A Filipino photographer joins the ranks of winners in the recently concluded 2023 Asian Press Photo.

Artist Calupig of Cavinti, Laguna, grabbed the Bronze award in the Contemporary Issue category for his photo of Catholic devotees carrying the statue of Child Jesus in Pakil, Laguna.

The untitled image shows male devotees in neck-deep waters struggling to keep the Sto. Niño above surface – an end segment of a fluvial parade held in celebration of the town’s Salibanda Festival.

A former OFW, Calupig started as street photographer in Qatar, capturing human interests in downtown Doha. Currently a community photojournalist for PonD News Asia, his reportage covers mainly the spirit and everyday life of his native home of Cavinti.

On January 14, Calupig descended to neighboring Pakil to cover the Salibanda fest or the “Shower of Blessings” in honor of the town’s patron saints, and captured the winning scene.

The Asian Press Photo is a photography event under the Asian Art Association Singapore (AAA).

The competition, participated by photojournalists and photo enthusiasts from all over Asia, was judged by Chung Yi Chieh of Taiwan, Mohammad Rakibul Hasan and Fabeha Monir of Bangladesh, Bruce Lui from Hong Kong, Jimmy Domingo from the Philippines, Emre Kuheylan from Turkey and Rohit Vohra of India.

Other categories include Breaking News, Portrait, Environment, Women’s Right, Long-term Projects, and Awards by Region.