The Philippine photography scene reached a fever pitch on 18 April 2026, as the Canon Photomarathon made its long-awaited return after a seven-year hiatus. More than 1,200 participants swarmed the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig, turning the heart of the city into a sprawling canvas for visual expression. This comeback was not just a competition; it was a massive celebration of how far imaging technology and local creativity have come since the last event.

The theme for the relaunch was “Feel It,” a prompt that challenged creators to move beyond technical perfection and focus on emotional impact. The day’s top honors went to Von Cedrick Cunanan, a civil engineer who rediscovered his love for the craft just a year prior. While many focused on the modern architecture of Bonifacio Global City, Cunanan headed toward a jeepney terminal.

His winning shot featured a driver seeking relief from the sweltering midday heat inside his vehicle. The image successfully conveyed the heavy atmosphere of the Philippine summer and the resilience of the working class. For his efforts, the first-time photomarathon participant was named Grand Champion, winning a Canon EOS R6 III with an RF24-105mm IS STM lens — a massive jump from the Canon EOS RP he used to capture the shot.

Canon ensured that the 2026 return felt fresh by introducing a Video Category in the event’s history. This move acknowledged the booming community of vloggers and cinematographers in the Philippines. The event broke traditional barriers by opening the Open Photo category to all digital camera users, regardless of brand, while keeping the Main Photo category exclusive to Canon owners.

The BGC Amphitheater was packed with activity at the Canon Creator Park. Attendees didn’t just compete; they learned from the best in the business. The schedule was filled with workshops on everything from wildlife and cityscapes to high-end content creation and professional cinema setups using the EOS C50.

The revival of the Photomarathon serves as a cornerstone of Canon’s mission to support the Filipino creator ecosystem. By providing a physical space for hobbyists, professionals, and students to interact, the event reminded the community that photography is most powerful when it is shared.

As the sun set on the BGC Amphitheater, it was clear that the seven-year wait had only sharpened the hunger of local photographers. Canon Marketing Philippines plans to showcase the highlights and winning works across its social media channels and the Canon PH Delightful app, ensuring the inspiration from this comeback continues to resonate long after the prizes have been handed out.