04/10/2026
Taho para sa Lahat.
On October 4, 2025, during the Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk 2025 Tarlac Leg, a fellow photographer came across Tatay Ruben Tolentino on F. Tañedo Street. He was handing out cups of taho to passersby, free of charge. It was his birthday gift to the street, a tradition his story and his smile made impossible to forget.
Yesterday, during Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk Tarlac Leg in collaboration with Canon Philippines , Radiant Photo PH, and Photoline SM Tarlac, we had the chance to meet him again.
He was still carrying his taho, still smiling, still giving. I asked him how long he had been doing this. "Anim na taon na po," he answered.
This year, his celebration stretches across three days, October 3, 4, and 5, ending on his 58th birthday on the 5th. There is no stage, no party, and no guest list. There is only a vendor, his cups, and anyone who happens to walk by.
For a man who earns his living one cup at a time, every free cup has a real cost. Yet he gives anyway. Most of us celebrate by receiving, and he celebrates by giving.
We talked for only a few minutes. Then he lifted his load again and went off to serve more customers, because the people were still waiting.
Tatay Ruben never calls himself generous. He simply believes that being poor doesn't matter, and that what counts is bringing joy to others through small things.
Maligayang ika-58 kaarawan, Tatay Ruben. 🎂
