From October 14 to 21, 2023, a hundred or so photographers, ranging from amateurs to professionals, and even students, participated in what is one of the most relevant cultural events in Negros Oriental: the Buglasan Festival, by way of the annual photography competition. Coming from all over the province, as well as from nearby cities, it was a unique experience that only gets better.
Officially named “Garbo sa Kabisay-an” (Pride of the Visayas) for the 2023 edition, it aimed to document the numerous programs and events throughout the weeklong festival. From beauty pageants, to a dog show, from street dance to folk dance, culminating in a grand parade of floats, the rich traditions of the province were at the forefront, and these photographers were on a mission to get that perfect shot — for future generations to see.
Three top photographers from Dumaguete, Charlie Sindiong, Hersley Casero, and Luigi Borromeo, were tapped to judge the entries, and through a blind selection process, came up with a shortlist of the top twenty, and from there chose the top three photographs for this year’s competition. Meanwhile, from October 26 to 29, 2023, the voting period for the People’s Choice was held online.
Guimaras-based Dennis Gamarcha struck gold twice as his two entries were selected as the first and second place winners, and budding homegrown photographer Hannah Bella Ragay scored the third place — a very good streak after also placing in the Dumaguete Catch A Moment photo competition held earlier this year.
In the top twenty were Myke Kristoffer Catilogo, Aldrich Jan Callueng, John Matthew Mangulabnan, Joemie Bercades, Craig Estrada, John Aldwin Alaton, Carlo Alcazar, Jhev Sagario, Nicarter Fontejon, Francis Wayne Dafielmoto, Daryll Don Mercurio, Rufino Alub, Ryly Dre Patrick Juan Pontino, Richter Jansen Tia, Seigfred Vince Teves, Melvin Catan, and Tyron Jhonrey Sanoy.
Neil Floyd Morales showed that his choice of subject resonated with the public as his piece “Genuine Happiness for Others’ Success” got the most votes to be awarded the People’s Choice in this iteration of the Buglasan Photography Competition.
This event was a coordination and partnership between Mugna Gallery and the Province of Negros Oriental Buglasan Festival 2023; and the winners and finalists will be exhibited at Mugna Gallery from November 4 – 26, 2023.
It is truly a magnificent convergence when the culture and tradition of a place is met with enthusiasm and perseverance to be photographed and documented, and with this year’s competition and winners, it was only obvious that Negros Oriental is very much home to the people’s pride in their heritage which in turn is manifested towards a bigger pride — the Garbo sa Kabisay-an.
– Lxx
