The 2025 edition of the Manila Bulletin Earth+Lens highlights iconic sights and scenes that reflect not only the beauty of the country but also the Filipino spirit and identity. This year, the exhibit will display the majestic wonders of the Philippines through the eyes of those who know it best—its people. From iconic landmarks and an energizing Filipino crowd to places that reflect Filipino identity, the exhibit aims to amplify the initiatives on empowering and echoing the call for responsible local tourism and championing the preservation of natural and cultural landmarks.

Displayed at the Manila Hotel’s Maynila Ballroom, the exhibit showcases images that represent various facets of Philippine beauty and culture. An included feature on stunning nighttime photos is proof that the country’s brightness does not go out when the sun sets.

A new roster of photographers was put together to take astounding photos across the country, sharing a fresh set of perspectives this year. Gabriel Mejia, a National Geographic explorer and environmental engineer, uses his photography skills to tell stories that address climate change and biodiversity loss. Also joining this year’s exhibit is Jim De Ramos, a professional sports photographer who specializes in taking dynamic moments from a wide range of sports, including e-sports and high-contract games.

John Louie Abrina, Jaime Misalucha Jr., and Santi San Juan, Manila Bulletin’s photojournalists and content producers, also provided fresh takes on documenting this year’s featured photos. The partner photographers captured diverse landscapes, sceneries, and the people’s daily lives, reflecting the spirit and heritage of being a Filipino, crafted into visual narratives that capture their audiences with their enthralling stories.

Adding distinction to this year’s exhibit are photographs by world-renowned Filipino artist Kublai Millan, taken with HUAWEI’s latest flagship smartphone. He is known for his sculpture works like “Kampilan”, “Risen Christ”, and the giant Durian monument in Davao City International Airport.

“The Philippines is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural depth—wonders that deserve to be seen and appreciated. With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, I am able to view these wonders through a new lens—clearer, more precise, and profoundly inspiring. It doesn’t just elevate mobile photography; it deepens my artistic perspective, empowering me to express and showcase the essence of the Philippines through my art,” he shared.

Collaborating with different organizations that share the same vision as the Manila Bulletin Earth+Lens has been the heart of the exhibit over time. The Department of Tourism (DOT) continues its unwavering support of this campaign to showcase the beauty of the Philippines, promote eco-tourism, and join the call for the committed preservation of natural and cultural landmarks of the country.

As the exhibit’s long-standing partner, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared the importance of this collaboration with MB Earth+Lens. “Our partnership with Manila Bulletin’s Earth+Lens is one we deeply value at the Department of Tourism. This collaboration unites advocacy and artistry, showcasing the beauty of the Philippines while proudly telling the story of the Filipino people. The exhibit encourages travel that is meaningful and mindful, inviting the public to discover our country with a sense of responsibility and pride. As this partnership enters its fifth year, we look forward to continuing this shared mission of promoting responsible tourism and celebrating the stories of our nation,” Secretary Frasco stated.

The tourism department has been keen on promoting the “Love the Philippines” campaign since 2023, not just to promote the natural wonders of the country but also to call on Filipinos to honor the past and look forward to the future, empowered with virtues and values of being a Filipino.

Together with the DOT, the exhibit’s long-standing official smartphone photography partner, HUAWEI, provided the photography tool used by this year’s lineup of content producers. Using their latest flagship smartphone, HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, the partner photographers were able to capture detailed shots of night scenes, intricate elements of landscapes, and fast-moving action shots.

“HUAWEI wants the Earth+Lens exhibit to foster cultural understanding by using the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series’ advanced photography as a bridge between people and places. In developing all its devices, HUAWEI puts consumers first, developing innovations like the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series that empower them to capture and share life as they truly see it. The exhibit’s content producers were equipped with the flagship phone to create stunning visual stories that capture Philippine culture and nature. Locals can take pride in seeing their heritage celebrated, while international visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s landscapes and diverse ways of life. The exhibit highlights both natural wonders and the human side of culture. In partnership with Manila Bulletin, the Department of Tourism, and artist Kublai Millan, Earth+Lens aims to show the world who the Filipino people are and build connections that bring people together,” HUAWEI Philippines CEO of Consumer Business Group Peter Peng said on how exhibits like the MB Earth+Lens impact the local and international guests’ appreciation on the country’s heritage.

This newest smartphone innovation from HUAWEI introduces the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera combined with a rear 50MP 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR main camera, a 40MP, f/2.2 ultrawide angle camera, and an Ultra Chroma camera. With this year’s exhibit, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series’ Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto, Ultra-Wide Angle, 100x digital zoom, 3.7x optical zoom, and 9.4x optical zoom features were put to the test, demonstrating HUAWEI’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography.

Through the years, the MB Earth+Lens exhibit has been powered by HUAWEI and its continuous advancement of flagship smartphones that elevate mobile photography. Since 2018, Manila Bulletin has partnered with HUAWEI in showcasing stories through the lens of a camera and encouraging individuals to capture the treasures of the country without limitations.

Be inspired and empowered by Earth+Lens 2025, where images push forward creativity and meaningful change.