Stories From the Streets: Filipino street photographer Daniel Sorza goes viral for his candid shots of Italian public servants

Text by  Mye Mulingtapang

Photography by Daniel Sorza

Armed with nothing more than his camera, a backpack with his portable printer and frames, and a heart full of gratitude, Daniel Sorza, a Filipino street photographer walks the streets capturing candid, unguarded moments of public servants with heartfelt thank-you notes—from carabinieri and local police to Red Cross volunteers and members of the armed forces. These are the men and women who quietly keep the city running, often without thanks or recognition. But Daniel sees them. His genuine warmth, humility, and the emotional responses he captures form the heart of his story. And more importantly, he helps them see themselves.

What sets Daniel apart isn't just his eye for a good shot, it’s his deep appreciation for those who serve. He notices the fatigue in their stance, the alertness in their eyes, the humanity behind the uniform. Many of these workers go unseen, but Daniel believes they deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.

He does this not for fame, likes, or profit. He does it because of the joy of giving without expectation. Each photo is printed at his own expense and handed directly to the person in it, along with a message of thanks. Sometimes there’s a smile, other times surprise, and on occasion, tears. But always, there’s a moment of connection. For Daniel, that joy is enough.

Several deeply rooted Filipino cultural values clearly shape Daniel Sorza’s work as a street photographer in Milan. These values give emotional weight and purpose to his unique mission of honoring frontliners through free portraits. He transforms each photograph from a simple image into a meaningful act of cultural connection and heartfelt recognition.

Bayanihan (Community Spirit)

At the heart of Daniel’s actions is bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity and helping others without expecting anything in return. By offering free printed photos to public servants, Daniel practices this spirit in a modern, urban setting—proving that bayanihan can thrive even far from home. His photos become his way of “lifting others up,” echoing the bayanihan spirit with every kind gesture.

Pagkilala at Pasasalamat (Recognition and Gratitude)

Filipinos are raised to show deep respect and thanks, especially to those in positions of service or authority. Daniel’s entire project is a quiet act of pagkilala—recognizing the hard work of police officers, medics, and volunteers—and offering sincere pasasalamat through his lens. The printed photo isn’t just an image—it’s a gesture of heartfelt thanks.

Hiya (Sense of Modesty and Humility)

Despite the attention his work has received, Daniel remains humble. He doesn’t seek praise or profit. His motivation stems from a quiet desire to give, reflect, and build trust—a very Filipino trait rooted in hiya, which keeps one grounded and respectful in their actions.

Malasakit (Deep Empathy and Compassion)

Daniel’s work radiates malasakit—a word that means more than just care. It’s the kind of concern that moves someone to act selflessly for the good of others. His commitment to capturing and honoring the humanity of those who serve reflects this value in every frame. 

Pakikipagkapwa-tao (Shared Humanity)

This value drives Daniel to treat everyone—regardless of role or rank—with dignity. Through his photography, he uplifts Milan’s uniformed workers by showing them their own strength, vulnerability, and humanity. In his photos, he doesn’t just see officers or volunteers—he sees people.

Over time, Daniel Sorza’s quiet acts of gratitude have not gone unnoticed. In return for the free printed portraits he offers, many of Milan’s frontliners have thanked him in ways that are deeply symbolic. He has been gifted official police patches, commemorative coins, figurines, and tokens of appreciation—each one representing a gesture of mutual respect.

While Daniel never asks for anything in return, these tokens are more than souvenirs—they are proof that his lens has become a bridge, honoring service through art, and forging connections between a Filipino photographer and Italy’s protectors. They stand as quiet acknowledgments of trust and reminders that even small, sincere gestures can leave lasting imprints on those who serve without expecting to be seen.

No words can describe how happy I am—how truly happy I am for what I’m doing with just a small gesture. Be kind to people; you will be remembered more for your kindness than for any level of success you might ever achieve. 

-Daniel

When values guide action, kindness becomes more than just a spontaneous gesture it transforms into a way of life. It becomes embedded in the choices we make, the way we treat others, and how we move through the world. Kindness, when rooted in genuine values like empathy, humility, and respect, no longer depends on mood or convenience. It becomes intentional, consistent, and meaningful. An everyday habit that reflects who we are and what we believe in. Just like Daniel Sorza, whose quiet generosity stems from deeply held Filipino values, we can all choose to lead with kindness not as an occasional act, but as a daily commitment to building connection, trust, and compassion in our communities.

Ultimately, Daniel Sorza’s story is a gentle challenge to us all: Be present. Be kind. And use what you have—whether it’s a camera, a voice, or your time—to make someone feel seen.