Canon brought back its flagship photography event, Canon Photomarathon 2026, after a seven-year hiatus, drawing over 1,200 participants to Bonifacio Global City.
The competition marked a renewed push to engage the local creator community, blending photography, video, and hands-on workshops in a full-day event focused on visual storytelling.
“Feel It” theme drives winning street photography entry
Von Cedrick Cunanan emerged as Grand Champion after capturing a candid moment of a jeepney driver resting under the midday heat. The image interpreted the event’s theme, “Feel It,” through a grounded, everyday scene tied to labor and urban life.
Cunanan’s approach reflects a broader shift toward socially aware storytelling in street photography, where emotional context and real-life narratives often resonate more than staged compositions.
The win also highlights the accessibility of modern photography tools. Cunanan previously used a Canon EOS RP and took home a Canon EOS R6 Mark III with an RF24-105mm lens as part of the prize.
Expanded format includes video category and broader participation
Canon Photomarathon 2026 introduced a Video Category for the first time, signaling the growing overlap between photography and video content creation. The event also opened participation to all digital camera users, expanding beyond brand-specific categories.
This shift reflects how content creation continues to evolve, with creators increasingly working across multiple formats for platforms like social media and digital portfolios.
Creator Park and workshops highlight hands-on learning
The event transformed the BGC Amphitheater into a creative space, featuring themed shooting zones and live demonstrations. The Canon Creator Park included setups for pet photography, cosplay, and portrait sessions, giving participants real-world shooting scenarios.
Workshops led by industry professionals covered topics such as wildlife photography, cityscapes, and video production. These sessions emphasized skill-building alongside competition, reinforcing the event’s role as both a showcase and a learning platform.
Canon strengthens creator ecosystem in the Philippines
The return of Canon Photomarathon signals the company’s continued investment in the Philippine creator ecosystem. By combining competition, education, and community engagement, Canon positions itself not just as a hardware provider, but as a platform for creative development.
As interest in photography and content creation grows locally, events like Photomarathon play a key role in connecting hobbyists and professionals while encouraging new voices in visual storytelling.
