Rachel Lastimosa and Paolo Asuncion and Michael Arcega

TNT Traysikel is a public artwork that engages the streets of San Francisco. Traysikels are ubiquitous transport vehicles in the Philippines but a rare sight in the United States; we are aware of 5 Philippine-made sidecar rigs in the US. For many, its existence in America contributes to a sense of belonging and comfort. This is amplified through karaoke activations called TNT SideCaraoke, where people come together to sing and celebrate in community. TNT Traysikel is also the protagonist in a forthcoming film that explores notions of home and a cultural awakening.

This SFAC funded project is a collaboration between Michael Arcega and Paolo Asuncion. They have performed activations at SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, The Exploratorium, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, Kapwa Gardens, Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICASF), and the Chinatown Media Arts Collaborative (CMAC) among other venues. It will be featured at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco as part of the exhibition, Carlos Villa: Worlds in Collision (June 2022).

• TNT SideCaraoke event at CMAC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM4dQVTm7Os

• Interview with Hiraya Magazine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyYRsww0I2M&t=1s