Canon Photomarathon 2026 returned to the Philippines after a seven-year hiatus, bringing together more than 1,200 participants for a full-day celebration of photography, video, and visual storytelling at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on April 18, 2026.
The event crowned civil engineer Von Cedrick Cunanan as Grand Champion for a photo that captured the theme “Feel It” through a quiet but powerful moment at a jeepney terminal.
A Story Told Through Heat
Cunanan’s winning image focused on a jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle under the midday heat. He said he wanted the judges to feel the strain behind the scene, pointing to the heat, tiredness, and rising gas prices as the emotions behind the frame. His photo stood out because it turned a familiar everyday setting into a visual story about labor and resilience.
The win was especially meaningful for Cunanan, who said he wanted to capture how photography can open people’s eyes to what is happening around them. He first developed an interest in photography as a child, taking family photos with film cameras and plastic point-and-shoot devices. He then later received his first proper camera when he entered college in 2010, shot casually for years, and stepped away from photography around 2018 before returning in 2025 through street photography.
From Return to Recognition
When Cunanan began looking for a mirrorless full-frame camera in 2025, he chose the Canon EOS RP due to its compact build, intuitive controls, and Canon’s color science. He joined the Photomarathon after seeing a countdown post and registering immediately, saying it was his first time joining such an event or even a photowalk.
His reward for winning was a Canon EOS R6 III with RF24-105mm IS STM lens, a major upgrade from the EOS RP he had been using.
Expanded Competition
Canon Photomarathon 2026 was more than a comeback event. It also introduced a Video Category for the first time. In addition to the Open Photo and Canon-exclusive Main Photo categories, this year’s edition welcomed all digital camera users, while also having dedicated Media and Employee categories. The move reflects Canon’s effort to turn the event into a broader platform for creators.
Creative Hub at BGC
The BGC Amphitheater was transformed into a creative space through Canon Creator Park, where attendees explored setups centered on various themes including pet photography, cosplay, and bridal portraits. Canon ambassadors and professionals led the sessions, giving participants a chance to watch different creative approaches in action.
On the main stage, the event featured workshops on wildlife photography with Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski, content creation with Gab Altonaga, cityscape photography with Edwin Martinez, and EOS C50 sessions with Ian Celis and Paolo Ruiz. Participants also got hands-on exposure to Canon’s latest imaging technologies and turned their digital captures into printed keepsakes through on-site instant printing stations using MegaTank Printers.
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. President and CEO Anuj Aggarwal said the event stood out because it brought together many kinds of creators chasing the same goal: a moment worth capturing. He said the Photomarathon showed that creativity grows when people are given both room and tools to explore together.
Community and Next Steps
The Canon Photomarathon is part of the brand’s broader effort to nurture a growing creator community in the Philippines by giving photographers and videographers opportunities to connect, learn, and showcase their work. The brand plans to feature winning entries and event highlights across its official channels in the coming weeks.
For more information on Canon and its products, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who won Canon Photomarathon 2026?
A: Von Cedrick Cunanan was named Grand Champion for his winning photograph.
Q: What was the theme of the competition?
A: The theme was “Feel It.”
Q: Where and when was the Canon Photomarathon 2026 held?
A: It was held on April 18, 2026, at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Q: What made this year’s edition different?
A: It marked the return of Canon Photomarathon after a seven-year hiatus and introduced a Video Category for the first time.
Q: What did the grand champion receive?
A: Cunanan received a Canon EOS R6 III with RF24-105mm IS STM lens.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
