A VIBRANT celebration of art, culture, and heritage took place on May 19, 2025, as the Saulog Visual Art Exhibit 2025 and Awarding of the Saulog Photo Contest unfolded at the BQ Mall Atrium, Tagbilaran City.
Organized by the City Government of Tagbilaran through the City Events, Culture, and the Arts Office (CECAO) and the Tagbilaran City Council for Culture and the Arts (TCCCA), the event served as a tribute to the creativity of local artists and photographers who captured the soul of the Saulog Tagbilaran Festival 2025.
Vice Mayor Adam Jala represented Mayor Jane Yap during the event, delivering an inspiring message emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting the arts.
“Every captured moment and every brushstroke are a celebration of our identity as Boholanos and as proud Tagbilaranons,” he said.
The event was also graced by key personalities in the arts and culture scene: Mr. Joey Labrador, TCCCA Committee Chair on Visual Arts; Mr. Alexis Cadeliña and Ms. Jasmin Madera, of CECAO and Mr. Jezir Lascuña, visual artist and environmental advocate.
The visual art exhibit featured a rich array of works that reflect the vibrant traditions, devotion, and festive spirit of Saulog Tagbilaran. It offered the public a chance to view how local artists interpret the festival through photography.
The awarding of the Saulog Photo Contest 2025 was one of the most awaited highlights of the event, honoring photographers whose entries captured the heartbeat of the festival.
The contest was divided into two categories: Contingent and Street, each telling unique visual stories of the city’s grandest celebration.
The Contingent Category First Place winner is Mr. Ralph Llanos. His photo captured a radiant Festival Queen clad in a vibrant green costume who beams with joy and pride as she performs during the Saulog Festival street parade. Her expressive pose and glittering attire capture the energy and elegance.
In the Street Category, First Place winner is Mr. Hamilito Nocete. The shot taken by Mr. Nocete shows three children burst into laughter as they play in the middle of the street, surrounded by the colorful backdrop of the Saulog celebration. This candid moment beautifully reflects the joy, innocence, and community spirit at the heart of the festival.
Here’s the full list of winners:
(Street Category): 2nd – Evan Mel Ingles; 3rd – Nataniel Luperte; 4th – Eduardo Navarro Jr.; 5th – John Togonon; 6th – Mark Anthony Cosep; 7th – Evan Mel Ingles; 8th – Mark Anthony Cosep; 9th – Hamilito Nocete; 10th – Maxigne Lou Delusa; 11th – Semie Rebayla; 12th – Rey Magale; 13th – Nataniel Luperte; 14th – Ralph Llanos; 15th – Melbourne Edillon; 16th – Albert Dano; 17th – Evan Mel Ingles; 18th – Michol Sanchez; 19th – Philip John Gelicame.
(Contingent Category): 2nd – Maxwell John Bongo; 3rd – Ralph Llanos; 4th – Maxwell John Bongo; 5th – Maxwell John Bongo; 6th – Ralph Llanos; 7th – Katherine Riveral; 8th – Ralph Llanos; 9th – Alfe Boloron; 10th – Ralph Llanos; 11th – Francisco Pajares Jr.; 12th – Angel Baldapan Jr.; 13th – Ruel Parena; 14th – Maxigne Lou Delusa; 15th – Alfe Boloron; 16th – Ralph Llanos; 17th – Gerald James Cabal; 18th – Albert Dano; 19th – Ruel Parena; 20th – Ralph Llanos.
This event reaffirmed the City Government of Tagbilaran’s commitment to promoting artistic excellence and preserving cultural heritage.
Through platforms like the Saulog Visual Art Exhibit and Photo Contest, the city continues to uplift local talent and celebrate the stories that make Tagbilaran vibrant and united.
