The City Information Office (CIO) has announced the winners of the 2024 Hulagway sa Pasko Fiesta Photo Contest.
The photo contest ran from November 28 to December 17 following the theme of “Stronger, Brighter, Happier Together” with four categories–
Kahayag, Kalingawan, Duyog sa Pasko, and Fiesta.
Ian Russel Requiso’s “Reminiscing Christmas” ranked first place, while Henry Doctolero Jr.’s “Lights for Everyone” bagged second place, and “Kids Under the Bright Star” by Jerome Batain won third.
Dennis John Sumaylo, one of the judges, in an interview said they picked these three photos out of the 80 qualifiers as these photos reflected not only the joy of Christmas but also values of Filipinos.
“They exude not just the brightness or the festivity of the holiday season, but also the values of the Filipinos taking care of each other and the family,” he said.
Requiso’s “Reminiscing Christmas” depicts two women enjoying the lights and the events that took place in the City Hall Grounds.
He wrote that when he took the photo, he was amazed to witness the essence of Christmas through an old lady reminiscing about her past Christmas celebrations.
“This photo beautifully embodies the true spirit of Christmas, reminding us of the warmth and joy that the season brings,” Requiso said.
Meanwhile, Doctolero’s “Lights for Everyone” is an image of two boys selling balloons that were lit by fairy lights creating a lively and joyful atmosphere as well as illuminating the night with vibrant colors.
Batain’s “Kids Under the Bright Star” is also an image that depicts the warmth and brightness of the season.
Gian Kristoffer Enrique, another judge, praised Requiso’s entry for its composition, colors, and the sharpness of the image– qualities he deemed were beyond satisfactory.
“It also conveys a story, and the theme of ‘stronger, brighter, and happier together’ was there,” he added.
The Hulagway sa Pasko Fiesta is the last set in the series of photos and video contests that the CIO holds quarterly every year. These four contests include Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw, Destination Davao Hulagway sa Kadayawan, and Hulagway sa Pasko Fiesta. CIO
