SAN PABLO CITY, LAGUNA – The winners of the 1st Yakap Lawa Festival 2026 Photo Contest were recognized during an awarding ceremony held on June 18, 2026 at Auravel Grande Hotel and Resort, marking a celebration of photography, creativity, and the natural beauty of the City of Seven Lakes.
Organized as part of the San Pablo City of Lakes Music and Arts Festival, the competition was hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – San Pablo City. It aimed to highlight the city’s cultural identity, scenic landscapes, and the unique character of its famed lakes through the works of local photographers.
The event was led by Project Chairman Val Porras, who helped oversee the successful staging of the 1st Yakap Lawa Festival 2026 Photo Contest as part of the San Pablo City of Lakes Music and Arts Festival.
Louie Reformado emerged as the contest’s top winner, followed by Michaela Ramirez in second place and Klienne Eco in third place.
The other recognized photographers were Krisha Camille Ciar, fourth place; Joel Forte, fifth place; Justine Peñaloza, sixth place; Mclloyd Jumpay, seventh and eighth place; Robert Bryan Dela Rosa, ninth place; Israel Basilio, tenth place; and Arturo De Vera Jr., eleventh place.
A special award for Best in Drone Shot was given to Anthony Into for his aerial photography entry, which showcased a distinct perspective of San Pablo City’s landscapes.
The competition featured entries that captured the beauty, culture, and vibrant spirit of San Pablo City’s lakes, reflecting the role of photography in promoting local heritage and tourism.
The organizers expressed their appreciation to the panel of judges, composed of Mr. Ted Madamba, Mr. Lito Sy, Mr. Emir Bautista, and representatives from the San Pablo City Tourism Office led by Head An Mercado Alcantara, for sharing their expertise and evaluating the submitted works.
The Yakap Lawa Festival 2026 Photo Contest forms part of ongoing efforts to promote San Pablo City as a destination for arts, culture, and community-based tourism while providing a platform for photographers to showcase the city’s natural and cultural treasures.
The slideshow below presents the official winning entries from the contest.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
