Basta Babae, Wais!

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reinforced its commitment to financial inclusion and community empowerment through “Basta Babae, Wais!,” a one-day financial literacy program for women residents of Barangay 176F, Caloocan City. The initiative highlights the importance of empowering women with financial knowledge and access to resources, enabling them to build more secure futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

The program last March 25 gathered over 300 participants for a full day of learning sessions, community engagement, and access to financial solutions designed to support women in managing and growing their finances.

“At BPI, we believe that empowering women with financial knowledge creates a ripple effect that strengthens families and entire communities. ‘Basta Babae, Wais!’ is about meeting women where they are, equipping them with practical tools, and supporting them as they take control of their financial journey. Through initiatives like this, we become the trusted partner in their everyday progress,” said Ginbee Go, Head of Consumer Banking at BPI.

The program featured practical discussions on budgeting, saving, credit awareness, and fraud prevention. It also highlighted inspiring stories from local women entrepreneurs, including a school supplies store owner, a carinderia owner, a livestock dealer, and a street food stall owner, who shared how they started and grew their businesses.

One of the speakers, Karen Marie Castillo, a carinderia owner, shared practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the community. When asked what guidance she could give to women who want to start a business, she said, “Target location and kailangan afford ng ating community ’yung itinitinda natin.”

Participants also explored various financial products and services from BPI and its partners, helping them take concrete steps toward financial security.

The program also encouraged participants to take their first steps toward formal financial services, with attendees opening accounts, signing up for digital banking platforms such as VYBE by BPI, and exploring loan solutions from BanKo and protection offerings from BPI AIA and BPI MS that can support their personal and business needs.

Participants explore BPI services and sign up for VYBE during the “Basta Babae, Wais!” event in Caloocan City.

“Basta Babae, Wais!” reflects BPI’s continued efforts to bring financial education closer to communities, especially to women who play a vital role in managing household finances and driving grassroots economic activity.

BPI remains committed to making financial services more inclusive, accessible, and relevant, helping more Filipinos build a better and more secure future. 

Back-to-school shopping? Here’s why Anko is a must-visit for your kids’ school needs

It is the time of the year again when parents and children gear up for another school year. It can get hectic with long lists, crowded stores, and multiple errands; the experience can quickly feel overwhelming for even the most organized parents.

While most families already have their usual shopping stops, many are starting to add an unexpected name to their back-to-school rotation.

Known for its quality, stylish, and affordable home and lifestyle products, Anko has become a reliable destination for affordable school-ready finds. From cute notebooks and organizers to durable lunch gear and study space upgrades, the Australian brand offers a selection designed to help families create brighter school days with less stress and more ease.

A smarter way to tackle the back-to-school list

Beyond the obvious essentials, the start of the school year brings the challenge of creating routines and spaces that help kids stay motivated throughout the year. At Anko, even the most basic school supplies come with playful, stylish details that make everyday studying feel less routine and more like a creative outlet.

It is also the perfect time to refresh the home study setup. Desk organizers and pegboards can instantly make a study nook feel calmer and more functional, helping students focus while keeping clutter under control.

And Anko has tons of quality and affordable supplies and essentials all under ₱100. This includes affordable erasers, sharpeners, pencil cases, sticky notes, and more. 

Cable organizer (₱490), Cable management box (₱490), Magnetic whiteboard (₱290), Desktop pegboard set (₱1,400) & assortment of stationery ranging from erasers, sharpeners, correction tape and more, starting from ₱20 — Anko

Mealtime essentials matter just as much as what is inside the backpack. Durable lunchboxes and drink bottles have become must-haves for parents looking for reliable options that can withstand the daily school grind, while remaining fun enough that kids actually look forward to bringing them to class.

Ceramic coffee cup (₱450), Blue and pink flared bottles (₱180), Dual function drink bottle (₱520), etc., and Space cold rack (₱350), Blue stripe lunch box (₱520), Dinosaur and strawberry bottle and lunchbox sets (₱560), and etc.

Silicone bento lunchbox (₱ 550), Croissant notebook (₱ 220) & Dual function drink bottle (₱ 520) — Courtesy of Anko

When buying school essentials, pick options within your price range for your kids to choose from. After all, the most sulit supplies are the ones students actually feel excited to use every day. Anko’s stationery includes a wide selection of everyday school supplies priced as low as ₱20 to ₱100. Whether it’s the start of the school year or a mid-term top-up, parents and students can stock up on the basics without stretching the budget.

Get ready for back-to-school

To make the back-to-school shopping experience even more fun, Anko is hosting a free Bento Box Workshop on June 6 at its Ayala Malls Feliz branch. Families can learn how to prepare fun, school-ready meals that kids will actually look forward to eating.

Interested parents and kids can register for free using the Anko Club app (anko.com/anko-club) or by following @anko_philippines on Instagram and Facebook. Joining the club unlocks exclusive activities, workshops, and member perks, including access to seasonal in-store experiences throughout the year.

Because when back-to-school shopping feels easier, the school year already starts a little brighter. 

76th Palanca Awards issues Call for Entries

The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. is now accepting entries to the 76^th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards).

The Palanca Awards, the country’s most prestigious literary competition, welcomes Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages, whether based locally or abroad, to participate. Authors may submit only one (1) entry per category, as follows:

●      Novel and Nobela;

●      English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play; 

●      Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;

●      Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano;

●      Kabataan Division – Kabataan Essay (English) and Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino)

The Kabataan Division for young writers under 18 is accepting submissions in two categories. Entries must be informal, personal essays on the theme: “As the world becomes more connected yet increasingly shaped by differing ideologies, beliefs, and perspectives, young people face the challenge of understanding the divisions around them and helping shape a more hopeful future. How can today’s youth rise above differences and become bridges of understanding, promote peaceful coexistence, and help build societies rooted in empathy, mutual respect, and collective progress?” for Kabataan Essay (English) and “Habang ang daigdig ay lalong nagiging magkakaugnay, patuloy din itong hinuhubog ng magkakaibang ideolohiya, paniniwala, at pananaw. Nahaharap ang mga kabataan sa mga pagsubok na unawain ang mga pagkakawatak-watak o paghahati-hati sa lipunan, habang nagsisikap na makabuo ng isang bukas na puno ng pag-asa. Paano makaaahon ang mga kabataan sa ganitong kalagayan? Paano sila magsisilbing tulay ng pagkakaunawaan, magtataguyod ng mapayapang pakikipamuhay, at makatutulong sa pagbuo ng isang lipunang nakaugat sa malasakit sa kapwa, respeto sa isa’t isa, at sama-samang pag-unlad?” for Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino).

Works eligible for the contest include those that were first published or produced between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, as well as unpublished or unproduced works. However, for the Novel and Nobela categories, which are opened every other year, authors may submit either published or unpublished works, provided that published entries were first published between 1 June 2024 and 30 June 2026. Only unproduced works may be entered in the Dulang Pampelikula category. Any work that has received a prize in another contest before midnight of 30 June 2026 is not eligible.

Submission must be completed online through the Palanca Awards website at <http://www.palancaawards.com.ph/>. The Carlos Palanca Foundation WILL NOT ACCEPT printed and email submissions for any categories. 

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS ON 30 JUNE 2026.

For the official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Awards website. Inquiries and other concerns may be directed via email at <cpfoundation@palancaawards.com.ph> or landline at +632 8478 7996 and look for Ms. Ester Alfaro. You may also call or leave a message at this mobile number +63917 828 2762 (+63917 828 CPMA) to ensure that your inquiry is acknowledged and addressed on time.

All winners will be honored in a special ceremony later this year. Stay tuned for further announcements by following the CPMA website and CPMA Facebook <fb.com/palancaawards>. 

TECNO Unveils Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 Jointly with Lonely Planet in Philippines

TECNO, the AI-driven innovative technology brand, and Lonely Planet, the globally recognized travel guidance leader, today jointly announced the co-hosted Shot On CAMON Contest 2026, the third edition of TECNO's annual global photography competition. Rooted in a shared spirit of exploration and expression, the collaboration expands the contest beyond technology alone to celebrate the people, places and stories behind every image. Through expert co-judging, co-branded content, and photo-essay-style storytelling, TECNO and Lonely Planet aim to inspire users around the world to see more, feel more and tell richer visual stories. Three Lonely Planet photographers will contribute original imagery shot on the CAMON 50 Series, while one Lonely Planet photographer will serve on the final-round jury panel alongside TECNO’s imaging team.

“Great photos are not just about equipment – they are about how deeply the photographer can immerse themselves in a destination,” said Melissa Killian, Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Lonely Planet. “TECNO’s technology makes that immersion easier, helping users stay present, observe more closely and capture meaningful moments as they happen. We are excited to partner on Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 and look forward to seeing how photographers around the world bring their journeys to life.”

Under the theme “Seeing is Believing,” this year's contest runs from May 15 to October 11, 2026, inviting smartphone photographers worldwide to capture real, beautiful and unrepeatable moments using the TECNO CAMON 50 Series. In a year increasingly shaped by AI, the theme is TECNO’s call to celebrate the authenticity of real life through photography, honoring diverse skin tones, fleeting emotions, and real-world observations. Even the contest’s AI category starts with a real photograph, encouraging users to start from authentic observation and personal expression.

TECNO Philippines Welcomes Kelvinmarkulit as CAMON Photography Ambassador
To further ignite local passion for authentic mobile photography, TECNO Philippines has appointed Kelvinmarkulit  – a highly respected Filipino visual storyteller known for his raw, unfiltered depictions of everyday Filipino life – as the official CAMON Photography Ambassador for the Philippine leg of the contest. Kelvin will play a multi-faceted role: from co-creating a call-out video that rallies Filipino creators to join the competition, to serving as a regional judge in selecting the country's most compelling entries, and joining the exclusive winner's journey. His partnership with TECNO goes beyond a celebrity endorsement; it is a powerful signal to Filipino photography enthusiasts that local stories, captured with honesty and heart, can stand on a global stage. Kelvin’s own journey – from shooting candid street moments to earning international recognition – inspires a new generation to believe that with observation, emotion, and the right tool, anyone can transform the ordinary into the unforgettable.

Five Creative Categories That Celebrate New Ways of Seeing

The five categories of Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 are designed to inspire different ways of seeing, encouraging participants to capture real moments, emotions and perspectives from everyday life and travel.

• Faces·Unfiltered – This category celebrates authentic portraits that reflect people as they really are, capturing diverse skin tones and individuality in a quiet close-up, a candid street portrait, or a moment shared between friends.

• Night·Unveiled – This category invites participants to capture the atmosphere, mystery and emotion that emerge after dark, from neon-lit streets and reflections after rain to still moonlit scenes and late-night city life. 

• Culture·Unscripted – This category focuses on capturing the rhythm of a place as it naturally unfolds, whether through festivals, crafts, food moments or unplanned interactions between people.

• Snapshot·Unspotted (Telephoto Special) – Participants are invited to capture distant details that reveal something surprising, intimate or easily overlooked, from textures on far-off peaks to a fleeting expression within a crowd.

• AI·Unimagined (AI Gallery Special) – First capture a real-world photo with a TECNO phone, then transform it into an artistic style using TECNO’s AI Gallery. Both the original photograph and the AI-styled image must be submitted together. This category is designed to explore how AI can extend creative expression while keeping real-world photography as the starting point. 

“‘Seeing is Believing’ is both a creative brief for our contestants and a reminder that the most powerful images begin with real life,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “Through Shot On CAMON Contest 2026, we hope to inspire users around the world to observe more closely, express themselves more freely and celebrate the beauty of authentic moments through photography.”

Awards, Honors and How to Enter

To recognize exceptional creativity, Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 will reward outstanding work across its major award tiers with both cash prizes and exclusive travel prizes sponsored by Lonely Planet. Selected winners will embark on a curated journey to explore the wonders —  to experience is to believe, and only by witnessing can miracles truly be seen.

As rewards for the competition, one outstanding photographer will be awarded the TECNO Photography Master prize ($8,000). Additionally, there will be five winners for the Gold Prize ($3,000), five winners for the Silver Prize ($2,000), and five winners for the Bronze Prize ($1,000). Ten participants will also be selected as a TECNO Friend and will receive a CAMON 50 Series Smartphone. As an exclusive bonus, the TECNO Photography Master and the five Gold Prize winners will also be invited to a bespoke trip to the Philippines.

Special "Filipino Special Award" – Exclusive for Philippine Participants
In addition to the global prizes, TECNO Philippines is introducing the Filipino Special Award to recognize and reward local creative talent. Philippine users may submit either images (standard entry) or videos (via Instagram/Facebook Reels, and TikTok). While video submissions are considered informal entries and are not eligible for global awards, they will automatically be considered for the Filipino Special Award. A total of six additional winners will be chosen as CAMON Photography Endorsers in Philippines, each receiving a Lonely Planet Bespoke Trip and a CAMON 50 Series Smartphone. The breakdown is as follows: five winners from image submissions (across any of the five contest categories) and one winner from video submissions. This special award underscores TECNO Philippines' commitment to celebrating homegrown visual storytellers, whether they freeze a moment in time or bring it to life through motion.

How to Enter

To enter, participants should post photos with a visible TECNO device watermark on Instagram using the hashtags #ShotOnCAMON2026 #TECNOCAMON50Series and #TECNOPhilippines, then submit high-resolution versions via email at shotoncamon@tecnomobile.com or through the ShotOnCAMON Gallery on TECNO’s Philippines official website. All entries must be original content and duplicate submissions will be disqualified. Winning works will be showcased in global media exhibitions, the TECNO annual photo book, and across TECNO’s official platforms.

For full contest rules and details, visit Shot On CAMON Contest 2026 or follow @tecnomobileph on Instagram. 

Novo Nordisk, Asian Hospital expand access to weight management care through patient support

Novo Nordisk Philippines is strengthening its Live Lighter movement through a new partnership with Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC), aimed at expanding access to holistic, science-based weight management care in the country.

Through the collaboration, Novo Nordisk will provide subsidies to qualified patients, helping make Asian Hospital’s comprehensive weight management programs more accessible. Led by the Asian Weight Management and Bariatric Center, these programs combine medical evaluation, nutrition guidance, behavioral support, and long-term care—reflecting an integrated approach to treating obesity as a chronic, complex disease.

“Through this partnership, we are able to make our holistic weight management programs more accessible to patients who need them most,” said Dr. Beaver Tamesis, President and CEO of Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

The initiative supports the Live Lighter call to shift how obesity is understood—from a matter of personal responsibility to a disease requiring sustained, science-based management—while addressing key barriers such as affordability and access.

“By partnering with trusted institutions like Asian Hospital, we aim to help more Filipinos access the right treatment and long-term care they deserve,” said Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines.

As part of its broader efforts, Novo Nordisk continues to build partnerships that integrate clinical expertise, patient support, and innovation, alongside science-based treatments such as semaglutide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies—helping more Filipinos live lighter, healthier lives. 

The Simple Life I’m Manifesting for My Family in 2027

I haven’t blogged in a long time.

Lately, I’ve been feeling the urge to return to writing. Not just posting snapshots on Instagram or uploading short-form videos on TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts, but actually writing again. The way I used to. The way I used to capture moments, record my thoughts, document the little things happening around me and inside me.

There’s something different about written words. They hold weight differently. They preserve feelings in a way quick posts sometimes can’t. For the longest time, I kept telling myself I didn’t have enough time to blog anymore.

But if I’m being honest with myself, I do.

I have time to endlessly scroll through my phone. I have time to binge-watch series late into the night. So surely, somewhere in between all of that, I can make time to write again. And so here I am. Writing again. Blogging again. Trying to capture this strange season of my life that somehow feels chaotic, clear, confusing, and peaceful all at once. Which sounds contradictory, I know.

How can there be peace in chaos? How can there be clarity in confusion? But somehow, both exist together. So many things in my life have been changing lately. Some good. Some uncertain. Some completely beyond my control.

Work, for example, has been one of those things. I know I’ve been doing well, but sometimes life shifts in ways you cannot predict no matter how hard you work or how prepared you think you are.And during moments like these, I find myself turning back to God again and again.

Because when I look back at every difficult season I’ve survived, every heartbreak, every struggle, every challenge that once felt impossible, I realize there has always been one constant in my life: God carried me through all of it. 

I pray. I trust. I do my part. And somehow, He always provides exactly what I need when I need it. I just need to be ready when the blessings arrive.

Recently, I heard someone talk about manifestation. They said that when you manifest something, you need to be specific. Clear. Intentional. And honestly, I laughed a little because I remember doing exactly that years ago.

About eight years ago, an old woman in an old church told me to pray for the man I was going to marry. At the time, I remember thinking: “I don’t need a man. I need more money.” But apparently, God knew me better than I knew myself. Because somehow, He gave me both: a good man and enough provision to build a life together.

So now, I want to manifest again. And this time, I want to be very specific.

By 2027, I want us to look back at 2026 and say: “We made it through.” Not just survived, but survived with grace. I want us to get through 2026 without anyone in our family becoming severely ill. Without hospitalizations. Without losing people we deeply love. I want our family to remain safe, healthy, protected, and together.

I want Mark and me to still be happily married, still respectful toward one another, still choosing each other every day even when life gets difficult.

I want our kids to continue living normal, happy lives. I want them to do well in school, to grow into kind human beings, and to always feel safe coming to us for anything.

I want B to thrive in school and be surrounded by teachers who genuinely guide and inspire him during his junior and senior years.

I want K to continue learning, laughing, making memories with friends, and growing up surrounded by people who nurture, support, and love him.

I want all our pets to stay healthy too because they are family in every sense of the word.

Financially, I pray that by 2027, we would have paid off all our debts. To people. To institutions. To everyone. I pray for peace that comes from finally breathing without constantly worrying about finances. I pray that Mark continues thriving in his work as chief photojournalist, doing what he loves and being recognized for it.

And for me?

I hope my journaling workshops grow bigger. I hope I get booked at least three times a month by companies for mental health programs. I hope people begin inviting me to weddings and birthdays to host journaling workshops because they see how meaningful and healing they can be. I want to build something purposeful. Something creative. Something that helps people reconnect with themselves.

I also pray that we can finally start saving for the down payment of what will become our forever home. Nothing extravagant. Just a safe home filled with warmth, laughter, pets, conversations, and peace.

I want simple things. Family dinners together. Occasional days out. Slow mornings. Inside jokes. Shared meals. Watching movies together. Being present with one another. I know some people dream of huge things. And maybe this sounds small to others.

But honestly? 

This is the life I truly want. To earn more than enough. To build security for our children. To love my husband well. To raise kind kids. To protect our peace. To grow older with the people I love. To create a home where everyone feels safe, heard, and cared for. That’s the dream.

What about you? What do you dream about? 

PHILSME Business Expo – Where Business Ideas Come to Life This May

What if the next opportunity for your business—or your next big idea—starts with simply showing up?

The 18th PHILSME Business Expo & Conference, happening May 22–23, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, invites Filipinos to step into a space filled with business ideas, connections, and real opportunities.

“While others are pulling back, this is exactly when you should lean in,” said CEO Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla.

More than an expo—an experience

Visitors can explore:

• Business ideas and franchise opportunities

• Tools and services to grow their ventures

• Real conversations with entrepreneurs and founders

Inspiration on stage

One of the most exciting sessions is:

“Market Makers: Women Designing Their Own Tables,” featuring:

• Ace Gapuz

• Wandalyn Tan-Calupig

• Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla

• Atty. Tina De Guzman

They are joined by respected business leaders:

• Boni De Jesus

• Jojo Apolo

• Ed Cervantes

Together, they bring stories, strategies, and insights that reflect today’s entrepreneurial journey.

Show up—and stand out

“If you think staying home saves your business—think again. In volatile times, invisibility is more expensive than participation.”

Visitors can attend for free—or upgrade to a VIP Pass for a more elevated experience, including access to exclusive networking spaces.

Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, you can register for free or upgrade to VIP Pass at:
https://philsme.com/ticket/ 

Judy Ann Santos dishes out her secret ingredient: creamier, milkier cheese for everyday meals

From weekday breakfasts before school to weekend lunches shared with family, many of our best food memories come from recipes we grew up with. They’re passed down, revisited, and refined over generations.

 

Most of the time, cheese is the secret ingredient that levels up a simple meal in just one step. It’s a versatile kitchen staple that can be used as bread fill or grated and melted to add a more flavorful finish into any recipe.

 

For over four decades, Eden Cheese has been part of many Filipino tables, from quick merienda to celebrations big and small. Today, the brand continues that legacy with something new to love: Eden Cheese is now creamier and milkier, adding a fuller bite that makes the meals Filipinos grew up with feel Eden Better.

A trusted celebrity chef and Eden’s long-time brand ambassador, Judy Ann Santos, is known for putting ingredients to the test in everyday dishes. For her, the upgrade shows up where it matters most: in the flavor, texture, and how easily it works with what she regularly cooks at home.

 

“When I’m in the kitchen, I pay close attention to how ingredients come together in a dish. Eden has long been a staple in our home because it complements Filipino food so well. With this new update, I can truly taste that it’s better—creamier, milkier, and richer. It’s also easy to grate while prepping, and it adds depth that can make even simple recipes feel more special,” she said.

 

A Taste That Knows Filipino Families

Eden Cheese has long been part of Filipino food culture, known for its understanding of the Filipino palate and for seamlessly enhancing local dishes. It reflects the warmth, care, and togetherness that define Filipino family life — values that continue to inspire its evolution today.

 “A lot of people know that cooking and preparing food is my love language and I’m always looking for ways to make recipes that my family will enjoy while still feeling good about what I serve. And as someone who has been using Eden for years, it’s familiar, reliable, and bagay na bagay sa panlasa namin.

“And ngayong upgraded na rin ‘yung Eden Cheese mismo, mas lalo niyang na-elevate yung mga classic na Pinoy lutong-bahay, but without losing the taste na kinalakihan natin,” Judy Ann added.

Marketing Director for Mondelez International Philippines Adrian Manlapig affirms that the new Eden formulation keeps the well-loved flavor Pinoys know and trust, while making the texture smoother and the taste more indulgent and comforting.

 

“For over 40 years, Eden has been part of Filipino homes and local food traditions. As the No. 1 Filipino family favorite, we continue to evolve with Filipino families’ preferences and the meals they share. With this reformulation, we focused on delivering a more enjoyable and an ‘Eden Better’ eating experience,” he said.

Making Everyday Meals Eden Better

From sandwiches to saucy classics, Eden Cheese fits naturally into many Filipino kitchens. It melts, mixes, and layers in with ease, adding a creamy, savory lift while keeping the comfort-food feel.

“Grate it over Filipino-style spaghetti, mix it into lumpia filling, or stir it into caldereta for a cheesy twist—Eden is a convenient way to add richness to the dishes being served at home,” said Joan Naranjo, Mondelez International Philippines Category Lead for Meals.

 

“In addition to its improved taste and texture, each serving of Eden Cheese contains Milk Vitamins A, B2, and D, plus Calcium and Zinc, to support everyday nutrition alongside meals,” she emphasized.

 

Watch Eden Cheese’s latest TVC featuring Judy Ann Santos and discover how you can give your home-cooked meals a creamier and milkier upgrade. See the full video here.

Because when meals are made with Eden, they’re always Eden Better. 

Canon Photomarathon 2026 Marks Milestone Return

When the theme "Feel It" was announced at Canon Photomarathon 2026, Von Cedrick Cunanan thought of two things: the heat and the working class. The civil engineer—one of over 1,200 participants in Canon's full-day photography and video competition—made his way to a jeepney terminal where he found his subject: a jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle in the midday heat.

"I wanted to capture what he's feeling," Cunanan said. "The heat, the tiredness, the gas prices. I wanted the judges to feel something when they saw it."

The photograph won Cunanan as the Grand Champion for the Canon Photomarathon 2026, held on April 18, 2026, at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

"I saw how these types of photos can open people's eyes to what's happening around them. I'll keep doing what I'm doing," he said.

Cunanan first picked up photography as a kid, taking family photos on film cameras and plastic point-and-shoot devices. He received his first proper camera as a gift from his mother when he entered college in 2010, shooting casually before stepping away entirely around 2018. In 2025, eager to return to street photography, he researched mirrorless full-frame cameras and settled on a Canon EOS RP, drawn to its compact size, intuitive controls, and Canon’s color science. 

When he came across a countdown post for the Photomarathon, he registered on the spot. "It was my first time ever to do a photomarathon, or any kind of photowalk, in fact. I wanted a chance to experience an event like this," he shared. 

For his winning entry, Cunanan went on to take home a Canon EOS R6 III with RF24-105mm IS STM lens—a significant upgrade from the Canon EOS RP he was using.

Canon Photomarathon 2026 marked the return of the iconic photography competition after a seven-year hiatus, gathering creators, hobbyists, and media for a full-day celebration of photography, video, and visual storytelling. Aside from the Open Photo and Canon-exclusive Main Photo categories, this year's edition introduced a Video Category for the first time, expanding the competition beyond still images. It also opened participation to all digital camera users alongside dedicated Media and Employee categories.

The event transformed the BGC Amphitheater into a creative hub. The Canon Creator Park drew crowds with immersive setups featuring pet photography, cosplay, and bridal portrait sessions led by Canon ambassadors and professionals. On the main stage, participants joined workshops on wildlife photography with Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski, content creation with Gab Altonaga, Edwin Martinez on cityscape, and Ian Celis and Paolo Ruiz for EOS C50. They also got hands-on with Canon's latest imaging technologies and turned their digital captures into tangible keepsakes at on-site instant printing stations with MegaTank Printers.

"What made today special was seeing so many different kinds of creators in one place, all chasing the same thing: a moment worth capturing," said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. "Canon Photomarathon 2026 reminded us that creativity grows when people are given the room and the tools to explore it together."

Canon Photomarathon 2026 is part of Canon's broader effort to nurture a growing creator community in the Philippines, providing platforms where photographers and videographers of all levels can connect, learn, and showcase their work. Canon Marketing Philippines will feature winning entries and event highlights across its official channels in the coming weeks. For more information, visit https://ph.canon or download the Canon PH Delightful app.

About Canon in the Philippines

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers. 

Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come. 

More information and images are available at the Press Center section at https://ph.canon/en/consumer/press. For any queries about products and services, you may call our customer care hotline at 63-2-884 9000.