SinagLarawan 2026 displays various facades of jubilations through different reflections of it.
Words Rica Mae Labbao
Photos courtesy of SinagLarawan
November 3, 2026
Holy Jumpshot by Alexii Alipio. Alpha Camera Club.
To you, what does ‘pagbubunyi’ (jubilation) mean?
Maybe it lies in success, pride, and great happiness. Sometimes in winning a race, achieving a milestone, or finishing something worthwhile.
To many, it looks like walking the stage after getting a degree, buying gifts to celebrate an achievement, crafting a heartfelt thank you message after receiving an award, and many more.
This year’s SinagLarawan Photo Contest gives more faces to what ‘pagbubunyi’ looks like in the Philippines. With this theme, hundreds of Filipino photographers reflected and visualized what it signifies for them.
Twenty four shapes of jubilee
In the recently held awarding ceremony of SinagLarawan 2026 at SM Aura, 24 photos emerged as the top contenders who won distinction for their very own reflection of jubilation.
Mga Bukton sa Baybayon by Seth Nuñez. Puto Walkers.
The sought after SinagLarawan of the Year with ₱150,000 individual cash prize, ₱30,000 photo club cash prize and a trophy was awarded to Alexii Alipio of the Alpha Camera Club for his very rare photo titled “Holy Jumpshot,” that captures playful display of delight in the most unexpected way. Alexii found the theme’s heart in the smiles he captured that day.
First Runner Up with ₱120,000 individual cash prize, ₱25,000 photo club cash prize and a trophy was received by Seth Nuñez of Putowalkers for the entry, “Mga Bukton sa Baybayon (Arms of the Coast),” that identifies jubilation in the inspiring story and advocacy of his subject.
Jeepney Driver’s Legacy by Gregorio Dantes Jr. Tropang Artistiko Camera Club.
While for Gregorio Dantes Jr. of Tropang Artistiko Camera Club, the theme is found in the simple but heartfelt pride of a jeepney driver father to his children. His photo “Jeepney Driver’s Legacy,” received Second Runner Up with ₱100,000 individual cash prize, ₱20,000 photo club cash prize and a trophy.
The contest awarded eight Circle of Excellence distinction Kyle Cezanne Francisco, Silverio Alano III, Vaugn Axel Crisostomo, and Gabriel Jade Castillo of Raw and Untitled PH; Liemuel Pantuhan and Klien Cyril Trasmonte from Photographers Club of Cebu Inc.; Gale David Davad of Pitik South Cotabato; and Jhazmin Audrey Miguel from Philippine Society for Photography. Each receiving an individual cash prize of P80,000 and a trophy, while their respective clubs receive ₱10,000 and a certificate each.
Another Beginning by Kyle Cezanne Francisco, Raw and Untitled PH. Circle of Excellence Winner
SinagLarawan also spotlighted various definitions of jubilation across the regions, handing out 12 Special Awards citations to Rehiyon Awardees with ₱50,000 cash prize and a certificate.
For Metro Manila, the winning works were from Sharlene Tamayo, Charles Edward Ma. Cansino, and Rhon Velarde. Rehiyon Awards-Luzon recipients were Kobi Janairo, Marvin Grimaldo, and Angelito Yaon. Visayas awardees were Kim Homer Salvoro, Reginald de Guia, and Rem Gio Tresvalles. Moreover, Mindanao winners were Kevin Teves, Jessie Eno, and Teofilo Jose.
And showcasing how ‘pagbubunyi’ can be found in the most intimate yet special moments, Gaea Lei Osilao was chosen as the JTI Employee Choice Award with the entry “A Small Catch, A Great Celebration.”
A token of jubilee and pride
As part of the winning gifts, the Top 24 photo awardees were displayed at a three-day SinagLarawan 2026 Photo Contest Pagbubunyi Exhibit at Level 3 Atrium in SM Aura from October 23 to 25.
The Weight Recognition by Silverio Alano III, Raw Untitled PH. Circle of Excellence Winner.
A photo book featuring all top 100 photos is also set to be released as part of the contest, immortalizing a variety of what ‘pagbubunyi’ looks like in a hundred perspectives, forms, and narratives.
SinagLarawan in itself is a token of jubilee, serving as the JTI Philippines Community Investment program that captures the Filipino identity in a broader lens through the vision and creativity of the photographers across the country.
For SinagLarawan, jubilation lies in the appreciation of Filipinos in their own triumph. From the unwavering strength to continue, the courageous steps taken, the triumphant smiles to push through, and the quiet remembrance of a sacrifice, Filipinos find ‘pagbubunyi’ in every single moment. Because positivity and gratefulness is inked in the Filipino identity, making us gracious spotters of celebration.
