Inspired by images and colors that beautifully reflect how Chinese traditions and cultures have been embedded in the everyday lives of ...
Inspired by
images and colors that beautifully reflect how Chinese traditions and cultures
have been embedded in the everyday lives of Filipinos, a group of photographers
used their skills to capture images that convey the depth of this relationship.
Apart from the noodles, lanterns and fireworks that have become part of
Filipino traditions, the Chinese influence can be felt in just about every
aspect of the Filipino way of life down the generations. Armed with their
cameras, these photographers captured vignettes of this dynamic relationship.
As a living
representation of this phenomenon, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers
of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), in cooperation with the Camera Club
of the Philippines (CCP), recently launched an online photo contest that aimed
to promote the ever-changing Filipino-Chinese culture. Entitled “Connected
Community” it perfectly encapsulated the Filipino-Chinese ties. “Connections”
loosely translates to guan xi, a
relationship of one person or party to another with obligation built overtime
or simply—reciprocity.
The online
photography competition ran from 8th of August 2016 until 16th
of October 2016. It garnered three hundred entries from photographers all over
the Philippines.
Last November 3,
the winners of this contest were feted by the FFCCCII. From the professional
category, Froiland Rivera was hailed the best and took home P70,000, Emerson
Catindoy bagged second place and was awarded P40,000, and Dante Peralta emerged
as the third placer and received P20,000. Seven other professional
photographers made it as finalists namely Noel San Andres (4th),
Mary Grace Anne Batalla (5th), Carlito Galamgam, Jr. (6th),
Joselito Riñoza (7th), Josefino Mario de Guzman (8th),
Richmond Chi (9th) and Romado Javillonar (10th). Apart
from the cash prizes awarded to the first, second, and third placer, all ten
(10) photographers from the professional category were given Chinese tea sets
and plaques.
Meanwhile,
for the amateur category, Catherine Aragoncillo bested hundreds and secured the
top spot in the category, taking home P40,000 in cash. Ysabel Victoriano
emerged victorious in second place with P20,000 in cash, while Bernard Recirdo
II was named third placer and brought home P15,000 in cash. Seven other
photography hobbyists were named as finalists in the category including Alyssa
Uy (4th), John Christian Alvariño (5th), Emman
Foronda (6th), Gaea Lei Osilao (7th), Douglas Lopez (8th),
Jerrica Sabariaga (9th), and Ryan Malabonga (10th). Similar to the professional category,
all ten (10) photographers brought home Chinese tea sets and plaques.
The photos of
the finalists were also posted on its Facebook page. Garnering the most number
of positive reactions and shares is the photo “The Rockstar Treatment”. Its
owner, Mary Grace Anne Batalla, claimed the special prize with P5,000 and
plaque.
“We were amazed
at the talent and artistry of the winners in capturing the theme, Connected
Community,” said FFCCCII President Angel Ngu. “Through this competition, the
Filipino-Chinese ties really stood out. The photographers went beyond the
obvious Chinese elements. Each photo that made it into the finals really had a
compelling story to tell.”
“The entries are
all works of art, and serve as a testament to the special bond between the
Filipino and Chinese people. Each image showed how deeply interwoven
Filipino-Chinese culture is, and will continue to be, in the generations to
come,” said CCP President Philip Clayton Yu.
