Charming City of Love in time of COVID

Iloilo City Government announced the winners of the 83rd Charter Day Photo Contest on Aug. 25.

The contest searched for pictures representing the beauty, charm and uniqueness of the city amid the crisis.

The photographs presented “Ilonggos at the Forefront of the New Normal” interpreted as subjects of the entries.

More than 400 masterpieces were submitted by participants who took part under the Student/Novice Category and Professional/Amateur Category.

Donfel L. Sanglay won First Place in Student/Novice Category. A registered nurse, Sanglay works for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Regional Office VI.

“I want to send a message to my fellow Ilonggos through my captured photo to still carry on despite the pandemic; and may it be a reminder to everyone to always wear their face masks and face shields to protect themselves from the virus. I want to showcase the beauty of the City of Love seen in one of its landmarks — Dalan Aldeguer — a historic street located in the old downtown district,” Sanglay said.

Almira Aquino and Steven Joseph Famur were named second and third placers, respectively. Consolation spots went to Arnold R. Dulos; Tricia Marie D. Tiangson; and Sal Molinos III.

Arnold Almacen, winner of Professional/Amateur Category, took a photograph of a cyclist passing by one of the many colorful and striking street arts in the city painted by Ilonggo artists.

Almacen’s winning photo shows how street photography captures fleeting moments of life, and how timing is indeed critical.

Almacen is an award-winning photojournalist, visual artist and once a close-in photographer to famous national political personalities.

Ian Van Cubing and Kristian B. Meneses placed second and third, respectively. Consolation prizes were given to Mark Gregory Panes, Zhean Peter Nacionales, and Ariel Labinghisa.

Mayor’s Choice Awards went to Roland Mathew G. Auditor for Professional/Amateur Category and Lowell Sto. Domingo for Student/Novice Category.

Sto. Domingo’s artistic snapshot of the sunset in Fort San Pedro with men fishing along the breakwater brought back memories to the mayor of his playground as a small boy when their family lived near the area.

An art enthusiast himself, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas initiated and promoted the painting of blank walls around the metro with murals.

Iloilo has been dubbed as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines” while also being hailed as the “Most Bike-Friendly City.” (Beatriz Angelica Pequierda and Alexandra Jover/Iloilo City PIO)