MANILA, Philippines — In 1994, photojournalist Mike Alquinto, embarked on his very first assignment to cover what would become a passion and calling in life.

Far from the urban world, Alquinto came across Bennet Calimbon, a one year-old boy who could only be fed through a tube. Calimbon had difficulty eating and breathing; he couldn’t even enjoy a single piece of biscuit. If his tubes were removed, he would turn blue in a matter of seconds.

In another distant province, Alquinto chanced upon a mother who had seven children, one of them very sick. Yet despite this, she continued to attend to the needs of her family, helped her children with their homework, and even fetched water — all with a quiet sense of dignity and grace.

Alquinto’s photographs were headliners and must have made a mark in the minds of those who saw them. But more than anything, they made an imprint in his spirit.

He spent the next 20 years thinking about the haunting images he saw and the touching stories behind them. From Calimbon and his heart-wrenching plight, to the perseverance of the mother, Alquinto was touched and knew he had to do something about it.

As he reached his 44th birthday two weeks ago, Alquinto finally made the big move to unload a life-long burden.

His Facebook status posted: Nawala na ang bigat ng loob at natuto na ko magpatawad. Finally, he will be taking his first steps in achieving his goal of showing the plight of women and children in rural and unreachable communities to the world.

Monday, Jan, 31, Alquinto will kick off the journey of his lifetime as he hops on his Yamaha motorcycle and goes on a “Ride for Health’’, a 100-day documentary photography project inspired by the relevant issues on women and child health care.

In this project, Alquinto will be taking photos that show the current state of the health of women and children in different areas of the country.

To contribute a strengthened national and local government campaign on women and child health, the project also intends to raise funds through the help of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) fundraising scheme, donors, and pledges through sales of images from the photo exhibit.

A BENEVOLENT ENDEAVOR
The project will consist of a motorcycle travel of an estimated 11,000 to 13,000 kilometers of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, hoping to pass through areas that posted high maternal and child mortality rates. The ride will be done within a period of 100 days passing through 76 key cities and provinces.

Alquinto will start his journey tomorrow at Kilometer 0, at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park. He will proceed to Baler and will trek to the North through Isabela, Tuguegarao, Aparri, etc.

In Mindanao, he hopes to include the province of Basilan in his itinerary. Many have expressed concern and opposition to this plan due to the conflicts and dangers posted in the area. But Alquinto firmly stands by his decision. “Hindi magandang statement ang umatras kasi hindi lahat menng tao nakikita ang nakikita ng mga mata ko. Gusto kong ibahagi sa kanila ang mga imahe na nandun sa mga lugar na kaunti lang ang nakakapunta,”Alquinto says.

RIDE LOVE
For this trip, Alquinto prepared by first training in search and rescue, and other skills should he need to get himself out of a sticky situation.

Emotionally, there is nothing much different from how he prepares everyday as he goes on an assignment. “When journalists are assigned to remote and dangerous areas, they asses their risk and accept it as part of their calling.

“But there are many ways around it. Iniisip ko na lang patay na ko just to loosen up the nerves,” he quips.

During his trip, solidarity rides and exchanges will also be conducted with motorcycle clubs and motorcycle enthusiasts in different provinces that espouse community advocacies and issues.

Being a motorcycle enthusiast, Alquinto’s love affair with these single-track, engine-powered, two-wheeled motor vehicles started when he was about five years old. His mother’s six brothers would wheel in with their motorcycles and Alquinto would touch the machines in amazement. “Nilalagay ko ang mukha ko dun sa unahan ng motor, feeling the heat of the engine, at tuwang tuwa na ako,’’ he remembers. Eventually he taught himself how to ride and bought his very first motorcycle, a second-hand Suzuki unit.

A selection of images representing the 76 provinces and key cities visited during the motorcycle travel will be the output of the project. Images will be available for viewing through photo exhibits at venues provided by sponsors and funds raised and images gathered will proceed to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). Among those lending a hand in making

Alquinto’s dream come true are Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc., YRS Modifications Philippines, Columbia Sportswear, SMART Communications, Triumph JT Marketing Philippines , HJC Helmets, North American Rescue (NARESCUE), Search and Rescue Unit Foundation (SARUP), Jollibee Foods Corporation, Motoworld Philippines, and NPPA Images.