After hundreds of entries and a series of exciting challenges, Kimberly Pauig, a writer from Pasig City, won this year’s AirAsia Travel Photographer Contest.
At the final show hosted by DJ Tracy Abad of The Mad House of Mellow 94.7, the top three finalists, Daniel Magbanua, Pauig and Dave Poblete were selected and immediately went through final presentations to the judges composed of young leaders and veterans in the field of photography, branding and visual arts. The panel of judges included Nachi Ugarte, creative director of GRID magazine; Jacob Maentz, documentary photographer; Wawi Navarrosa, artist/photographer, founder of Thousandfold.
“We are impressed with the quality and composition of entries we received this year. The six finalists did a wonderful job in the final leg of challenges with each of their photos revealing a compelling story. Needless to say, it was a difficult decision to choose only one winner,” said Maentz.
After an intense deliberation session, Pauig whose beautiful portrait wowed the judges, became AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016. She received 200,000 AirAsia BIG Points, a surprise vacation package and several prizes from partner brands including GRID magazine and Flight 001 Philippines. Poblete was named first runner-up and Magbanua second runner-up, both receiving 50,000 AirAsia BIG Points. Poblete also took home the People’s Choice Award, as he received the highest public votes on the official AirAsia Travel Photographer website (www.airasiatp.com).