By Bryan R. Realgo, StratCom Correspondent

His photos speak more than a thousand words.

Zanel John Dumayag, a fourth-year BA Communication student, won first place in the 1^st Bravo Filipino Online Photo Contest, beating 72 other entries from across the country.

Dumayag also received the Photographer of the Year Award under the amateur category in the competition organized by Bravo Filipino Publishing.

Delving on the issue of traditional jeepney phaseout, Dumayag's entry titled 'Window into Childhood' features two boys aboard a jeepney. One of the boy points forward while the other one looks back, apparently depicting the constant struggle between preservation and modernization.

"As a Filipino, I hope my photo can inspire others to safeguard our heritage even as we pursue socioeconomic progress,” Dumayag said.

In an interview, Dumayag shared that he was able to hone his skills and develop his own style through practice and exploration. He believes that the best way to learn photography is to immerse oneself in the craft and to draw inspiration from the work of other photographers.

“I believe that my background in photography will be a valuable asset in creating emotionally resonant imagery for films and documentaries, which I plan to do more this year,” he added.

Dumayag will receive his award and prize on June 13 at the Manila Hotel.

In December 2022, Dumayag also won in the Asian Productivity Organization Vision 2025 Photography Contest organized by the Development Academy of the Philippines. His photo was featured in the cover of the DAP 2023 desktop calendar. (HLY/JVBT/SCO, StratCom)