The Aliwan Fiesta 2024 Photography Competition is set to award its winners on September 20, celebrating Filipino creativity and cultural heritage through stunning photographs captured by talented photographers across the country.
This year’s competition, open to amateur and professional photographers, featured images from the Philippines’ grand festival held from June 27 to 29. Contestants were allowed to submit three photos of different performers or floats showcased during the Aliwan Fiesta.
Out of 337 entries, 11 photos were selected and ranked by judges at the MMG Boardroom after the fiesta extravaganza.
Photos were judged on technical aspects such as camera technique, lighting, and angle. Judges also considered editing but carefully reviewed images with similar angles and framing to avoid duplications.
“As a competition judge, I consider the relevance, uniqueness, and visual impact of a photo. A story with a clear message gives life to an image. Creative technique, proper lighting, and good composition also provide a lasting impression to the viewers,” Jophel Ybiosa, an 11-time Ani ng Dangal Awardee for Visual Arts and one of the judges, shared with Good News Pilipinas.
The panel of judges included George Tapan, a renowned Filipino travel photographer, Ybiosa, and Jimmy Domingo, a senior photojournalist and lecturer at the UP College of Mass Communication. They focused on capturing the festival’s spirit and essence in one shot. The selection process involved three rounds of deliberations, where judges emphasized allowing photographers’ unique expressions to shine through.
Top Winners:
- First Place: “ALIWAN PORTAL” by Carlo G. Zamora (Prize: PhP 50,000)
Zamora’s photograph stood out for its stunning composition, encapsulating the vibrancy, movement, and cultural significance of the Aliwan Fiesta. - Second Place: “HALA BIRA” by Christopher John M. Llerin (Prize: PhP 25,000)
Llerin’s “Hala Bira” captured the dynamic energy of the festival’s street dance, featuring colorful costumes and infectious joy. - Third Place: “COLORS OF ALIWAN” by Eduardo Gapal (Prize: PhP 10,000)
Gapal’s photograph highlighted the vibrant hues and intricate designs synonymous with the Aliwan Fiesta, reflecting the cultural richness of the Philippines.
Eight other photographers received consolation prizes of Php 2,500 each for their exceptional entries:
- Twist for Joy by Hamlito A. Nocete Jr.
- Dancing Queen by Jose Melencio M. Brillo
- The Rise by Michael Quintin
- Suyo by Conrad P. Panelo
- The Meguyaya of the Teduray by Xyril C. Cuaresma
- Colors and Rhythm: Celebrating the Story of our Vibrant Heritage by Alvin B. Casitas
- Teduray of Upi by Redante Auxilian
- Indomitable Spirit by Raniel Jose Castañeda
The organizers of the Aliwan Fiesta highlighted the contest’s value: “Through the lens of these talented photographers, the festival’s vibrant energy and cultural significance were immortalized, showcasing the Philippines’ rich heritage to the world.”
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