Photographers of Focus Bulacan capture major prizes in 1st Larawang Bulakenyo photography contest

CITY OF MALOLOS – Impressive photographs of Bulacan’s unique culture and tourism have brought triumph and recognition to ‘focus photographers’ in the grand awarding ceremony of the province’s first ever tourism photography contest dubbed as “Larawang Bulakenyo Turismo Photography Competition” at the Robinsons Place Malolos yesterday.

After vigorously screening hundreds of finalists, the entries of the premier photography club members stood out including the festive and exceptional photograph of Halamanan Festival of Sherwin Tomas from Baliwag who was hailed as the grand winner and received P30,000 cash prize with a certificate of recognition.

“It’s our first time to conduct a tourism photography contest and we are proud to say that finalists in this competition exceeded our expectations. They have showcased the unique culture and tourism of Bulacan as well as their love for photography,” Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office Head Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz said.
The young member of the club, Ralph Derrick Lopez of Malolos also bagged the second place with his dramatic and vintage photograph of an old heritage house and received P20,000 cash prize while Alejandro Viaje, who is also from Malolos was awarded with P10,000 as the third placer with his Liwanag sa Dilim entry that was shot in one of the historical caves of Biak na Bato.

Consolation prizes worth P3,000 each were also awarded to four finalists including Ma. Elena Taeza in Structure Category, Charlotte Jennifer Calonge in Food Category, Roberto Jo in Festival Category and Manuel Dionisio in Nature Category.

All winners received certificates of recognition and all of their photographs will be used for the official 2017 calendar of the Provincial Government, in the Bulacan’s Coffee Table Book and various tourism brochures that will feature beauty and unique facets of Bulakenyo culture.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado congratulated the winners and admired the finalists’ love for photography, which they used as platform in promoting the wonders of the province.