“Feel It” was more than just a theme for Canon Photomarathon 2026—it became a prompt that led Von Cedrick Cunanan straight to the heart of everyday life.
The civil engineer—one of over 1,200 participants in Canon’s full-day photography and video competition—made his way to a jeepney terminal where he found his subject: a jeepney driver resting inside his vehicle in the midday heat.
“I wanted to capture what he’s feeling,” Cunanan said. “The heat, the tiredness, the gas prices. I wanted the judges to feel something when they saw it.”
The photograph went on to earn Cunanan the Grand Champion title at Canon Photomarathon 2026, held on April 18 at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Cunanan’s relationship with photography started early, shooting family photos on film cameras and simple point-and-shoots. When he entered college in 2010, his mother gave him his first real camera, and he shot casually for years before eventually stepping away around 2018.
In 2025, he returned to street photography, choosing a Canon EOS RP after researching mirrorless full-frame options for its compact build, intuitive controls, and Canon’s color science.
When he came across a countdown post for the Photomarathon, he registered on the spot. “It was my first time ever to do a photomarathon, or any kind of photowalk, in fact. I wanted a chance to experience an event like this,” he shared.
For his winning entry, Cunanan went on to take home a Canon EOS R6 III with RF24-105mm IS STM lens—a significant upgrade from the Canon EOS RP he was using.
Canon Photomarathon 2026 marked the competition’s return after a seven-year hiatus, expanding beyond still photography for the first time with the introduction of a Video Category. Open to all digital camera users, the event also featured Open Photo, Canon-exclusive Main Photo, and dedicated Media and Employee categories.
The BGC Amphitheater was transformed into a creative hub. The Canon Creator Park featured immersive setups on pet photography, cosplay, and bridal portraits led by Canon ambassadors and professionals.
On the main stage, participants joined workshops on wildlife photography with Marie Lozano and Aaron Gekowski, content creation with Gab Altonaga, cityscape with Edwin Martinez, and EOS C50 sessions with Ian Celis and Paolo Ruiz. They also experienced Canon’s latest imaging tech and printed their work on-site via MegaTank printers.
Canon Photomarathon 2026 forms part of Canon’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger creator community in the Philippines.
Canon Marketing Philippines will feature winning entries and event highlights across its official channels in the coming weeks.
