SinagLarawan Photo Contest has announced the winners of its 2026 edition, celebrating Filipino stories of triumph through an awarding ceremony and photo exhibition. Centered on the theme “Pagbubunyi,” the competition recognized 24 outstanding photographs selected from more than 450 entries submitted by photographers across the country.
The winning images captured the many ways Filipinos experience and celebrate everyday victories, highlighting the country’s optimism, joyful spirit, and empathy through powerful visual storytelling.
Alexii Alipio Wins SinagLarawan of the Year
The prestigious SinagLarawan of the Year title went to Alexii Alipio of Alpha Camera Club for the whimsical photograph “Holy Jumpshot,” which captures three nuns sharing a rare moment of delight and celebration.
Alipio received a cash prize of ₱150,000 and a trophy, while Alpha Camera Club was awarded ₱30,000 and a certificate.
Seth Nuñez of Putowalkers secured First Runner-Up honors for “Mga Bukton sa Baybayon (Arms of the Coast),” which tells the inspiring story of a person with disability protecting the mangroves of Barili, Cebu. Nuñez received ₱120,000 and a trophy, while his club earned ₱25,000 and a certificate.
Completing the top three was Gregorio Dantes Jr. of Tropang Artistiko Camera Club with “Jeepney Driver’s Legacy,” a photograph showcasing the graduation portraits of a jeepney driver’s children. Dantes received ₱100,000 and a trophy, while his club was awarded ₱20,000 and a certificate.
Eight Photographers Receive Circle of Excellence Awards
The main winners also included eight Circle of Excellence awardees, each receiving ₱80,000 and a trophy. Their respective photography clubs received ₱10,000 and a certificate.
The awardees were:
- Kyle Cezanne Francisco, Silverio Alano III, Vaugn Axel Crisostomo, and Gabriel Jade Castillo of Raw and Untitled PH
- Liemuel Pantuhan and Klien Cyril Trasmonte of Photographers Club of Cebu Inc.
- Gale David Davad of Pitik South Cotabato
- Jhazmin Audrey Miguel of Philippine Society for Photography
The competition also recognized 13 photographers with Special Awards, with each recipient receiving ₱50,000 and a certificate.
Recognizing Photography Talent Across the Philippines
SinagLarawan further celebrated regional talent through its Rehiyon Awards, recognizing the top three photographers from each major island group and Metro Manila.
The awardees were:
- 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
Gaea Lei Osilao also received the JTI Employee Choice Award, completing the special award categories.
Awarding Ceremony and Photo Exhibition Celebrate Filipino Stories
The SinagLarawan 2026 Photo Contest Pagbubunyi Awarding Ceremony was held at Cinema 2, SM Cinema Aura in SM Aura. Hosted by Issa Litton, the event brought together the winning photographers, judges, and JTI Philippines executives, who personally presented the awards. Award-winning a cappella group Pinopela provided the musical performances.
This year’s panel of judges featured respected figures in Philippine photography: 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, who also served as judges.
JTI Philippines Corporate Affairs and Communications Director Shaiful Bahari Mahpar, Marketing Director Claire Cho, and Community Investment Manager Faith Mondejar also attended the celebration.
The winning photographs were showcased at the SinagLarawan 2026 Photo Contest Pagbubunyi Exhibit, held at the Level 3 Atrium of SM Aura from October 23 to 25. The exhibition brought the theme to life through visual narratives of everyday victories, reflecting the Filipino people’s optimism, joy, and compassion.
Celebrating Filipino Culture Through Photography
An award-winning initiative of JTI Philippines Community Investment, the SinagLarawan Photo Contest highlights Filipino culture and identity through the creativity and perspectives of photographers nationwide.
Since its launch in 2023, the competition has provided a national platform for photography communities to explore the traditions, values, and characteristics that shape the Filipino experience through a new creative theme each year.
Discover the winning photographs of the SinagLarawan 2026 Photo Contest: Pagbubunyi at jtisinaglarawan.com.