Canon Photomarathon 2026 Marks Milestone Return, Honors Powerful Visual Storytelling in Winning Shot

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When the theme "Feel It" was announced at Canon Photomarathon 2026, Von Cedrick Cunanan thought of two things: the heat and the working class. The civil engineer—one of over 1,200 participants in Canon's full-day photography and video competition—made his way to a jeepney terminal where he found his subject: a jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle in the midday heat.

"I wanted to capture what he's feeling," Cunanan said. "The heat, the tiredness, the gas prices. I wanted the judges to feel something when they saw it."

The photograph won Cunanan as the Grand Champion for the Canon Photomarathon 2026, held on April 18, 2026, at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

"I saw how these types of photos can open people's eyes to what's happening around them. I'll keep doing what I'm doing," he said.

Cunanan first picked up photography as a kid, taking family photos on film cameras and plastic point-and-shoot devices. He received his first proper camera as a gift from his mother when he entered college in 2010, shooting casually before stepping away entirely around 2018. In 2025, eager to return to street photography, he researched mirrorless full-frame cameras and settled on a Canon EOS RP, drawn to its compact size, intuitive controls, and Canon’s color science.

When he came across a countdown post for the Photomarathon, he registered on the spot. "It was my first time ever to do a photomarathon, or any kind of photowalk, in fact. I wanted a chance to experience an event like this," he shared.

For his winning entry, Cunanan went on to take home a Canon EOS R6 III with RF24-105mm IS STM lens—a significant upgrade from the Canon EOS RP he was using.

Canon Photomarathon 2026 marked the return of the iconic photography competition after a seven-year hiatus, gathering creators, hobbyists, and media for a full-day celebration of photography, video, and visual storytelling. Aside from the Open Photo and Canon-exclusive Main Photo categories, this year's edition introduced a Video Category for the first time, expanding the competition beyond still images. It also opened participation to all digital camera users alongside dedicated Media and Employee categories.

The event transformed the BGC Amphitheater into a creative hub. The Canon Creator Park drew crowds with immersive setups featuring pet photography, cosplay, and bridal portrait sessions led by Canon ambassadors and professionals. On the main stage, participants joined workshops on wildlife photography with Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski, content creation with Gab Altonaga, Edwin Martinez on cityscape, and Ian Celis and Paolo Ruiz for EOS C50. They also got hands-on with Canon's latest imaging technologies and turned their digital captures into tangible keepsakes at on-site instant printing stations with MegaTank Printers.

"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), Inc. "Canon Photomarathon 2026 reminded us that creativity grows when people are given the room and the tools to explore it together."

Canon Photomarproviding platforms where photographers and videographers of all levels can connect, learn, and showcase their work. Canon Marketing Philippines will feature winning entries and event highlights across its official channels in the coming weeks. For more information, visit https://ph.canon or download the Canon PH Delightful app.

Canon Photomarathon 2026 is part of Canon's broader effort to nurture a growing creator community in the Philippines, 

Vena Energy Formalizes Community Support through a Check Turnover Ceremony to host Indigenous Cultural Communities

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Quezon Wind Energy Corp. (QWEC), a subsidiary of Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, marked a key milestone in its community engagement efforts through a check turnover ceremony for its host community, the Dumagat/Remontado Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) of Tanay. The ceremony was held in Quezon City on 21 April 2026.

The event reflects Vena Energy’s continued commitment to inclusive development and to respecting the rights and heritage of its host communities. The turnover formalizes the remittance of community funds to the Tanay ICCs through the Tanay Dumagat Remontado Ancestral Domain Development, Inc. (TDRADDEVI), the Implementing Indigenous Peoples’ Organization (IPOs) established through the Free, Prior and Informed Consent process.

Through this partnership, Vena Energy supports community-led development initiatives aligned with the priorities identified by the ICCs, including infrastructure improvements, access to education, sustainable livelihood programs, and enhanced healthcare services.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from Vena Energy, led by Mia Jarumayan, Head of Business Development, Project Development and leaders of the Tanay ICCs, led by Eleonor Atencio, President, Tanay Dumagat Remontado Ancestral Domain Development, Inc.

Samrinder Nehria, Head of Vena Energy in the Philippines, said, “At Vena Energy, we believe the transition to clean energy should create lasting value for the communities we work with while honoring the heritage and rights of our host communities. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that development is inclusive and celebrates our shared journey toward a sustainable future where indigenous voices are heard and valued.”

A Model for Sustainable Partnership

The collaboration shows a successful model for private-public partnerships in the renewable energy sector. By strictly adhering to the FPIC process, Vena Energy ensures that all projects are built on a foundation of mutual respect and transparent communication.

“Vena Energy has been a very active and supportive partner throughout the years, and we are very grateful for the opportunities that this partnership has brought to our community, boosting our confidence in our own capabilities and inspiring us to grow,” said Eleonor Atencio, President of TDRADDEVI.

NCIP R4A Regional Director Dr. Carlos Buasen, Jr. shared, “We are happy to have a continuously harmonious relationship with a company like Vena Energy, whose sustainability efforts aren't just focused on its business but as well as the people and their ancestral domains that are affected by it.”

This turnover represents a meaningful partnership between Vena Energy and the ICCs, grounded in shared growth and mutual respect. By integrating community-led development into its core operations, Vena Energy reinforces its commitment to honoring ancestral domain rights and supporting self-determination. This collaboration demonstrates how renewable energy can contribute not only to the national grid, but also to the long-term aspirations of the Filipino people, built on a foundation of genuine equity and care.

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ABOUT VENA GROUP

Vena Global Group Pte Ltd (“Vena Group”) is a leading green solutions provider driving the energy and digital infrastructure transition across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its renewable energy and digital infrastructure arms, Vena Group delivers integrated, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions that enable the region’s transition to a low-carbon, AI-driven future.

For more information, please visit www.venagroup.com.

ABOUT VENA ENERGY

Vena Energy is a leading green energy solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, accelerating the transition to sustainable and affordable renewable energy that delivers lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits to host communities and stakeholders.

We deliver green energy solutions through a renewable power portfolio of 38GW across Onshore Wind, Solar, and Offshore Wind projects[1], and a green energy infrastructure pipeline including 25GWh of BESS[2] and 848 KTPA of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia.

With over 1,000 employees across 80 corporate and site offices globally, Vena Energy is committed to advancing the adoption of low-carbon energy, contributing to global climate goals, and engineering a greener future.

For more information, please visit www.venaenergy.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

Golden Haven Launches Absolutely Free Burol Program in Selected Luzon Branches

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Strengthening its commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive death care services, Golden Haven Memorial Park proudly announces the launch of its Absolutely Free Burol (AFB) Program in select Luzon branches — San Jose, Manaoag, and Pozorrubio.

The AFB Program is designed as a meaningful benefit for lot owners, offering essential wake services at no cost. It aims to ease both the emotional and financial burdens families face during times of loss. Covered services include body retrieval (within a specifed distance), embalming and body preparation, a basic wooden casket, and a four-day, three-night viewing service.

Rooted in Golden Haven’s mission to provide holistic memorial solutions, the program reflects the company’s belief that peace of mind should never come with a price. By integrating wake services into memorial planning, Golden Haven ensures that families are supported not only with a final resting place but also with compassionate care when it matters most.

“This initiative reflects our continuing promise to serve families beyond just property ownership,” said Tessie Lanot, Luzon Division Head of Golden Haven. “Through the Absolutely Free Burol Program, we are extending a golden gift of compassion — helping our clients plan ahead and protecting their loved ones from unexpected financial strain during an already difficult time.”

With the rollout of the AFB Program, Golden Haven reinforces its advocacy for proactive memorial planning as an act of love, responsibility, and foresight — offering families greater security today and dependable care for tomorrow.

About Golden Haven

Golden Haven Memorial Parks, Inc. is the gold standard in memorial care and the largest comprehensive memorial care provider in the Philippines. A pioneer in themed memorial parks, the company continues to redefine memorialization through beautifully master-planned parks and accessible death care facilities nationwide.

For inquiries, visit www.goldenhaven.com.ph or call 0999-226-3307 / 0919-

082-0579.

For inquiries, visit www.goldenhaven.com.ph or call 0999-226-3307 / 0919-

082-0579.

For inquiries, visit www.goldenhaven.com.ph or call 0999-226-3307 / 0919-082-0579.

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Respect Starts Young: EastWest Rural Bank Honors Values-Driven Students Nationwide

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Marking its 10th year, the I RESPECT Awards recognize children who practice kindness, empathy, and responsibility in school and community life

During graduation ceremonies nationwide, 83 elementary students received the EastWest Rural Bank I RESPECT Awards and cash incentives in recognition of values-driven leadership

Respect learned early creates a force for good that lasts a lifetime. Guided by this belief, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB), EastWest Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm, continues its annual I RESPECT Awards campaign—honoring young Filipino students who demonstrate respect for people, the environment, and social, cultural, and spiritual beliefs.

This year, 83 elementary students from regions across the country were recognized during their graduation ceremonies. Each awardee received a cash incentive as part of the recognition.

Now in its 10th year, the I RESPECT Awards celebrate children whose everyday actions reflect empathy, kindness, and responsibility—values observed and affirmed by their teachers. Awardees are recognized not only for academic performance, but also for how they treat others, care for their surroundings, and practice good citizenship in simple, meaningful ways.

Through the campaign, EWRB reinforces its core value of RESPECT and underscores that values-based leadership can begin early. By spotlighting children who choose compassion, inclusion, and integrity, the Bank aims to inspire more young Filipinos to be positive influences in their schools and communities.

“Respect is shaped through example, and these young awardees remind us that values can be lived at any age,” said EWRB President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado. “By recognizing children who choose respect—for people, for culture, and for the environment—we invest in a future led by empathy, responsibility, and shared humanity.”

The I RESPECT Awards campaign is part of EWRB’s broader advocacy for community development, reinforcing the belief that nation-building starts with character—and that when values are nurtured early, their impact can span generations.

Feel the Beat at Discovery Samal This Summer at Love Samal 2026

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Ignite your summer at Discovery Samal as the coast comes alive with the electrifying energy of Love Samal 2026. Centered on May 2, the resort brings together an elevated beachfront celebration designed for guests looking to experience a vibrant island escape in a single, high-energy evening.

Love Samal is Discovery Samal’s signature fusion event where live music meets curated dining and immersive experiences, all set against a stunning coastal backdrop. From sunset to late night, the celebration unfolds seamlessly, capturing the rhythm of the season through sound, flavor, and atmosphere.

Set just a short boat ride from Davao City, Love Samal offers a quick shift from the city’s pace into something more open and celebratory. Guests can arrive in time for dinner, settle into the evening’s entertainment, and stay through the night as the energy builds toward its after-party finale.

Beats by the Beach

One of the standout highlights of Love Samal 2026 is the Love Samal Soirée, happening on May 2 at the Haribar Glamping Area. Running from 6 pm to 11 pm, the evening promises a vibrant mix of live entertainment, from duo singers with reggae to pop and mixed-genre performances, before seamlessly shifting into DJ sets that will keep the energy going through the night. Cultural elements are worked into the program, with drum beaters, fire dancers, and native costume dance performances adding depth and energy to the evening. Interactive experiences such as a photobooth and face painting stations are also available throughout the night.

Dining is offered as part of the experience, with the soirée priced at PHP 2,800 net per person with unlimited drinks from Asia Brewery and Charles & James. This includes access to the evening’s full entertainment lineup, allowing guests to enjoy the program in one seamless setting.

As the evening builds, DJ performances take over, leading into an after-party by the shore that keeps the energy going well into the night.

Nights by the Shore

The beachfront hosts evening soirees that run alongside the main entertainment program. Lounge and seating areas are arranged throughout Haribar Lounge’s space, giving guests options to stay close to the stage or settle into quieter corners of the venue.

A Summer Rhythm at Discovery Samal

With Love Samal 2026, Discovery Samal is capturing that perfect island rhythm where music, great food, and local culture just naturally collide. It’s the kind of festival you can really make your own: swing by for a long, lazy lunch, and stick around as the sunset sets the mood for the evening sets. However you choose to dive in, it’s all about soaking up the best of the shore at your own pace. For inquiries and reservations, visit https://www.discoverysamal.com/offers/love-samal-summer-party, email reservations@discoverysamal.com or call +63 84 308 2998.