Canon Photomarathon 2026 Returns After Seven Years Spotlighting Raw Emotion in Award Winning Jeepney Photo

After a seven year pause, the Canon Photomarathon 2026 came back with a stronger pulse, bringing together more than 1,200 photographers and creators for a full day dedicated to visual storytelling.

Held at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the event once again turned the city into a living canvas for creativity.

This year’s theme, “Feel It,” challenged participants to go beyond aesthetics and capture emotion in its most honest form. For civil engineer and returning photographer Von Cedrick Cunanan, that challenge became deeply personal.

A Jeepney Stop, a Moment of Truth, and a Winning Shot

When the theme was announced, Cunanan immediately thought of heat, exhaustion, and the everyday struggles of working Filipinos. He went straight to a jeepney terminal, searching for a scene that felt real rather than staged.

There, he found his subject. A jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle under the intense midday sun.

“I wanted to capture what he’s feeling,” Cunanan shared. “The heat, the tiredness, the gas prices. I wanted the judges to feel something when they saw it.”

That single frame would go on to earn him the Grand Champion title of the Canon Photomarathon 2026.

For Cunanan, the win was more than a trophy. It was a reminder of photography’s power to speak for everyday lives often overlooked. “I saw how these kinds of photos can open people’s eyes to what’s happening around us. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing,” he said.

From Childhood Hobby to a Creative Comeback

Cunanan’s journey with photography started early, taking family photos using film cameras and simple point and shoot devices. His passion deepened in college when his mother gifted him his first real camera in 2010.

After years of casual shooting, he stepped away from photography around 2018. But in 2025, he felt the pull to return to street photography and began exploring modern gear. That search led him to the Canon EOS RP, chosen for its compact design, user friendly controls, and Canon’s signature color rendering.

When he saw a countdown post for Canon Photomarathon 2026, he registered without hesitation. It was his first photomarathon and his first organized photowalk.

“I just wanted to try something like this at least once,” he said.

His winning moment also came with a major upgrade. Cunanan took home the Canon EOS R6 III paired with an RF24 105mm IS STM lens, marking a new chapter in his creative journey.

A Festival of Creativity in Motion

The Canon Photomarathon 2026 marked more than a competition. It served as a full scale creative gathering that expanded the boundaries of storytelling.

For the first time, the event introduced a video category alongside the traditional open photo and Canon exclusive divisions. It also welcomed all digital camera users, opening the door to a broader creative community.

The venue itself became an interactive hub. The Canon Creator Park featured themed setups including pet photography, cosplay portraits, and bridal shoots led by Canon ambassadors and professionals.

On stage, workshops brought together well known creatives such as Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski for wildlife photography, Gab Altonaga for content creation, Edwin Martinez for cityscape imagery, and Ian Celis and Paolo Ruiz for EOS C50 discussions. Participants also had hands on access to Canon’s latest imaging tools and instant printing stations powered by MegaTank printers, turning digital moments into tangible keepsakes.

A Shared Space for Storytellers

“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.

He added that the return of Canon Photomarathon highlights the brand’s ongoing commitment to nurturing creativity and building a community where storytellers can grow together.

More Than a Competition

Canon Photomarathon 2026 stands as part of Canon’s long term mission to support creators in the Philippines, from beginners to professionals. Through events like this, the brand continues to provide platforms where photography and video become shared languages of expression.

Winning entries and event highlights will be featured through Canon’s official channels in the coming weeks. More information is available at https://ph.canon or through the Canon PH Delightful app.

At its core, this year’s return proved one thing clearly. Photography is not just about what is seen, but what is felt, and sometimes, one quiet moment inside a jeepney is enough to tell an entire nation’s story.