The roar of creativity returned to the heart of Taguig as Canon Photomarathon 2026 officially broke its seven-year hiatus. Held on April 18, 2026, at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, the event gathered over 1,200 photographers and videographers for a high-stakes celebration of lens-based artistry.

This year’s theme, "Feel It," challenged participants to move beyond technical perfection and capture the raw, evocative pulse of Filipino life.

The Winning Shot: Honoring the Working Class

The prestigious title of Grand Champion was awarded to Von Cedrick Cunanan, a civil engineer whose perspective on the "Feel It" theme resonated deeply with the panel of judges. While many sought beauty in the sleek architecture of BGC, Cunanan headed toward a local jeepney terminal to find a more visceral story.

His winning photograph captured a jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle, seeking a moment of reprieve from the sweltering midday heat.

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

Cunanan’s victory is a testament to the power of street photography in the Philippines. Having returned to the craft in 2025 with a Canon EOS RP, his win earned him a massive gear upgrade: the Canon EOS R6 Mark III paired with an RF24-105mm IS STM lens. His journey from a childhood film enthusiast to a Photomarathon champion highlights Canon’s role in nurturing lifelong creative passions.

A Milestone Event: More Than Just Still Images

The 2026 edition of the Canon Photomarathon was a transformative experience for the local creative community. For the first time in the event’s history, Canon introduced a Video Category, acknowledging the rapid rise of digital storytelling and content creation in the Philippines.

The competition was also more inclusive than ever, opening its doors to:

• Main Photo Category: Exclusive to Canon users.

• Open Photo Category: Welcoming users of all digital camera brands.

• Media and Employee Categories: Ensuring every facet of the industry had a voice.

The Canon Creator Park: An Immersive Hub

The BGC Amphitheater was transformed into the Canon Creator Park, a dynamic space where the boundary between spectator and creator vanished. The park featured specialized "Immersive Setups" designed for hands-on practice:

• Pet Photography & Cosplay: High-speed action zones for testing autofocus capabilities.

• Bridal Portraiture: Controlled lighting environments led by Canon Ambassadors.

• Instant Printing Stations: Utilizing Canon MegaTank Printers to turn digital captures into physical keepsakes.

Educational workshops further enriched the day, featuring industry titans like Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski on wildlife photography, Edwin Martinez on cityscape mastery, and Paolo Ruiz discussing the capabilities of the EOS C50for cinema-grade production.

Canon’s Commitment to the Filipino Creator

Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc., emphasized that the event was a celebration of human connection. "What made today special was seeing so many different kinds of creators in one place, all chasing the same thing: a moment worth capturing," Aggarwal stated.

The Photomarathon is a cornerstone of Canon’s Kyosei philosophy—living and working together for the common good. By providing a platform for both hobbyists and professionals to showcase their work, Canon continues to lead the imaging industry in the Philippines.

Looking Ahead: Join the Canon Community

As the 2026 Photomarathon concludes, Canon Marketing Philippines will continue to feature highlights and winning galleries across their digital platforms. For those looking to upgrade their gear or join future workshops, the Canon PH Delightful app and the official Canon Philippines website serve as the primary gateways to this growing community.