There is something deeply grounding about the way Filipinos celebrate life. It rarely requires grand stages or loud declarations; more often, it lives in quiet persistence, shared laughter, and personal milestones that carry entire families forward. That exact spirit took center stage as the SinagLarawan Photo Contest revealed the winning entries for its 2026 edition.
Anchored on the theme Pagbubunyi, this year’s competition called on visual storytellers from all over the Philippines to turn their lenses toward everyday triumph. Out of more than 450 entries nationwide, 24 exceptional photographs rose to the top, showing how triumph manifests in the ordinary, the resilient, and the unexpectedly joyful.
Everyday Wins Through the Lens
Taking home the grand title of SinagLarawan of the Year was Alexii Alipio of Alpha Camera Club for his piece titled “Holy Jumpshot.” The frame captures three nuns in mid-air celebration, a rare, uninhibited peek into pure delight that immediately brings a smile to your face. It serves as a gentle reminder that celebration belongs to all corners of life, even in the most quiet devotions. Alipio received a P150,000 cash prize and a trophy, with his club receiving P30,000 and a certificate.
The runners-up brought forward narratives steeped in grit, purpose, and community:
- First Runner-Up: Seth Nuñez of Putowalkers was recognized for “Mga Bukton sa Baybayon (Arms of the Coast),” an evocative environmental portrait of a person with disability who dedicatedly works to protect the mangroves of Barili, Cebu (P120,000 cash prize).
- Second Runner-Up: Gregorio Dantes Jr. of Tropang Artistiko Camera Club earned third place with “Jeepney Driver’s Legacy,” focusing on three graduation portraits proudly taped above a jeepney dashboard beside coins, rosaries, and fare tickets (P100,000 cash prize).
Celebrating Photography Communities
Beyond individual talent, SinagLarawan continues to empower local camera clubs, giving grassroots photography groups across the islands both financial support and national visibility. Eight photographers earned spots in the Circle of Excellence, with each recipient awarded P80,000 and their respective clubs receiving P10,000:
- Kyle Cezanne Francisco, Silverio Alano III, Vaugn Axel Crisostomo, and Gabriel Jade Castillo (Raw and Untitled PH)
- Liemuel Pantuhan and Klien Cyril Trasmonte (Photographers Club of Cebu Inc.)
- Gale David Davad (Pitik South Cotabato)
- Jhazmin Audrey Miguel (Philippine Society for Photography)
To honor diverse perspectives across the archipelago, the Rehiyon Awards (with a P50,000 prize each) highlighted distinctive regional narratives:
- Metro Manila: Sharlene Tamayo, Charles Edward Ma. Cansino, and Rhon Velarde
- Luzon: Kobi Janairo, Marvin Grimaldo, and Angelito Yaon
- Visayas: Kim Homer Salvoro, Reginald de Guia, and Rem Gio Tresvalles
- Mindanao: Kevin Teves, Jessie Eno, and Teofilo Jose
Rounding out the special recognition was Gaea Lei Osilao, who received the JTI Employee Choice Award.
A Gathering of Craft and Community
The winners were formally honored during an awarding ceremony at Cinema 2, SM Cinema Aura, hosted by Issa Litton. Guests enjoyed live musical performances by the award-winning contemporary acappella group Pinopela, creating an intimate, uplifting atmosphere for the visual arts community.
The judging panel brought together respected figures in documentary and contemporary photography, including Veejay Villafranca, Sandra Palomar, Niña Sandejas, and Martin San Diego. They were joined by JTI Philippines General Manager Alan Jackson and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director Richard Arboleda. Following the ceremony, the winning collection was mounted at the Level 3 Atrium in SM Aura from October 23 to 25, giving the public an up-close look at the physical prints.
Since its inception in 2023, SinagLarawan, spearheaded by JTI Philippines Community Investment, has evolved into an essential grassroots platform for documentary and street photographers. By centering this year’s theme on pagbubunyi, the competition did not just showcase technical mastery; it preserved the subtle, authentic stories that define our collective resilience.
You can explore the full virtual gallery of the winning photographs over at jtisinaglarawan.com.
