The TNT Traysikel may share its name with the Tagalog acronym for “Tago ng Tago”, a Filipino codeword for an undocumented immigrant in hiding, but there’s nothing quiet about the undeniably Filipino trike. The brainchild of Filipino American creatives Paolo Asuncion and Michael Arcega, the TNT Traysikel unapologetically demands attention.

The first of its kind to traverse the streets and bridges of San Francisco, the TNT Traysikel, fashioned with the unique aesthetic of its Philippine-based jeepney counterparts, raises the Filipino banner wherever it goes by announcing the community’s presence and celebrating its members’ contributions.

“The fact that there’s this very humble symbol of Philippine ingenuity, or labor, or work going across this monument of the United States—which is the Golden Gate Bridge—strikes a chord,” Arcega states as he reflected on the viral trip the TNT Traysikel made across the iconic American landmark accompanied by more than 60 Filipino American motorcyclists.

Learn more about the TNT Traysikel, future TNT projects, and how the Filipino community in San Francisco’s SOMA (South of Market) Pilipinas Cultural Heritage District is making its mark in the United States through the documentary “Discovering TNT Traysikel” filmed by Filipino-American creative Francisgum in San Francisco, California.

Produced, Filmed and Edited by Francisgum