Isa sa Isla: SinagLarawan 2025 Calls for Photo Entries
In its 2025 edition, SinagLarawan highlights the Filipino water–a nurturing element of connection, collective spirit, and community.
Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photo courtesy of SinagLarawan, JTI Philippines
September 15, 2025
The SinagLarawan 2025 Photo Contest returns, calling on Filipino photographers to capture the soul of our nation’s values, culture, and timeless traditions, through the lens—literally and artistically—of expression and vigor.
"Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Resiliency" by SinagLarawan 2023 Circle of Excellence winner Harley F. Palangchao
With the theme “Isa sa Isla,” photographers around the country are tasked to harness the ways of the water not just as a resource, but as the lifeblood of our archipelago.
These waterways not only bind as though shores but tell tales of what life breathed through our coasts. “Isa sa Isla” seeks just this: a celebration of images that extols our flowing identity while connecting narratives, shaping communities, and echoing the collective spirit that makes us distinctly Filipino.
“Catching Hope: A Filipino Couple's Journey Through Adversity” by SinagLarawan 2023 finalist James Singlador
The SinagLarawan Photo Contest, a flagship Community Investment initiative of JTI Philippines, celebrates photography as a lens into the rich identity of the Filipino people, showcasing the creative talent of homegrown photographers.
“At JTI Philippines, making meaningful contributions to the growth of societies is key to being a socially responsible business,” says JTI Philippines General Manager Guilherme Silva.
“Alongside our focus on People and Environment, we are committed to transformative projects in Arts and Culture such as SinagLarawan which is a standout initiative that promotes artistic development and helps drive cultural preservation, using the powerful art of photography to highlight the unique Filipino traditions and characteristics.”
"Quiet Resilience: Embracing Change and Emerging Stronger" by SinagLarawan 2023 finalist Gina C. Meneses
Awards and Prizes
This year, the contest honors both outstanding photographers and their photo clubs, with a distinguished panel of judges from the fields of photography and arts and culture.
Top Prizes:
SinagLarawan of the Year: ₱150,000 + trophy; club gets ₱30,000 + certificate
1st Runner-Up: ₱120,000 + trophy; club gets ₱25,000 + certificate
2nd Runner-Up: ₱100,000 + trophy; club gets ₱20,000 + certificate
"Bamboo and Beyond: A River of Enterprise" by SinagLarawan 2024 Circle of Excellence winner Carlo Dacumos
Other Awards:
Circle of Excellence (8 winners): ₱80,000 each + trophy; clubs get ₱10,000 + certificate
Special Awards (13 winners): ₱50,000 each + certificate
Rehiyon Awards: Top 3 photographers per region (Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, Mindanao)
Top 100 Finalists: Each receives ₱10,000 + certificate
JTI Employee Choice Award
With over ₱2.5 million in prizes, all 100 winning works will be featured in a coffee table book, a special edition calendar, and an exhibition and awards event in November, highlighting the Top 24.
“Mr. Fix-It” by SinagLarawan 2023 finalist Raul Montes
Join the call for Filipino excellence
Ready to showcase your talent? The SinagLarawan 2025 Photo Contest is calling for all Filipino photographers, aged 18 and above, with the eagerness to harness our waterways.
Submit your best shot through JTI Philippines’ official website, jtisinaglarawan.com, until September 25, 2025. One entry, one chance to tell your story. Photos must be taken between January 2023 to September 2025 and include a title, a short English description, and the photo location.
Time to redefine the soul of our archipelago. Visit jtisinaglarawan.com for full details.
