Top Caliber UW Photographers at the 2nd Anilao Underwater Photography Competition Festival ~ Beautiful Life

By Arabelle Jimenez

Dive Dream Team. (left to right) Gutsy Tuason (Philippines), Simon Shin (South Korea), Yorko Summer (Taiwan), Mike Bartick (USA), Jerome Kim (South Korea), Ken Thongpila (Australia), Patrick Eschweiler (Germany), and Kati Hachenberg (Germany). Photo Credit: Jerome Kim

The best of the best international underwater photographers recently converged in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas in the Philippines. A total of 106 participants signed up, 60 for Open Class and 46 for Compact Class, wherein 70% come from 16 different nations. An underwater fiesta if you may, the 2nd Anilao Underwater Photography Competition Festival was a splashing success.

This international event was made possible by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), in partnership with the Underwater Macro Photographers Group, which has more than 30,000 members around the world. One of PDOT's goal is to entice underwater photographers to do their hobby in Anilao, which is a premiere macro photography destination in the world. But more than discovering Anilao, the participants enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, the Filipino hospitality, and fun experiences, which are all priceless.

In good company. PDOT's Dive Market Development Group, Dive Philippines, led by Glen Agustin and Wen Sorioso, together with PDOT's Media Consultant Bernard Supetran at the Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort.

A competition beyond any other, it entails each participant to stay a few days in a place surrounded by nature, and in the process, gain new friends, discover a new dive destination, and immerse in the magical waters the Philippines has to offer. In this sense, everybody is a winner. There is always something to gain each day, which include learning new techniques from the experts, and share experiences with fellow hobbyists from around the world.

The distinguished panel of judges had the most difficult time in choosing the winners. They had to review 800 fantastic macro images. Each photo had a corresponding number, replacing the participant's name.

Hats off to the judges who are experts in their own fields, Ken Thongpila (Australia), Mike Bartick (USA), Mimmo Roscigno (Italy), Scott "Gutsy" Tuason (Philippines), and Yorko Summer (Taiwan). Contest director, Jerome Kim (South Korea), who is also a top-notch underwater photographer was cool under pressure. PDOT's Wen Sorioso, Glen Agustin and the rest of the team of Market Development Group - Dive Philippines were valuable from start to finish. Each person present, and sponsors during the event had a hand in making this four-day underwater photo fest most memorable. The organizers and judges were billeted at the luxury Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort.

Please read related article, here.

Awards Night. (left to right) Jerome Kim, Yorko Summer, Mares Philippines / SSI Diving School General Manager Deiter Heinz, DOT Photographer of the Year Cem Gazivekili, Mimmo Roscigno, Gutsy Tuason, Mike Bartick, and Ken Thongpila.

Winning for two years in a row is Cem Gazivekili of Turkey, who bagged two categories; Champion - Open Class DOT Photographer of the Year, and Winner of the Open Class Crustacean Portrait. His Dive Guide is Webster Mendoza.

Winners received a total of USD 30,000 in underwater photography equipment, dive gear and dive trips to Cebu, Anilao, Bohol and Dumaguete, which are among the best diving destinations in the Philippines.

Open Class DOT Photographer of the Year 2014:

Winner - Cem Gazivekili (Turkey)

2nd Place - Adrien Uichico (Philippines)

3rd Place - Jim Chen (Taiwan)