Thursday, February 21, 2013

Singaporean Photographers Wins in Dinagyang Photo Contest 2013


The result of the Dinagyang Photo Contest 2013 was announced last Wednesday, February 20, and it revealed some interesting results.  Kay Beng EE, the third place winner for the Ati Category, and Lawrence Ang, a consolation prize winner, also for the Ati Category are photographers from Singapore. Kay Beng EE said,  i am not confident to land any prize since this is my first time trying; anyway, Dinagyang was very enjoyable though a bit short compared to the grand parade of Sinulog.” When I informed  him that his picture was selected for the exhibit, he enthusiastically shouted on his facebook wall that he was surprised.

Lawrence Ang, was also very happy when I informed him that his picture was on the exhibit. He said, Haha ! Thanks very much, Vernan. Yes, I liked that shot a lot too. And even after reviewing a few videos of Tribu Panayanon, I still can't figure out how I managed to get this shot. It was probably just a split second when their arms and heads were raised.”




In our conversation, Lawrence also admired how peaceful the city was. He said,  u know, throughout our visit, when we walked thru the streets and various places, we never noticed any suspicious characters. we have been to many countries and cities. most places have sleazy areas with strange characters observing people. in ILOILO, we did not spot any of such behaviour !”  He told me that in other places some expensive things of his friends got lost while his friend were squeezing through the crowd. “i like the ILOILO atmosphere. boisterous, good noise, not over-crowded. and certainly friendly people.”  he added. Both of them will be going to this year’s Aliwan Festival, and Lawrence told me that following Tribu Pan-ay’s performance will be a hard act to follow for Panayanon since Aliwan Festival have a limit for contingent size and the current list of performers of Panayanon exceeds.
Lawrence Ang and Kay Beng EE were invited by Carlos Garcia, the vice president of Photographic Society of Iloilo, when they met in Masskara Festival in Bacolod. “Kay Beng and I have posted in a few Singapore forums, and I think we have managed to stir up some interest. Yes, I will not be surprised if you see many more from Singapore visiting Dinagyang in the next few years
A few people that I spoke to, had talked about having an extended trip to cover Sinulog followed by Dinagyang the following weekend.”  Lawrence said.

The picture below, which Kay Beng EE also posted on his facebook wall, was taken just after the final performance of the last tribe in stage-2. From left: Carlos Garcia, consolation prize winner for street category; Lawrence Ang, consolation prize winner for ati category; Vernan Jagunap, consolation prize winner for ati category; and Kay Beng EE, third place winner for ati category.


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