The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has officially announced the 24 grand winners of its 2026 Photography Contest. Held at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the awarding ceremony recognized outstanding photographers across three distinct categories: Conventional, Mobile, and Drone.
Celebrating the Spirit of Childhood
According to PAGCOR, this year’s competition centered on the theme “Kids@Play,” drawing nearly 3,500 entries from across the Philippines. The contest aimed to celebrate the spirit of childhood by capturing images of fun, creativity, and the developmental lessons children learn through play.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco praised the 48 finalists, stating that their photographs went beyond capturing simple fun to highlight the deeper values developed during play. Tengco also reaffirmed the state gaming regulator’s commitment to supporting local creative talents and providing platforms for Filipinos to develop and share their skills with a broader audience.
Winners and Prizes
The competition awarded prizes across three categories based on the equipment used:
- Conventional Category: The eight grand winners were Jessie Eno Jr., Reu Dawner Flores, Joshua Escalona, Lee Harvey Gumban, John Nepomuceno Togonon, Marvin Maning, Rogelio Junior Santos, and Klienne Eco. Each received a cash prize of Php100,000, a trophy, and a certificate of merit.
- Mobile Category: The eight grand winners included Robert Alvarez, Stevie Manugas, Ethel Padecio, John Nepomuceno Togonon, Pinky Manzano, Porfirio Medina Jr., Jobert Espino, and Charlie Villagracia. Each received Php50,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
- Drone Category: The eight grand winners were Joel Forte, Emman Foronda, Ed Kirby Bunan, Franz William Felicio, Roderick Tan, Christopher Andres, Rayzamae Vasques, and Mary Joy Christie Sasan. Each received Php50,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
Notably, John Nepomuceno Togonon emerged as the event’s biggest winner, securing grand prizes in both the Conventional and Mobile categories. Togonon, who was also a finalist in the 2024 contest, expressed his hope that his photos would evoke childhood memories and simple joys.
Looking Ahead to 2027
During the ceremony, PAGCOR also unveiled the theme for its 2027 Photography Contest: “Philippine Festivals: A Homage to Filipino Culture and Tradition.” Chairman Tengco invited local photographers to prepare for the upcoming competition by capturing the country’s vibrant cultural heritage and colorful festivals.
Source: PAGCOR Official News Archive
