SinagLarawan, the nationwide photo contest that recognizes the caliber and creativity of homegrown photographers from all over the country, completed a successful inaugural run in 2023 with hundreds of entries that embodied the selected theme “Ang Pinoy Matibay”.

The program aims to engage Filipino photographers through the photo clubs that help this artistic community continue to thrive. The contest focuses on themes that underline the values, traits, culture, and traditions that shape the Filipino identity.

Michael Varcas of the Press Photographers of the Philippines took home the Grand Prize with his photo titled “Firemen”. The compelling image shows our fire fighters in action, as these frontliners risk their lives to save others. 

SLR Camera Club’s Emerson Catindoy’s photo entry, “Urban Farming”, a serenely hopeful image of a farmer at dawn, was 1^st Runner Up. 

SinagLarawan also recognized ten (10) Circle of Excellence awardees. These included Carl Masabio Corpuz and Michael John Cortez of Pitik South Cotabato, Liemuel Pantuhan of the Photographers Club of Cebu, Harley Palangchao of Cordillera Press Photographers, Jeremy Sandel of Focus Bulacan, Gem Almund Cañada, Seth Nuñez, and Rey Magale of Putowalkers, Aiko Angela Ramos of the SLR Camera Club, and Marti Sandino San Juan of the Press Photographers of the Philippines. 

The SinagLarawan Photo Contest is an initiative of JTI Philippines as part of its Community Investment (CI) arm that supports three focus areas including People, Environment, and Arts and Culture. The contest highlights photography as an art form and how it helps showcase the hallmarks of the Filipino people and the talent and skill of local photographers. 

The contest was judged by a panel of award-winning photographers that included Veejay Villafranca, Raena Abella, Pau Villanueva, and Jilson Tiu. JTI Philippines General Manager John Freda completed this distinguished panel.

The SinagLarawan 2023 Photo Contest awarded both cash prizes and trophies to its individual top winners, as well as cash prizes and certificates to their photo clubs. In addition, winning photo entries and selected finalists were featured in the JTI corporate calendar and a limited edition photo book.

With such a positive and enthusiastic response from Filipino photographers who joined the contest, SinagLarawan has launched its 2024 run to encourage more Pinoy photographers from various photo clubs across the country to showcase their skills and talent. 

View the SinagLarawan 2023 Photo Contest winning photos here: 2023 SINAGLARAWAN Winners

Learn more about the SinagLarawan 2024 Photo Contest here: Theme, Contest Mechanics