Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines 2018 drew hundreds of participants; winning photo announced

Canon PhotoMarathon started in 2003 in Singapore. Since then, the global camera brand from Japan has been holding this popular photo contest every year in different countries in Asia, which include the Philippines.

The event has not only become the largest on-the-spot photography contest in Asia, but a platform where photographers who use Canon cameras come together to learn and interact with each other to improve their photography skills, according to Benny Yu, Canon Marketing Philippines, Inc. (CMPI) head of consumer imaging and information division.

“As a camera brand, it is also our duty to make sure that we provide photographers a good platform where they can exchange ideas and share experiences and enjoy photography and the camaraderie. The activity also encourages new photographers to get inspiration and to learn and eventually become serious in their craft.”

The Winning Photograph: Luke Anthony Obusan Singson hails as this year’s Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines grand winner with his outstanding masterpiece under the theme “The World in The Eyes of The Next Generation.”

Yu said every year, the number of participants is getting bigger, with half that number belonging to new photographers. The recently concluded Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines 2018 drew hundreds of Filipino photographers, who took on the challenge to capture the most memorable and meaningful subjects, scenes, and emotions that tell powerful stories.

This year’s Philippine of Canon PhotoMarathon centered on extending the power of photographs to help improve the lives of children supported by Canon’s local partner organization, Operation Smile Philippines.

The organization provides free reconstructive facial surgery to indigent children and young adults born with cleft lip and cleft palate deformity.

A portion of the registration fee of each Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines 2018 participant as well as proceeds generated from Print for Smiles, Canon’s corporate social responsibility program, were dedicated to help raise funds for Operation Smile.

CMPI President & CEO Kazuhiro Ozawa warmly welcomes a sea of Canon users at Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines 2018

“We at Canon believe that every captured image has the power to tell a story that, in one way or another, can affect lives,” said Kazuhiro Ozawa, President & CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc (CMPI). “From being a platform that brings communities closer together and cultivates the culture of photography, we bring this year’s Canon PhotoMarathon in the Philippines one step further to allow Filipino photographers to use powerful pictures to tell stories and to create impact in the lives of the future generation.”

Luke Anthony Obusan Singson was hailed as Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines 2018 champion with his winning photo for the theme “The World in The Eyes of The Next Generation.” Singson took home a brand new Canon EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera worth Php147,998, a ViewSonic VP2468 24” Professional Monitor, 1-year Membership at Celebrity Fitness, One Bonifacio High Street, and will represent the country at the Canon PhotoMarathon grand finals in Japan in 2019.

Joining Singson in this year’s roster of winners from the Philippines are over-all 1st runner up Leslie Yu Chua, Theme 1 2nd runner up Edwin Pascual Forsuelo, Theme 2 2nd runner up Danilo Victoriano, Theme 1 3rd runner up Jonathan Rosales Maniago, and Theme 2 3rd runner up Cesar Binuya Diaz.

The photo contest participants worked around the themes “The World in The Eyes of The Next Generation” and “What Makes a Smile” under time pressure. Entries were judged by esteemed Canon Crusaders of Light Ernie Sarmiento, Wesley Villarica, Jijo de Guzman, Wig Tysmans and Benny Yu.

The panel of judges used ViewSonic VP2468 monitors to evaluate the entries, ensuring the accuracy and vividness of colors of the images submitted.