Inspired by his vision of having a photography group in South Cotabato Province, Carl M. Corpuz started a photo community that welcomed photographers and enthusiasts with the aim of helping each other grow and learning from their shared passion.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in 2020, he founded 'Maniniyot South Cotabato,’ a Facebook group that used to connect mobile photography enthusiasts, which he later expanded to include photographers who used DSLR cameras.

Seeing how vibrant the group was, he organized online photo contests for the members, which he either funded himself or obtained from sponsors.

But Corpuz became busy later with his studies and other things, and the group just lost its momentum. He remained friends with some of the members, though, and kept in touch with them.

With the group laying low, some of its members, however, were able to join South Cotabato's Tnalak Festival 2022 as official photographers of the event. Corpuz, having the interest still in creating a photographers’ community and having found a partner in fellow photographer and digital influencer Arvin Lee Palma who shared the same vision, noticed that South Cotabato had a growing number of photographers, seeing this as a stepping stone to set in motion a greater vision.

On August 13, 2022, Corpuz organized the first Scott Kelby’s 2022 Worldwide Photo Walk in Koronadal City. That event inspired him to finally establish Pitik South Cotabato.

"I wanted to create a photography group because there was none. I was looking for a group that respected everyone’s opinion. I decided to take the initiative and respond to the demand for a photographers’ community," he said.

The name Pitik South Cotabato comes from "Pitik," or to shoot, a word that local photographers use to describe taking random shots of people at big events in the region. "I want to give the word ‘pitik’ a formal meaning and associate it with street photography. This group emphasizes fun while learning," Corpuz explained.

Corpuz found it easy to manage the group with the help of his fellow co-founders, Arvin Lee Palma, Francis Philip Baniqued, and Jaylyn Montiague, as well as its dedicated officers.

As the president of Pitik South Cotabato, Corpuz faced the challenge of having limited funds to organize events. But that did not stop him and his group from pursuing their passion for photography and supporting their fellow photographers in South Cotabato and the region.

Corpuz, a 21-year-old multimedia arts student from STI General Santos, blends digital art and photography in his creative experiments. Even though Corpuz specializes in product photography, he keeps learning other genres, such as street photography. This is part of the group’s improvement as they share their diverse range of photography styles and techniques.

They are also supportive of their members who wish to join local, national, and international photo contests, offering constructive feedback and tips to help them improve their skills.

The group also often discussed the issues confronting the photographers' community, particularly offering low rates for their services. Corpuz said they had a healthy conversation about knowing their worth and valuing their art, as he advised beginner photographers to start with modest expectations and gradually grow as they hone their skills and reputation.

On August 13, 2023, Pitik South Cotabato marked its first anniversary with a festive event at Danaw Garden Lounge, Koronadal City. The photography group elected its new officers and discussed its plans to open its membership to more enthusiasts. The group also brainstormed about the possible events they would hold in the coming months to showcase their skills and passions.

Some of their plans include holding a photo exhibit in a mall and organizing an event every month. They also plan to venture out and expand the community to other provinces. Corpuz wants to encourage others to create their own versions of ‘Pitik’ and welcome anyone interested in photography.

The group is also willing to collaborate with other groups or government agencies, like the Department of Tourism, to help promote South Cotabato and the entire Soccsksargen region through photography.

"Look for a community or group that does not invalidate your opinion. A group that can help you grow and understand you. Shoot what inspires you. Always practice. Just keep shooting. Don’t worry about what others think. Focus on your goal and dream." (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network/PIA SarGen)