December 28, 2015

5th Annual SNUPS Awards 2015: Witnessing the Splendour of our Oceans

Philippine Primer gets an exclusive chance to witness the beauty of our deep blue sea!

snups_competition_1

SNUPS Awards Night

Marine photography enthusiasts and contestants gathered on the evening of May 27 at the Glorietta 5 Atrium, in Makati to attend the 5th Annual Splash-NUDI Underwater Photo Shootout (SNUPS) Awards 2015 to celebrate this. It was a spectacular night as people felt and behold the underwater-like ambience of the event. Through a splendid gallery of photographs taken under the deep blue sea, the magnificence of the aquatic life was seen.

snups_competition_4

snups_competition_3

snups_competition_11

SAMPLE SHOTS. Photographers display their works.

SNUPS is an annual underwater photo and video competition that took place in two unique locations in the Philippines this year, namely Anilao, Batangas (known globally for having one of the most diverse species of nudibranchs and macro life) and Cebu (home of the thresher sharks Malapascua, Moalboal & Tingo and the sardine run Moalboal).

JOVIC SANTOS warmly welcomed everyone with his opening remarks.

“We are the ambassadors of the ocean,” Jovic Santos said after viewing Silke de Vos’ inspiring short documentaries on the importance of the coral reefs in the country.

Various talks on marine conservation, environmental photography and other aquatic works were made by the guests. A buffet dinner was served. Video presentations and AVPs astonished the audience with its wonderful and breathtaking aquatic imagery. Aside from being the special judges for the night, Lynn Funkhouser, Amanda Cotton, Ellen Cuylaerts, Lee Goldman, Mathieu Meur, and Michael Aw were also there to showcase their marvelous works.

Here is the complete list of winners per category:

snups_competition_13

Best in Animal Behavior

Beginner Class

Eric Yee, first place

John Opsima, second place

Compact Class

Gibson Sojor, first place

Oliver Aquino, second place

Open Class

Daniel Geary, first place

Chana Asaweenarak, second place.

Best in Nudibranch portrait

Beginner Class

Weng Qin Ye, first place

Arlie Junrez, second place

Compact Class

Violet Ting, first place

Penn de los Santos, second place

Open Class

Andre Snoopy Montenegro

Kevin Lim, second place

Best in Wide Angle

Beginner Class

Maple Lee, first place

Eric Yee, second place

Compact Class

Silke de Vos, first place

Colin Salmon, second place

Open Class

Chana Asaweenarak, first place

Ana Marie Lat, second place

Best in Macro/close-up

Beginner Class

Elton Abien, first place

Mariano P. Diongco, Jr., second place

Compact Class

Violet Ting, first place

Mark Castillo, second place

Open Class

Chana Asaweenarak, first place

Ana Marie Lat, second place

Photographer of the Year Award

Beginner Class

John Opsima, first place

Eric Yee, second place

Mariano P. Diongco, Jr.

Compact Class

Silke De Vos, first place

Violet Ting, second place

Ram Yoro, third place

Open Class

Chana Asaweenarak, first place

Ana Marie Lat, second place

Andre Snoopy Montenegro, third place

snups_competition_6

UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT. Scuba diving suits, waterproof camera cases, flippers, and masks were also showcased at the event.

The contest aims to be the anchor event for Philippine underwater imaging competitions with set standards on diver shooting etiquette, pre & post dive proper handling of imaging gear by dive staff and photo-video diver friendly dive resorts and to also present the deep and vast blue beauty of the Philippine seas. With the results of the competition being showcased during the awards night, it provides the opportunity for other divers and non-divers alike to gain awareness on the importance of environmental conservation.

Article by Karj Lucena
Photos by Derick Flores