After a seven-year hiatus, the Canon Photomarathon 2026 made a historic return to the Philippines, gathering over 1,200 creators at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig. The event celebrated the art of visual storytelling, crowning a new Grand Champion who captured the heart of the Filipino working class.

“Feel It”: The Winning Shot by Von Cedrick Cunanan

Winning entry from Grand Champion, based on the theme: “Feel It”

The competition’s theme, “Feel It,” challenged participants to evoke raw emotion through their lenses. Grand Champion Von Cedrick Cunanan, a civil engineer and street photography enthusiast, took home the top prize with a poignant image of a jeepney driver resting during the midday heat.

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

Canon Photomarathon Philippines Grand Winner with Katsuyuki Nagai, Senior Director, Canon Singapore (rightmost)

Cunanan, who recently returned to photography using a Canon EOS RP, proved that a keen eye for storytelling is the most important tool in a photographer’s kit. As the Grand Winner, he received a major gear upgrade: the Canon EOS R6 III with an RF24-105mm IS STM lens.

A Milestone Event for the Filipino Creative Community

The 2026 edition of the Canon Photomarathon wasn’t just about still images. For the first time, Canon introduced a Video Category, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital content creation. The event was open to all digital camera users, fostering an inclusive environment for hobbyists, professionals, and media alike.

Highlights of the event included:

• The Canon Creator Park: Immersive zones for pet photography, bridal portraits, and cosplay.
• Expert-Led Workshops: Sessions featuring industry pros like Edwin Martinez (Cityscape), Marie Lozano (Wildlife), and Gab Altonaga (Content Creation).
• Live Printing Stations: Participants experienced Canon MegaTank Printers firsthand, turning digital entries into high-quality physical prints.

Empowering the Next Generation of Creators

Welcoming over 1,200 participants

“Canon Photomarathon 2026 reminded us that creativity grows when people are given the tools to explore it together,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc.

The event signals Canon’s commitment to nurturing the local creator community through high-performance imaging technology and platforms for connection.

For a full list of winners and highlights, visit the official Canon Philippines website or download the Canon PH Delightful app.