions of his photos will be featured in a two-week group exhibit organized by the Commission on Human Rights.

The exhibit, titled “Kamusta Ta(y)o,” will present the state of human rights in Metro Manila during the pandemic. It will be divided into sections using common Filipino questions such as “Kumain ka na ba?/Have you eaten?” (food security), “Saan ka umuuwi?/Where do you live?” (shelter) and “Paano ka uuwi nyan?/How will you get home?” (public transportation), among others.

Tiu selected photos that fell into the different categories. “Manila Dystopia” is of a mother and her young child standing in stagnant water, patiently waiting for the father. “Pedicab House” is a photo of a family complete with pet dogs and their mobile home.

“Mang Anton is one of the many people whose livelihood was gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tiu says of the second photo. “He used to rely on informal work and side jobs that dried out … he continues to live this nomadic life with his sons and their dogs on the streets of Manila.”

The images are startling and better appreciated printed and mounted on a wall instead of on a phone screen.

“Kamusta Ta(y)o” also features the photos of Sinopinas, Jose Israita, Herby Esmeralda, Geraldine Hoggang and human rights filmmakers. The exhibit will be on view from June 6 to June 17 at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.