TANZA, Cavite – A 16-year-old boy is making the rounds online after photos and videos of him selling taho (silken tofu) while wearing his school uniform went viral.

The photos and videos were posted by Jhap Tarog, a resident of Tanza who regularly encounters the unusually young taho vendor.

"Palagi ko na po siyang nakikita... Naka-uniform, may bitbit na taho (I always see him... Wearing school uniform, carrying taho)," Tarog told the Manila Bulletin.

"Napakabihira po ng kabataang katulad nya. Naranasan din po naming maglako, alam ko po ang hirap nang nasa kalsada (It is unusual for a youngster like him. I have also experienced peddling, I know how hard it is in the streets)."

The hard-working boy is Gurprit Paris D. Singh – a half-Filipino, half-Indian Grade 11 student at Tanza National Comprehensive High School.

Singh said he decided to sell taho in June to help sustain household expenses. His father, who lives in Cebu, has a lending business, while his mother is a housewife.

"Since the pandemic, my dad hasn't been able to send the same amount to us because his business has not been doing well," Singh told the Manila Bulletin.

After Tarog's post went viral, JRP Thailand, a local motorsports store reached out to give Singh groceries and an e-trike that he could use for his business. Singh has also received cash donations from generous donors.

Juggling studies and selling taho

On weekdays, Singh would be up and about at 5:30 a.m. to pick up the bucket of taho, bringing with him the arnibal (syrup) and sago (starch pearls) that his mother had made.

He would sell cups of the sweet snack on his way to school, before his classes, and during break time. If he still had taho left in his bucket after his classes, he would go around to sell the rest on his way home.

Singh admits that his chosen source of income is no walk in the park.

"Masakit po siya sa balikat (It's hard on the shoulders), my shoulders are not developed yet for that weight," the boy said. "And shouting 'Taho,' I was shy to do it at first."

The young entrepreneur said he has considered selling other products such as baked goods to make money. However, he finds selling taho as the most practical option for now, as it allows him to earn around P600 a day while being able to focus on his studies when he is at home.

"Some people who buy from me comment that I speak well, I'm good-looking, and I'm selling taho," Singh shared. "I don't mind. It actually boosts my confidence! There's nothing wrong with selling taho. It's a moral job."

Singh dreams of becoming a successful civil engineer one day.