Mobile photography has revolutionized the way we capture moments, offering a convenient and accessible way to take stunning photos using smartphones. This portable and versatile way of photography has empowered individuals to express their creativity through the lenses of their mobile phones.
The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards serve as a platform that highlights spectacular photos and videos taken using HUAWEI smartphones from around the globe. XMAGE is an exclusive mobile photography brand associated with HUAWEI, representing the continuous breakthroughs and commitments in mobile imagery.
This year, a Filipino filmmaker was named the grand prize winner for the first time. Domcar Calinawan Lagto, an author and a filmmaker, secured the grand prize with his stunning photo of a lightning coming from ash clouds depicting an image of a dragon. The photo was captured using a HUAWEI P30 Pro, entitled Dragon Clouds.
The image was taken in the evening of January 12th, 2020, where a phreatic eruption from the Taal Volcano caused ash clouds, in which lightning was observed by viewers in Nasugbu, Batangas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explained that by Six PM that day, eruptive activity had generated steam-laden plumes up to nine miles tall, causing extreme weather events.
Lagto’s winning photo received positive comments from the judges, expressing their admiration on how perfectly the timing was for the shot. “This is seriously a formidable image. Timing is everything”, Jessica Hromas stated.
“Unique and unrepeatable moments make the most memorable photos. This image has all the hallmark signs of a world class capture, with stunning exquisite light, grabbing the viewers attention and allowing the eyes to travel through the different elements of the scene. A classical example of being in the right place at the right time, following careful planning and creating a masterpiece.”, José Ramos also added.
Aside from Lagto, several Filipinos also won from the other categories of XMAGE Awards. Rhon Paolo C. Velarde obtained the Best in Category for #Portrait using HUAWEI P40 Pro, and Melvin Anore also won the Best in Category for #Night Walk using HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro.
Jamir Lyndon Lumbao, Ferdinand Bedana, Philip Ann Guay, and Jason Martin Sy, among others, were named as runner-up winners from different categories using their HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro smartphones. They have secured a spot in #Hello Life, #Portrait, #Art and Fashion, and the #Night Walk categories respectively. The Treasured Memories video of Kuya Less also won the Best in Category for videos.
HUAWEI Philippines also awarded three best photos of the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines for the #ZoomIntoPhilippines local competition. User cradleofklein’s Daragang Magayon photo received a HUAWEI Sound of Joy for winning second runner-up and a HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 as #ZoomIntoPhilippines special award winner.
The Parallel World photo by user bebe15 placed first runner-up and received a HUAWEI GT Runner, while the grand prize of a HUAWEI P60 Pro was awarded to user chaiasher15 for Fishing Under The Rising Sun photo.
The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards was launched in 2017 and did not only inspire individuals to take impressive images using their mobile phones but also became a platform to showcase artistic creations that give people a glimpse into the photographers’ views.
