Filipino professional and travel photographer John Ruzz Cabayan Merca, despite receiving criticisms that he would not be able to reach his goals, is celebrating his ‘biggest achievement’ from his Instagram account.
Merca, the photographer behind viral Dubai photos, has recently reached 10,000 followers on the photo-sharing app two years after creating the account. Through his IG account, he posts a series of great sceneries found in the city.
In a short video he shared on his social media accounts titled ‘10k Love Letter’, he shared his journey which he embarked on two years ago.
“It all began 2 years ago. There I was just a random dude who fell in love with photography and decided to go out every day to take photos. Back when I was starting, people told me that my goals are impossible, that growing is unattainable, and that success is unreachable,” he said.
Merca said that the people around him told him that he was just wasting his time. “Yet, here I am, working every day to prove every doubter is wrong,” he added.
Though he has achieved his goal in the field, he said that this is one single thing that stood out among the rest. He added that it’s not the brand collaboration, not the gear he receives, and certainly not the money he was earning.
“It’s the people. The people I met. The people I had a photo mission with. The people I shared laughs with. The people I have collaborated with. The people who laughed at my jokes. And the people I inspire,” he said.
Merca wrote that despite all the happiness, there were many struggles and heartbreaks too.
“The best thing is I’m still here on my 10k, still creating content, still inspiring people, and proving every doubter wrong,” he further added.
This story has been featured on the 12th issue of The Global Filipino Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Mr Orli Gayeta at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com.
